Increase in (UK) Passport Charges

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 06 Feb 2018 8:30 pm

For those who have not seen it elsewhere. Sorry it is a little late, I have been having problems at home and little time.

I am cross and upset (a) that they are imposing more charges for a continuously decreasing service and (b) the prejudice against people who cannot, or do not wish, to use the Internet. Usually they are the most disadvantaged sections of the population (elderlly and frail, disabled or just poor, often more than one of these) My belief it is is contrary to the Equal Opportunites Act i

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/pass ... 52761.html

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 06 Feb 2018 8:37 pm

Sorry link does not appear to work.... Basically passport charges are going up by up to 27% for postal applications. It is slightly less for online applications., despite the fact that a fair number of British citizens do not have access to the internet.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Tue 06 Feb 2018 8:48 pm

Here you go...

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 06 Feb 2018 9:00 pm

Thanks Keith

Cally · Post by **Cally** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 10:55 am

Keith to the rescue

Sorry I haven't figured out how to do the "copy" bit, from RR Basically passport charges are going up by up to 27% for postal applications. It is slightly less for online applications., despite the fact that a fair number of British citizens do not have access to the internet.

I am going to play devils advocate..... the increase for an online application is £3, this for a government document that will last 10 years. For a postal application £12.50 (17%) which I admit does seems excessive, but it is still for 10 years. However I believe if you do not have internet but are able to visit a library, if they haven't all closed, they have these facilities. These charges are for an adult passport.

A passport is usually for people wishing to travel to other countries be it for work or holiday in which case they are not penniless ...........

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 12:10 pm

But for those of us that live in the TRNC it also carries a charge of 50 euros for courier services.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 2:10 pm

.

A passport is usually for people wishing to travel to other countries be it for work or holiday in which case they are not penniless ...........[/quote]

Not necessarily, Cathy, there are quite a lot of people here who have lost their money (houses, investments etc.) and would struggle to find the passport charges on top of everything else. The last straw in fact. There are also unresolved financial implications arising from Brexit for expats in EU countries who might need the passport for a return to UK. Also elderly living in UK and struggling on a pension who might want to visit family abroad or go to a warmer climate temporarily or permanently. Personally I could live with the charge if we get a decent consular service, but we do not, and I resent having to struggle with the Internet because they cant employ sufficiently qualified staff.

I see you point about libraries but the remote places which do not have internet are also less likely to have a well-equipped convenient library, and using a "joint" computer increases the risk of internet fraud, which the British Government has demonstrated it cannot prevent.

Cally · Post by **Cally** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 2:23 pm

CALLY

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 2:39 pm

Deniz1 that charge is if you courier it from here. If you get someone to take the supporting documents and old passport to the UK and post it for you using, sign and send/ recorded delivery at the post office, after you have filled in your application on line, then the cost is £6.45
The courier fee from the UK is included in the online passport application fee.
The passport is £83 and the total cost with the fee is £103.
Mine went on Jan 25, and having tracked it online the passport office has dispatched it. Now awaiting a phone call from the courier......

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 3:44 pm

Panchocat, Not wishing to run down any sort of system at all but must ask a question here: Is it legal for anyone to carry a passport on behalf of somebody else? I just wonder what would happen should the Imperial Guard on customs benches in the UK discovered a passport not in the name of the person carrying it? Just a question, nothing else!!

Jonnie · Post by **Jonnie** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 4:48 pm

I have done all sorts for my less computer literate friends, Passports, train and plane tickets. Usually there is a way to sort these things out, it is not all doom and gloom, you just have to keep your glass half full!

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 5:20 pm

I think carrying legal or financial documents places a terrible strain on friendship. Apart from the point about legality , suppose the document was stolen (another thread was about pickpockets at Airports) and used for illegal purposes, worse,terrorism. Could cause all sorts of problems.

A caring Government (ha, ha, ) should not place its citizens in such positions.

