The British passport is an internationally recognized travel document and the 5th most powerful passport in the world. It offers visa-free access to 187 countries. It can also be used as proof of identity for accessing benefits and services and also represents proof of right to work, study and live permanently in the UK.
However, getting a British passport can be an overwhelming task. This complete guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about applying for and renewing your UK Passports. It will cover everything from the different types of British passports, documents needed, eligibility status, how to apply, and where to get one without stress.
British Citizenship
British citizenship gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently, without any immigration restrictions. You need British citizenship before you can apply for a UK passport. Let’s discuss the main paths to British citizenship.
1. Citizenship by Birth
You are not automatically a British citizen if you are born in the UK. It depends on when you were born and the citizenship status of your parents. Before 1 January 1983, anyone born in the UK or one of the British colonies was considered a citizen of the UK. However, since the start of 1983, you can only claim British citizenship by birth if you were born in the UK and at least one parent was any of the following at the time of your birth:
- British citizen
- EU/EEA citizens living in the UK
- Non-EU/EFTA citizens with residency rights in the UK
The rules have been amended slightly a few times since 2000. The biggest change is that following Brexit, children of EU/EEA citizens born from 1 July 2021 only get British citizenship if at least one parent has EU-settled status. Check if you are a British citizen here.
2. Citizenship by Descent
You can claim British citizenship through descent if you were born outside the UK and one of your parents is a UK citizen through birth, naturalization, registration, or adoption. However, you need to meet certain criteria depending on when you were born. There are three main categories when it comes to citizenship by descent, depending on whether you were:
- Born before 1983;
- Born between 1983 and 30 June 2006; or,
- Born after 1 July 2006
3. Citizenship by Naturalization
You can apply for UK citizenship by naturalization after five years of residence in the UK, as long as this includes at least 12 months of either indefinite leave or EU settled status. This can be sooner under certain circumstances, such as if you are married to a British citizen.
4. Citizenship by Marriage
You can apply for UK citizenship if you are married to a British citizen and have been living in the UK for at least three years. Furthermore, you don’t need to fulfill the 12-month indefinite leave or settlement period. You will need to meet the same additional criteria as for standard naturalization applications.
5. Citizenship by Adoption
A child acquires UK citizenship automatically if legally adopted and at least one of the adoptive parents is a UK citizen. The adoption order needs to be through a UK court. As citizenship is automatic, there is no need to make a citizenship application.
6. Citizenship as a resident of an overseas territory
If you are a citizen of a British Overseas Territory or a citizen of a Commonwealth country born before 1 January 1983 with a parent born in the UK, you may qualify as a British national under the current nationality law and be eligible for the Right of Abode (ROA). Those eligible for ROA can register as UK citizens and don’t have to go through the naturalization process. The following types of British nationals are eligible for ROA and registration for UK citizenship:
- British overseas territories citizen
- British overseas citizen
- A British subject
- British national (overseas)
- A British protected person
7. Citizenship as a Refugee
The citizenship process for refugees in the UK is the standard naturalization process. Refugees can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK five years after getting refugee status, and then apply for citizenship one year after getting ILR. You can also register as a UK citizen if you are officially classed as “stateless”. The process differs depending on whether you were born before or after 1 January 1983.
Requirements
To be eligible for British citizenship, one has to meet some requirements and fulfill some conditions. Some of the requirements include;
- Must be up to 16 years old or over.
- Have lived in the UK for at least five years.
- Be of good character.
- Be able to communicate in English.
- Pass UK’s test on culture and customs.
- Have not been found guilty of immigration or criminal offense.
- During your time in the UK, you must have been working, self-employed, or a student.
Types of a British passport
The British passport is a document that is issued by Her Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom. This passport serves as proof of citizenship and provides the holder with the right to enter and reside in any country within the European Union, as well as other countries outside of Europe.
Interesting fact: The Queen, Elizabeth II, does not have a passport because passports are issued in her name and on her authority.
British Nationality Passport
British citizen,
British Overseas citizen,
British subject,
British protected person and
British National (Overseas)
passports are issued by the Her Majesty Passport Office in the UK. British nationals of these categories applying for passports outside the UK can apply for their passport online.
Special British passports
Diplomatic passports are issued to British diplomats and high-ranking government officials to facilitate travel abroad.
Official passports are issued to those traveling abroad on official state business.
Emergency passports are issued by British embassies across the world. Emergency passports may be issued to any person holding British nationality. Commonwealth citizens are also eligible to receive British emergency passports in countries where their country of nationality is unrepresented.
Collective (also known as a group) passports are issued to defined groups of 5 to 50 individuals who are British citizens under the age of 18 for travel together to the European Economic Area and Switzerland, such as a group of school children on a school trip.
How to Apply for a British Passport
To get a British passport, you need to be a British citizen or have the right to reside in the UK. British passports remain the property of the UK Government and can be canceled or withdrawn at any time.
If you are applying for your first British passport, you should expect to attend an interview and answer questions to verify your identity. Note also that securing British nationality will not guarantee you a British passport if certain circumstances apply.
You can apply for a UK passport online or by picking up a form at your local post office. It usually takes between 4 to 8 weeks to get a British passport. However, you can get a fast service online if you need your passport urgently.
Eligibility Status
You can apply for a British passport if you have British nationality. But there are some circumstances where your application can be refused.
Having British nationality does not guarantee you a passport. You may not get a new passport or your existing passport can be taken away if;
- you are suspected of a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued.
- a court order stops you from having a UK passport , UK Drivers License or restricts your travel.
- you are on bail and bail conditions mean you cannot leave the UK.
- you have been brought back to the UK at the government’s expense and have not repaid what you owe.
- You have received a European Union or United Nations order which restricts your travel.
Documents Needed
When applying for a new British passport, you need to complete the application form and submit it with all the necessary documents. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, nationality, address, driving license, or ID card. If you are renewing your passport, you will have to provide your previous passport number.
You will also have to provide at least two photos of yourself that meet the requirements set by Her Majesty Passport Office. Your face should show clearly and do not wear glasses or a hat in these photos.
Passport Application
To avoid any delay in your application, it is essential to fill in each part of your form correctly. When completing your documents, you should keep in mind the following:
- The name on your passport should match the name that appears on your documentation.
- If you have changed your name, you must use your new name on your application.
- You must list all your maiden or previous names.
- You must enter details of any previous UK passport that you have held.
- To apply for an adult passport, you must be aged 16 or over (or will be in three weeks from the date of your request).
How Does Brexit Affect my Eligibility for a British Passport
Since the UK voted to leave the European Union, there has been no change to UK immigration rules affecting EU citizens’ eligibility to apply for British citizenship or a British passport.
This position may however change as part of a new immigration policy following the UK’s formal exit from Europe. Faced with this uncertainty, many eligible EEA nationals are applying now to secure their status in the UK through naturalization and permanent residence.
What is the cost of a UK Passport?
The cost of a UK passport can vary depending on the type of passport you are applying for, your nationality, age, the time in which you are applying, and whether or not you require a visa.
Also, an emergency passport will be more expensive, as it takes 24hours to get it delivered to you.
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