Pattaya Today 1
Vol. 9 No. 11 16 - 28 February 2010
Volume 9, Issue 11
16 - 28 February 2010
25 BAHT
New Passport Arrangements for
British Nationals Overseas
From 8 March 2010 the British Embassy in Bangkok will no longer issue passports locally. From that date you will need to send your application to the Passport Processing Centre in Hong Kong, either through the British Embassy in Bangkok or, in the case of straightforward renewals, directly to Hong Kong. The new application procedures will be posted on this website www.ukinthailand.fco. gov.uk when the changes take effect in March. The following is some useful information on the changes and how they will affect you. What is changing and Why is this how does it affect me? happening? From 8 March 2010, These changes are part passports for British of a global initiative to Nationals will no streamline the overseas longer be processed in passport operation; to Bangkok. They will be reduce administration processed and printed costs while improving centrally in a Regional security and Passport Processing maintaining a high Centre. Until that quality of customer date, you can continue service. to submit your How long will it take? passport applications The Passport to the British Embassy Processing Centre Bangkok. They aims to issue all new will update their passports within 10 website with further working days after instructions from that receiving the correct date. documentation and fee.
You should however ensure that you allow time for delivery at both ends of the process as defined above. Should you need to travel urgently the British Embassy in Bangkok will still
be able to issue a travel document for emergency purposes. Does it work? In parts of the world where this service has been introduced, it has been a great success. Washington
is producing passports for the whole of the Americas and Wellington covers all of Australasia with excellent results. Over 6,000 passports produced per month with 90% of them in a 10 day period. Overall Cost If you apply for a British passport overseas you can expect to pay: • for your passport (the fee is the same worldwide). • The cost of sending your application to us (as you would in the UK) • For the secure return of your passport and documents.