Cally · Post by **Cally** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 6:59 pm

Panchocat

I'm not sure where you got your figures from, at the moment a passport costs £72.50.......

The price of a passport is set to rise with some applications increasing by 27 per cent under new Government proposals

karmels · Post by **karmels** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 8:13 pm

My wife applied on line on Monday of this week.
The cost of a online passport was £103 plus 53 euros DHL delivery from head office in Lecosia.
The time quoted is 6 weeks.

karmels · Post by **karmels** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 8:20 pm

Just a note. It is a legal requirement to carry a document of ldentification. This could be a driving licence as it carries your photo. The TCS have an Kimlik card ( ld card ) which they must carry at all times

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 10:23 pm

Cally. I "Got my figures." By filling in the official passport application form on line two weeks ago £83 for the passport and the courier fee back making the total £103 and Karmels seems to agree with me...
Waddo it went in a sealed envelope with a friend to all intents and purposes a letter.
No one rifled her handbag fortunately RR.
Karmels yes I do carry my TRNC driving licence with me at all times.
The DHL fee seems a bit steep as you are paying for inclusive courier delivery as part of the online application.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 10:25 pm

Mel, just a question, - do you think that the little blue or pink booklet issued when you first apply for Residency / Visitor Status - 'Yabancı uyruklular kayıt sertifikası' (Foreign national registration certificate) is sufficient to meet the legal requirement?

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 10:30 pm

Keith have you still got yours?
They took ours away at the immigration offices when we renewed our residency when we hit the big 60. They said we didn't need it any more.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 10:35 pm

Panchocat wrote:Keith have you still got yours?
They took ours away at the immigration offices when we renewed our residency when we hit the big 60. They said we didn't need it any more.

They'd have to wrestle me to get mine!

...although, seeing as I'm 72 in a couple of months, they wouldn't have to wrestle very hard

kerry 6138 · Post by **kerry 6138** » Wed 07 Feb 2018 11:31 pm

Cally wrote:Panchocat

I'm not sure where you got your figures from, at the moment a passport costs £72.50.......

The price of a passport is set to rise with some applications increasing by 27 per cent under new Government proposals

The price for overseas application is the same has the UK post office checking service application, plus courier fee.

https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport
https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
https://www.gov.uk/passport-application ... isiting-uk

karmels · Post by **karmels** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 9:06 am

Keith the answer is yes as it carries your photo, but a driving licence is just as good as it has photo and all the details they need.
As you know keith l hold a Kimlik card, l once left the TRNC and gave them my driving licence by mistake and they let me through.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 9:12 am

karmels wrote:...gave them my driving licence by mistake and they let me through.

That's TRNC for you!!!

Thanks Mel, I asked because there will be people who have a Registration Booklet, but don't have a Driving Licence, so it's handy to know...

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 12:17 pm

Well regardless of any queried legalities, the U.K. Passport office had no problem that I live overseas and that the documents were posted in the UK.

Anyway my new passport arrived today exactly two weeks to the day that the documents were posted. Well done to the passport office online section.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 2:47 pm

May I just double check the procedure please. If one applies on line, what happens to the old passport, do you keep it or has it to be returned anyway.

And how do they return the new Passport. I gather that it is sent to the British High Commission, is that in the Noth or South, and can one collect (as last time) or does it have to be couriered? If so does the courier phone you in advance of delivery to check you are at home!?

Thanks in advance.

Mozgor · Post by **Mozgor** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 3:02 pm

We have just renewed ours using the online system. Went to the DHL office in Lefkosa, they were at the passport office in Belfast in 5 days. It took the passport office about 4 days to produce them and then about 12 days for all parcels to come back. So just short of 3 weeks, but would have been quicker if they hadn't sat in Istanbul for 3-4 days!

You have to ask for your old passport back and any supporting documentation if you want it too. I enclosed a covering letter and also asked for them back on my online application.

As we have to put Turkey as where we're applying from, you can't use the uploading photo facility, you have to send 2 photos with your application.

