Current passport turnaround times for the Belfast Office

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Wed 02 Jul 2014 8:28 pm

Yeah, I know I'm renewing at probably the worst time possible, but there was no other alternative

My package containing declaration form, photos and old passport arrived at the Belfast office on the 16th of June and, according to one of their call-centre operators, the office registered receipt of the package on the 18th ... strangely though, when I log on with the password (given at the time of the initial online application) to learn the progress status of my renewal it still writes "Still awaiting information from the Applicant" ... which although disconcerting, I put down to glitches with their new online application system.

In any case, all passports sent from Cyprus for renewal would also go to the Befast office. So, has anyone received a passport in the last couple of weeks. And if so, how long did it take? Fortunately I don't need to travel until August, but there are matters relating to my job for which I need the passport ... matters that preferably are sorted before August.

I've read that applications from overseas have been hit hardest by the backlogs ... and it's quite likely that the turnaround, even for my straight-forward renewal could well be 6 weeks ... moreover the operator also said as much ... but then again, he would have to say that, unless he was 100% certain of it arriving before that.

So, yes I was hoping to hear that someone here has received their passport 3 or 4 weeks after the office acknowleged receipt of the "supporting documents" - Don't worry - I'm not going to get back to you if my passport takes longer than yours did

the butlers wife · Post by **the butlers wife** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 6:34 am

Hi,

Don't wish to put a damper on things but the Passport offices throughout the UK are in chaos. On a recent trip to the UK
I decided to replace mine because I felt it would be cheaper and safer. It took 3 trips to the office and a payment of £128.00
to get it sorted. Whilst waiting for them to process my application, I spoke to people who had been waiting over 12 weeks for their passports and they were due to go on holiday in 2 days. It would appear that the reason for the problems are down to lots of staff being made reduntant in the last 2 years because the UK was in the throes of a recession and not many people going abroad. Now things are picking up and there is a mad rush for an overseas holiday but unfortunately the passport offices no longer have the staff to cope.
I do hope you are one of the lucky ones and your new passport turns up soon.

The butlers wife

Belfast Belle · Post by **Belfast Belle** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 7:12 am

It took mine 5 days door to door.

Dalartokat · Post by **Dalartokat** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 8:24 am

Belfast Belle, think you need to expand on your experience considering what has been happening in the past over Passport applications in the UK, especially after The Butlers Wife has given her experience to be different. It makes it confusing to the original poster trying to renew his passport.

if you have found a simpler process then let people know.

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 9:29 am

the butlers wife wrote: The Passport offices throughout the UK are in chaos.

Hi TBW. I am aware of that, but it would also seem that different offices are in more chaos than others. As people resident in Cyprus have to send their application to the Belfast Office, I was hoping to hear from someone who has recently received one from the Belfast Office.

Belfast Belle wrote: It took mine 5 days door to door.

Hi BB. Considering your name, I presume that yours wasn't an overseas application. I really want to hear from people who applied from here in Cyprus ... and moreover have received a passport here in,say, the past few weeks.

Bestseller · Post by **Bestseller** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 10:00 am

Hi

Friend of mine renewed his and door to door turn around from Cyprus was 7 weeks and that was just a couple of months ago and used DHL .I sent mine away 4 weeks ago and online tracking says that it is being processed.

Hope this helps
Deborah

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 10:59 am

Bestseller wrote:Friend of mine renewed his and door to door turn around from Cyprus was 7 weeks and that was just a couple of months ago and used DHL. I sent mine away 4 weeks ago and online tracking says that it is being processed.

Thanks Deborah. Yeah, I also sent mine with DHL 4 weeks ago (well, 4 weeks ago from tomorrow), but it didn't arrive at their Belfast office until the 16th of June ... and rather worryingly my online tracking still says "Awaiting Information from the Applicant":( However, if the door-to-door turnaround is 7 weeks (as in the case of your friend) then I can probably get my job-related business sorted in time.
Thanks again Deborah.

Tabby · Post by **Tabby** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 12:45 pm

Mine was received in Belfast on 15 June and online tracking states it is still being processed so i am at 7 weeks so far!

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 2:58 pm

Tabby wrote:Mine was received in Belfast on 15 June and online tracking states it is still being processed so i am at 7 weeks so far!

