British nationals in France wanting to apply for a new passport are advised of an important change in the way they will need to make applications. From 1 July 2013, they will need to send applications directly to the Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK, instead of the regional passport processing centre in Paris.All the necessary information on the new passport application process, including a new overseas passport application form, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports. Applications will need to be sent to the Passport Customer Service Centre in Durham.
Marina Pettigrew, head of the regional passport processing centre in Paris, says: “In real terms, all this means is that British nationals in France will need to send their applications to a different address.
Current passport processing times will remain the same. If you are renewing your passport, you should allow at least four weeks from the date the fee is taken and all the correct documentation has been received.
If you are applying for the first time, or you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, you should allow at least six weeks.”
The only other change is that the current passport helpline call charges will be removed. Instead of paying for a premium rate phone line, applicants will now only have to pay for the cost of a call to the UK.
British nationals who lack internet access or want advice are able to call the Passport Advice Line on +44 (0) 300 222 0000.
People who need to travel urgently but whose normal passport is unavailable should contact their nearest British Consulate, contact details are available at: www.gov.uk/world/france. Your local Consulate may be able to issue an Emergency Travel Document to help you travel.