You pay extra to have your passports returned by courier to you and they come in seperate parcels at different times. The British Commission no longer deal with passport applications, they're sent directly to The Passport Office in Belfast. You're given a waybill number which you can use to track your parcel online. I collected ours so couldn't answer regarding do they phone before delivery, but I imagine they would.

Good luck!

Moyra

kerry 6138 · Post by **kerry 6138** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 3:55 pm

Is there any reason why you cant select Cyprus for the application?

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 4:04 pm

Thanks Mozgar, but I do not understand, how do you get the old passport to them if you are applying on line?

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 4:12 pm

RR if you go to the UK Government website, it is all explained - you download a form, fill it in and sign it, and then send the form, photographs and your old passport to them.

It has also been discussed on this forum, so you would find the information easily enough using the forum search facility, although the 'Gov' website would be preferable in case there have been any recent changes...

karmels · Post by **karmels** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 5:23 pm

Keith the only paper work you send is the one where you have to sign. The other paper work is sent online along with your payment you have to create a password and user name to register with Gov.org, they will inform you when the new passport is posted back were you can track it useing the registered name and password. The old passport will be returned a few days later by DHL.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 5:50 pm

karmels wrote:Keith the only paper work you send is the one where you have to sign. The other paper work is sent online along with your payment you have to create a password and user name to register with Gov.org, they will inform you when the new passport is posted back were you can track it useing the registered name and password. The old passport will be returned a few days later by DHL.

Ah yes, I remember....now that you've told me, that is...

Thanks again!

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Thu 08 Feb 2018 5:51 pm

RR you either post it back with the declaration form and photographs or you get it couriered to the UK passport office. Mine went to Liverpool and the new one arrived back today (exactly two weeks) via a courier who phoned me to ask where we lived.
The old passport will be couriered back too but not at the same time as your new one.

Mozgor · Post by **Mozgor** » Sun 11 Feb 2018 5:51 pm

Ragged Robin wrote:Thanks Mozgar, but I do not understand, how do you get the old passport to them if you are applying on line?

You have to post your signed application, two photographs and your current passport.

Moyra

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Sun 11 Feb 2018 9:28 pm

Thanks everyone. So basically it is still applying by post(or courier) just that you can download and print the application form, rather than having them send it to you by post, Not what I thought was meant by applying on line and I still think it is a con. Oh and I suppose the "on line" bit is so you can pay on line and they get the money early! Presumably they still accept credit cards (on a UK bank)?

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Mon 12 Feb 2018 12:01 pm

No you don't print the form you fill it in online, pay by credit card and press send.
They then send you back a declaration form on line for you to download for you to sign and return with your passport pics and proof of address. I sent a copy of both sides of my TRNC driving licence for this. You get a user name so you can check progress on line.
You have 90 days to get the paperwork sent to the passport office.
It is a very simple procedure and my new passport was here exactly two weeks to the day that the old one and pics were posted back.
This morning my old passport came back via the same courier. Less than three weeks for the complete process to be completed.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Mon 12 Feb 2018 2:37 pm

omg how .............complicated It may seem easy to you,, but not for someone in my position. And I HATE filling forms in on line, they always want some info that I have to look up, or something interrupts me inthe middle of it, and I loose it and have to start again! If only they would let you read the form first, but OH no that would be consumer friendly and computer programmers dont do that!