Hi Tabby,
Thanks for your input. You wrote "June 15th" and then wrote you were "at 7 weeks". I presume you meant "May 15th" ... then the "7 weeks" would make more sense.
In any case, I would very much appreciate it if you could reply to this thread when your passport arrives - If your passport doesn't arrive for a week or two, then, by that time this thread may well have slipped to the next page. Nevertheless, please look for it there ... and in replying you'll bring the thread to the top of the first page. Maybe I'm telling you how to suck eggs there ... and if so, I apologise ... it's just that I notice you're a first-time poster ... and might not be aware of these things.
I hope to hear from you soon Tabby ... with news of your joyous arrival

Tabby · Post by **Tabby** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 3:55 pm

Yes sorry May 15th it was received by Belfast and of course I will post when I finally have it in hand.

peri · Post by **peri** » Thu 03 Jul 2014 5:59 pm

Sent both our passports off in April & it took 9 weeks after several phone calls to get them back here. Wishing you luck.

Tabby · Post by **Tabby** » Tue 15 Jul 2014 11:00 am

I have just received my new passport via DHL and my old passport is to follow in approx 5 days time.

2 months to the day.

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Tue 15 Jul 2014 1:53 pm

Tabby wrote:I have just received my new passport via DHL and my old passport is to follow in approx 5 days time - 2 months to the day.

Thanks Tabby. So, from the old passport's arrival in Belfast to the new passport being in your hand was two months. If it's two months for me, then I should be OK for taking up my new position. If it's any longer ...

Scoobydoo · Post by **Scoobydoo** » Wed 16 Jul 2014 5:17 am

I saw on another thread that certain passport offices were offering a 12 month extension in hope to ease the current burden on the UK passport offices, this apparently is free of charge. The British Consulate in the South is one such place that you can go to however when I rang yesterday they would not extend my passport as it does not run out until 1st November and as far as they are concerned there is still enough time for my passport to be processed.

There is also a list of countries posted on the passport site showing which will accept the 12 month extension and there are alot.

If I only had 3 months left then they would consider extending it for me.

Is this worth a 'try' for you iancrumpy?

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Wed 16 Jul 2014 8:17 am

Scoobydoo wrote:I saw on another thread that certain passport offices were offering a 12 month extension in hope to ease the current burden on the UK passport offices, this apparently is free of charge. The British Consulate in the South is one such place that you can go to however when I rang yesterday they would not extend my passport as it does not run out until 1st November and as far as they are concerned there is still enough time for my passport to be processed.
There is also a list of countries posted on the passport site showing which will accept the 12 month extension and there are alot.
If I only had 3 months left then they would consider extending it for me.
Is this worth a 'try' for you iancrumpy?

Thanks Scooby Doo, but this is not an option for Tojo, Crofter, Bestseller and myself because our renewals are currently under way ... with our old passports somewhere in the Belfast Office
Thanks anyway

wedinnorthcyprus · Post by **wedinnorthcyprus** » Fri 18 Jul 2014 4:29 pm

Scooby Doo could you please give me the number for the office you rang about the extension. My passport runs out in October so i wonder if i will be able to get it.

Scoobydoo · Post by **Scoobydoo** » Sat 19 Jul 2014 5:03 am

Msg 16:

I have since thrown the number out but I am pretty sure this is where I rang and all the contact details, address, map etc are on this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/world/org ... commission

There is more information on what countries are accepting passports with these extensions on:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/addi ... t-passport

Good luck, I am having to brave sending mine to the UK!

wedinnorthcyprus · Post by **wedinnorthcyprus** » Sat 19 Jul 2014 6:49 am

Thanks i will ring them on Monday and hopefully get an appointment next week when i will be in the 3 month timeframe. I hate the thought of being without a passport for so many weeks.

Whatarotty · Post by **Whatarotty** » Mon 21 Jul 2014 1:15 pm

I posted mine on 17th April from Cafe Boss, and received a text message from the same on 6th June to say arrived.....the Belfast office did email to ask me why I wanted it sent to alternative address, once explained they despatched it. Check your spam mail incase a query email is sitting in spam....... I had a very good experience all round and mine was sent for renewal the day before Good Friday....good luck

Bestseller · Post by **Bestseller** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 11:00 am

Update

My passport was received at Belfast office 6th June and on fri 8th August it has been dispatched so im hoping for a message from DHL later this week.

Tojo · Post by **Tojo** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 11:28 am

I did not send my old passport with my renewal application. It states on the application form, for Expats, that if you have a reason to retain it, you can send a full copy of your passport instead. As my passport does not expire until Feb 2015, I thought it was best to keep it in case I need to go back to the UK, also it has my residency stamp in it.

