A passport is a document issued by a country’s government that certifies the identity of its holder and allows him or her to travel internationally. British passports contain unique identification numbers and are valid for 10 years from their issue date, so when you apply for your new passport, you’ll need to find out how long it will last.
How Long Does a Passport Last UK?
What is a UK Passport?
A passport is a travel document that is issued to citizens of the United Kingdom to allow them to travel outside of the UK. It is 6 months valid from the date of issue.
If you are travelling within the UK, you do not need a passport. All people travelling within the UK must have a valid travel document, such as a national identity card or driving licence.
How Long Does a UK Passport Stay Valid?
A UK passport will remain valid for 10 years from the date of issuance. However, you may need to apply for a new passport if your passport has been lost or damaged. You can also renew your passport if it is within the current validity period.
What are the Requirements to Get a UK Passport?
If you are a British citizen, then you already have a passport! If you are not a British citizen, then you will need to apply for a passport. The process of applying for a passport is different depending on your nationality and where you are located in the world. However, the basic requirements to get a UK passport are as follows:
- You must be 18 or over to apply for a passport
- You must be able to provide proof of citizenship or residence in the UK
- Your application must be submitted in person at your local British embassy or consulate (or through an approved agent)
- Your application fee is £72 ($120)
Once you have met all of the requirements, your passport will be ready for collection from your local British embassy or consulate. Keep in mind that your passport will expire five years after the date of issuance, so it is important to keep it safe and use it as soon as possible.
How Do You Renew Your UK Passport?
If your passport is due to expire within the next 12 months, it is important that you renew it as soon as possible. If you do not renew your passport before it expires, you will not be able to travel and will have to apply for a new one. The process of renewing a UK passport is relatively straightforward and can be done in just a few weeks. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Passport Office website and enter your full name, date of birth, gender, and passport number. You will also need to provide your passport photograph and photocopy of your identity document (such as a driver’s license).
- Click the “Renew Your Passport” link on the homepage. This will take you to the “Renew Your Passport” page where you can enter the details of your renewal application. You will need to provide your current citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate if you are a British national who has lived outside of the UK for more than 6 months in the past 12 months. British nationals who are over 18 years old and have lived in the UK for less than 6 months in the past 12 months cannot apply for a new passport.
- After filling out the necessary details, you can print your application form or save it to your computer. If you have already applied for a passport and are unable to print your renewal form, you may be able to request an e-passport instead. You can use the Passport Express service if you do not wish to renew your passport through a travel agency or mailing facility.
- Submit your completed application along with copies of all required documents listed above by mail or in person at any British Consulate or Embassies around the world. In some countries, however, applying for a new passport from within that country is still unavailable without first travelling to another country in which the application can be processed.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on travelling to the UK soon, it’s important to know how long your passport will last. Passports last for 10 years from the date of issue. If you want to keep your passport longer than that, you need to get a new one. If you’re travelling outside of this timeframe, make sure to check with your local embassy or consulate before departing so that you don’t run into any issues when arriving back in the UK.