However I am very grateful to you Panchocat for all the info It will not be quite so bad now I know what to expect. Many thanks

MoonageDaydream · Post by **MoonageDaydream** » Mon 12 Feb 2018 11:56 pm

I renewed my passport a couple of years ago, and found it was much easier just to wait until I knew I was going to England for a few days, and book an appointment at the passport office using the 4 hour service. I think it cost about GBP25 more, but it was a lot less hassle, and I got my new passport the same day, and had a nice day trip to London as part of the process! (You can easily lose 4 hours in the V&A, the British Museum, or shopping, having lunch or whatever)

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Tue 13 Feb 2018 8:38 am

Yes, I did that last year MoonageDaydream. Made an appointment on line at Peterborough to co-incide with my visit to UK. I think you can apply up to 9 months ahead of your passport expiry date. Had the four hour appointment, very efficient have to say. Made use of the time by walking around Peterborough cathedral which was beautiful, and very interesting. The immediate surrounding area to the Cathedral is very nice too, although the rest of Peterborough...not so. However, we did manage to while away some time having a lovely lunch in Carluccios Italian restaurant, by which time we were ready to go back and pick up the passports. Easy process, ok a bit more expensive to get the 'express' service, but worth it.

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Tue 13 Feb 2018 1:28 pm

I did consider doing that but quite frankly the online application is no hassle at all

PapaBravo · Post by **PapaBravo** » Tue 13 Feb 2018 2:23 pm

Panchocat, please clear up the last bit of confusion in my mind!

1. Did you use photos taken on your mobile or did you go to a professional photographer for your passport photos?
2. You say you used a courier for sending declaration form and old passports, and for receiving new passports and, subsequently, your old passports - can you give me contact details of the courier, please?
3. Did you use Turkey as your country of residence in the on-line application form, as TRNC is not listed?

Finally, do the couriers charge per passport, or does one fee cover both passports? I ask because I am considering renewing our (2) passports separately in case there is a problem, in which case one of us will still have a valid passport.

Apologies if you have already covered my questions in your above posts, and thanks for taking the time to reply.

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Tue 13 Feb 2018 9:06 pm

Papabravo. Actually my old passport, photos and proof of address went, with the declaration form, to the UK as a letter with a friend. You can also send it from the post office in the south, recorded delivery.
The friend posted it for me as a sign and receive/ recorded delivery letter. It cost £6.43. Some on this forum questioned the legality of someone carrying a passport which was not theirs, but travel guides do this all the time and certainly the UK passport office had no problem with me living overseas and the passport being posted in the UK..
The photographs I had done at the photographers opposite the big car park in Girne. TL25 and ready in minutes.
Yes I used Turkey as my country of residence.
The cost of the return courier is included in the online charge for the passport. £83 for the passport, £103 in total with the £20 courier charge. My new passport and my old passport were returned to me separately by DHL. They came five days apart and the van courier driver phoned to ask where to meet me.
If you choose to use DHL from here to courier your passport to the UK they charge €53. I personally feel that is quite expensive as the passport office inclusive charge is £20.
Each online application is paid for separately so includes the courier fee. I didn't have to pay the courier in person as this is done between DHL and the passport office. Not sure if the passport office would put both of your passports in one envelope but even if they do come separately the cost is no extra if you see what I mean.
Hope that helps. It was a pretty easy process and the passport came exactly two weeks after the paperwork was posted.
Mail me if you have any problems.

PapaBravo · Post by **PapaBravo** » Tue 13 Feb 2018 10:03 pm

Thank You Panchocat.

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Tue 13 Feb 2018 10:04 pm

no problem.

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 8:25 am

Panchocat, Just to be clear on the point of legality on the carrying of a passport that is not your own! My question did not aim anything at yourself and indeed aimed it at what the UK Customs may think of the matter - regardless of the legality of the process. From what I have found out so far, provided you provide the carrier with a letter of authority from yourself to carry your passport then there "should" be no problem. However, there is always an "however" is there not? The Customs can still seize your passport - as it does not belong the the carrier - and then forward it to the issuing authority to ensure that it is never used in a fraudulent manner. So I guess it is a "Pays your money and takes your chance" as it is with many things regarding cross authorities in the UK! Glad your system worked and I would use it myself the next time I needed to change mine - the chances are indeed small that things can go wrong before of - shall we call it - over zealous officials?

PapaBravo · Post by **PapaBravo** » Mon 13 Aug 2018 3:35 pm

Post deleted, as I started a new post.

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