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 11:52 am

Bestseller wrote:My passport was received at Belfast office 6th June and on fri 8th August it has been dispatched so im hoping for a message from DHL later this week.

"Gözünüz aydın!" as our local friends would say

My news is not so good - seeing as the passport office didn't acknowledge receipt of my passport until June 18th, I will not have my new one until after August 15th, the date when I fly out to take up a new teaching position. I therefore have an appointment at 09:30 on Wednesday at the British High Commission to obtain an "emergency travel document" ... it will set me back an additional 123 euros.

Tojo wrote:I did not send my old passport with my renewal application.

I wish I done that Tojo

kedikat2903 · Post by **kedikat2903** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 12:47 pm

Question for tojo. Where did you get the application form from? The on line one says I have to include my current passport with the application. I may have missed reading about that though as there is a lot of info to get through. Could you explain where it said that if possible so I can go back and read it. Thanks

Tojo · Post by **Tojo** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 1:43 pm

When you print off HM Passport Office application, there are 5 pages of instructions, at the bottom of the 1st page, under section 5 you have "Document Checklist", it continues on the 2nd page and states; Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional circumstances...............................................................................................................Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport.

If you wish retain it, you need to provide a full coloured copy instead.

Hope this helps.

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 2:08 pm

Tojo wrote:When you print off HM Passport Office application, there are 5 pages of instructions, at the bottom of the 1st page, under section 5 you have "Document Checklist", it continues on the 2nd page and states; Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional circumstances...............................................................................................................Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport.

I saw it Tojo, but when I also read something along the lines of the passport office possibly later reqesting the original passport for further inspection, I decided against not sending it, thinking it might delay the process ... but as it has turned out, sending the passport has delayed me getting a work permit ... fortunately the Turkish embassy in Lefkosa will accept the emergency travel document for the work permit process.

Tojo · Post by **Tojo** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 2:13 pm

I presume you only send your old passport back, if requested, when you receive your new one.

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 2:20 pm

Tojo wrote:I presume you only send your old passport back, if requested, when you receive your new one.

From what I understood, they could request your old passport before they send the new one. I wouldn't worry though Tojo - I'm sure they rarely request the old one.

Tabby · Post by **Tabby** » Mon 11 Aug 2014 5:20 pm

4 weeks later and I still have not received my old passport. After several expensive phone calls I am still no wiser!

kedikat2903 · Post by **kedikat2903** » Tue 12 Aug 2014 8:20 am

Thanks for reply Tojo. I have a British passport so I expect I will have to send it as it says "non British "passports. Slightly off topic. Could someone tell me how much it costs to send the documents through café boss DHL service? Thanks

crofter · Post by **crofter** » Tue 12 Aug 2014 11:33 am

I logged on to the Website this morning and I am delighted to see that my passport has been dispatched!

Received in Belfast on 5th June and it looks likely that it was dispatched back to me 8 weeks later. Very pleased and now await a phone call from Steve at Cafe Boss to say it has arrived with him.

Tojo · Post by **Tojo** » Tue 12 Aug 2014 12:39 pm

crofter,

What web site did you go on please.

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Tue 12 Aug 2014 1:01 pm

Tojo wrote:What web site did you go on please.

When you completed your initial online application (ie. straight after the payment was made) you should have received an email with the following link :
https://passportapplication.service.gov.uk/ips-olc/
To learn the status of your application, click on login, then enter the username and password given in the email ... the status given will be one of the following :
(1) Awaiting information from the Applicant
(2) Declaration form received. Now being processed
(3) Passport dispatched
(4) Contact us

Unfortunately, if you deleted the email by mistake, then you won't be able to track the progress of the application. Quoting their website;
"You will also be given a username and password. Be ready to make a note of these, as they only appear once. You'll need these details if you want to print out extra copies of your declaration form, or to track your application online."

crofter · Post by **crofter** » Wed 13 Aug 2014 6:33 am

Tojo -

I did exactly what iancrumpy has said.

wedinnorthcyprus · Post by **wedinnorthcyprus** » Wed 13 Aug 2014 8:35 am

I have my appointment next week to go and get the free 1 year extension. So long as your passport runs out within 3 months and you have 3 blank pages left in the old one they will do the extension for you.

