Changes to Passport Services for British Nationals

The British Government is making important changes to the passport service for British nationals living overseas.

Previously, during the hurricane season, applicants were able to send a copy of their passport with their renewal application rather than the original.  The UK Passport Office is stopping this practice because of the risk of fraud.  Original passports will need to be submitted with the passport applications all year round.

Also, from 12 August 2013, the application process will be centralised and British Citizens in the Cayman Islands will need to submit their passport application to Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK.  British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) passport holders should continue to submit their passport applications through the Cayman Islands Passport Office.

These important changes follow a review by the National Audit Office.  They are designed to achieve economies of scale, greater security and consistency in decision making.   All British passports have enhanced sophisticated security features designed to reduce the likelihood of identity theft and passport fraud.

Passports can be renewed up to 9 months ahead of the expiry date with no loss of validity.  Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead and submit their applications in good time.