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Original poster

Passport question!

12 replies

Buttalapasta · 25/03/2023 14:02

Does anybody know whether British passports need to have at least 6 months on them to travel to the UK? I didn't realise they were about to run out!! (We are not in the UK).

OP posts:
Paq · 25/03/2023 15:05

So you have a UK passport and want to travel from outside the UK into the UK? Absolutely fine, but are you planning a return journey?

Original poster
Buttalapasta · 25/03/2023 15:17

Yes, but I could renew them while in the UK.

OP posts:
Thelondonone · 25/03/2023 15:19

Yes but be aware there is going to a strike in the passport office. Not sure I’d risk it unless I was staying a while.

Notjustabrunette · 25/03/2023 15:21

Yes that’s fine as you are a British citizen. The reason why you need the 6 months to travel to other countries is incase something happens and you get stuck there with an invalid passport.

Paq · 25/03/2023 16:14

How long are you going to be in the UK? Turnaround times have been very unreliable recently and are about to get a lot worse with the threat of strike action.

nannyl · 25/03/2023 16:17

are you going to be in the uk for 10 weeks?

they say allow 10 weeks for a passport and some (not all) staff are about to strike for 5 weeks which will cause delays

Original poster
Buttalapasta · 25/03/2023 16:22

We will be in the UK for a month. Aaaargh. This isnt going to work is it? Can you leave the UK on an ID card?? Because we have valid ID cards for travelling within the EU...clutching at straws....

OP posts:
PuttingDownRoots · 25/03/2023 16:23

Book an in person appointment for when you are in the UK?

Original poster
Buttalapasta · 25/03/2023 16:27

PuttingDownRoots · 25/03/2023 16:23

Book an in person appointment for when you are in the UK?

That is an idea but I dont think there is an office anywhere near where we are going. So frustrating that the passport system doesnt really work - in either country!

OP posts:
CatOnTheChair · 25/03/2023 16:27

You can renew your passport from abroad.
Assuming you a get back into your country of residence on your ID card or short of date UK passport, you might be better renewing from home after you have traveled.

But, yes, your British passport will let you into the uk with not days left.

Original poster
Buttalapasta · 25/03/2023 16:40

Im worried that if I try and renew before leaving then the passport wont arrive in time and I definitely wont be able to travel with the kids. If I can at least get into the UK then the risk is Ill have to leave the kids there and come back without them! Or possible, give up work and stay at my mums (which right now seems like the least scary scenario!)

(Sorry about the lack of apostrophes - my computer has given them up for Lent).

OP posts:
mumofthree22 · 25/03/2023 17:49

@Buttalapasta the passport offices are going to be on strike for 5 weeks from 3/4 till 5/5 and then there will be backlogs.

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