Tojo · Post by **Tojo** » Thu 14 Aug 2014 8:10 am

Just to clarify, if you have a British passport you need to send it off with your application

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Fri 15 Aug 2014 8:00 am

Tojo wrote:Just to clarify, if you have a British passport you need to send it off with your application

It would seem so ... after all it does write for "uncancelled non-British passports"

I have just been through my saved documents on this computer and on page 2 of the declaration form/instructions it writes (in full) :

Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional
circumstances where you may need to retain the passport, we will accept a full colour photocopy of the entire
passport (including all visa pages). We reserve the right to request the passport at a later stage as we examine
your application. Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport.

To be honest, when I first read it, now over two months ago, I too thought that I had the option of not sending my passport. The reason I didn't send a colour photocopy was I thought it might possibly delay the whole process. It would seem though that all British passports have to be sent

crofter · Post by **crofter** » Sat 16 Aug 2014 9:48 am

Passport received yesterday. 11 weeks and 2 days since handing it over.

I am now waiting for my old passport to be returned to me with a valid Residency stamp in it. I have not been told how long this will be.

jen · Post by **jen** » Sat 16 Aug 2014 10:25 am

Crofter if you go to immigration with your new passport and reciept for your latest residency they will stamp your new passport, get a 10tl stamp from cafe as you go in, job done

Tojo · Post by **Tojo** » Sat 16 Aug 2014 11:13 am

I presume you will get your old passport returned, otherwise how would you prove you have 5 consecutive years if permanent residency comes into force. Also, if you have made a will, it will have your old passport number on it and TRNC driving license

jen · Post by **jen** » Sat 16 Aug 2014 1:50 pm

Yes,old passports are returned, but separately to new issue, can take 4/5 weeks to arrive

crofter · Post by **crofter** » Tue 19 Aug 2014 9:21 am

As per my message above, last Saturday, I received my old passport back, delivered to my home this morning, Tuesday.

Very happy with the DHL service.

Thank you jen for the info as I would not have known to go to immigration in the event that my old passport with Residency in it did not arrive back.

Shell232 · Post by **Shell232** » Fri 22 Aug 2014 6:56 pm

Hi everyone, just for future reference if you have 9 months left on your current passport then those 9 months will be credited to your new passport. This is due to many countries requiring a passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity if you are travelling outside the EU.

This is why I always pick January / February to renew my licence as IPS in the UK is at its quietest as is the post service.

It will also make it easier to avoid those tricky times around residency and work permit renewals.

iancrumpy · Post by **iancrumpy** » Sat 23 Aug 2014 4:57 pm

Shell232 wrote:Hi everyone, just for future reference if you have 9 months left on your current passport then those 9 months will be credited to your new passport. This is due to many countries requiring a passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity if you are travelling outside the EU.
This is why I always pick January / February to renew my licence as IPS in the UK is at its quietest as is the post service.
It will also make it easier to avoid those tricky times around residency and work permit renewals.

Actually I had over 2 years' validity left on my passport, but unfortunately only two blank pages remaining. My reason for sending it over the summer was because I like to fly back to my home in Cyprus during the school holidays and for weekends every few weeks. I knew there would be increased demand over the summer for passport applications, but felt that the ten summer weeks spent in Cyprus would be by far the longest period for which I wouldn't be requiring a passport ... I anticipated (wrongly) a 6 or 7 week wait ... which would also have allowed me time to get my work permit processed.

As it has turned out, I have had to buy (for 124 euros) an "emergency travel document". I have now started working here, in Istanbul ... but with no work permit. Although my school would like to start the work permit process asap, they feel it's something that won't be a serious problem. Of course they keep asking for my passport, so we can start the process ... and I normally quote its online status "declaration form received, application being processed" Besides the cost of the travel document, the only other real financial impact on me is that, without a work permit, the school will not be paying the Turkish national insurance contributions, which I will be claiming on in the future.

On the plus side, it means that in a few weeks' time, I'll have a long weekend in Cyprus, as the work permit will be processed at the Turkish Embassy in Lefkoşa and I'll have to do it on a Monday or a Friday ... it's always good to look on the bright side of life

sofasogood · Post by **sofasogood** » Sun 24 Aug 2014 9:08 am

My passport was received in Belfast 6th June and 2 weeks ago it stated it had been dispatched so after it had been sent to Usak near Izmir by mistake I was really excited that it was being delivered on Saturday however when I opened the parcel it was my old passport ,I phoned the passport helpline on Saturday to be told that someone will email me by Thursday to hopefully tell me where my new passport is or give me a tracking number so it can be traced fingers crossed.

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