If you are in the UK and have an Indian passport, then you have to deal with the renewal of it. This could happen because of several reasons. For example, your passport gets expired, lost, or damaged. Well, are you feeling overwhelmed after thinking of all this? Not to worry, an Indian passport renewal in the UK is simple. However, you should have complete info about the documents and process for this. Also to guide you this blog will help you. Here we have mentioned all the details related to Indian passport renewal and reissue. So, let's start reading it by knowing the meaning of renewal.
The validity of an Indian passport remains for five or ten years. Before the end of this period, you need to renew the paper to enjoy the benefits. The following process is known as passport renewal. In addition, it is only for the people who hold Indian passports.
It is what passport renewal means. Moving ahead, let's know about the other common word "passport reissue."
In situations like a stolen, damaged, or lost passport a person needs to apply for its reissue. Apart from that, if all the pages of the passport have been used then also a person requires a new passport. Under these scenarios, in the name of that individual, a new passport is reissued and the old one gets canceled. In addition, the reissue of a passport happens within the given time and has no link with the expiry date.
It is what the reissue of a passport means. Well, when it comes to the renewal and reissue of passports it depends on the situation.
Further, let us know the documents needed during this process in the UK.
The complete list of documents to renew an Indian passport is available online on the site of VFS Global. Some papers are compulsory for the passport renewal application. However, some pieces of proof may be needed based on the personal situation or specific application. Before applying for an Indian passport renewal in the UK have a look at the following document list:
Category |
Specification |
---|---|
Documents for Minors |
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Documents for Adults |
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These are the following compulsory documents you need during your Indian passport renewal in UK. Also, it is advisable to cross-verify the papers from the VFS site or get help from a consultant like Visament. The experts there know all about this process and guide you better. Also, they can assist you with PIO to OCI conversion without any hassle. With this, moving ahead, let's know about the papers used in the reissue of the passport.
The process of passport reissue is done by the Ministry of External Affairs to Indian citizens. It is one of the vital documents for the Indian citizens. In addition, as stated above the validity of the passport remain for 10 years. Upon the expiry, it is reissued. Apart from the expiry the passport can also reissued for several reasons such as stolen or damaged. So let's know about the compulsory documents needed in such cases:
These are the documents you need during your reissue of the passport. Also during different circumstances, the documents may vary. So it is advisable to cross-verify your papers with the reason for your passport reissue. For Example:
Passport Issue Reasons |
Required Documents |
---|---|
Validity expired Exhaustion of pages Validity due to expire |
|
Stolen or Lost Passport |
|
Renewal of Short Validity Passport (SVP) |
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Damaged Passport (If damaged beyond recognition) |
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Damaged Passport (The passport number is readable, the photograph intact, and the name is legible) |
|
From the above example, you get an idea of how according to the reason the applicant needs to submit the passport reissue papers. Moving forward, let's know about the process of Indian passport renewal in the UK.
The government of India in the UK works with the company name VFS Global. It provides consular and visa services to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). Also to other people who need to apply for a passport or visa from abroad. Unless you do not allow your immediate family member you need to apply for the process personally. Also if you have an authority letter, your close blood relative or spouse can apply on your behalf.
Further, the renewal of an Indian passport in the UK cannot done completely online. However, this online application is a vital part of the process. Now, let's know the steps for passport renewal in the UK:
Following are the steps that you need to follow for the Indian passport renewal in the UK:
As per the Applicable Jurisdiction in the UK, applicants should fill out the online application. In addition according to that apply in the mentioned nearby office. Further, know where they can apply for it as per their locations:
Locations |
Jurisdiction |
---|---|
Applicants residing in the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, Birmingham |
Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, Liverpool and Bradford |
Applicants residing in the consular jurisdictions of the High Commission of India, London |
Goswell Road and Hounslow, Cardiff and Belfast |
Applicants residing in the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, Edinburgh |
Edinburgh or Glasgow |
Considering this applicants should opt for the right location while filling the online application form in the UK. Also, it is vital to know that emergency travel papers are handled differently. For example, if a person has an urgent issue- a medical problem, he/she should talk to the embassy for help. Apart from that, in case your passport gets stolen or lost while living in the UK then you need to leave the nation. In this situation, your passport application may be dealt with Tatkal service. In addition, you have to pay an extra fee to VFS.
Moreover, the word 'tatkal' means 'there and then' stating these applications are directly given to the High Commission of India. Also, pass to one of the Consulate General offices for the quick process. When you apply for the Tatkal passport services, you do not need to track your application. This is because everything is done in between three to five working days.
This is how you can the India passport renewal in the UK takes place. However, if you still do not get it is advisable to get help from experts like Visament. The consultants here know how to handle this kind of situation. Also with their help, you can save from the hectic visa renewal process. Furthermore, now let's know the price of renewing the Indian passport in the UK.
Whether you renew your passport in India or the UK you have to pay some fee. However, it may differ as per the country. Further, let's know the price of Indian passport renewal in the UK and the common services involved in it:
Services |
Cost |
---|---|
Reissue of passport which has expired recently, no blank pages left or change in name |
£56- 36 page passport £74- 60 page passport £107- Tatkal services (along with the passport fees) |
Minor Passport |
£38 |
Stolen or Lost passports |
£109- 36 page passport £127- 60 page passport £22- Affidavit £13- Emergency certificate |
Re-issue of over 1 year over expired passport |
£78- 36 page passport £96- 60 page passport |
Based on the page numbers, applicant age, and opted procedure the applicants need to pay the charges. In addition, the cost of reissue for renewal and new passport is the same. Moreover, let us know how much the passport renewal process in the UK takes time.
The time taken to renew the Indian passport in the UK depends on circumstances. Also, the waiting time for a new or renewed passport is the same in the country. Generally, the process of Indian passport renewal in the UK takes 4 to 5 weeks.
Further, in the case of stolen or lost passports, the renewal process can take more time than the estimated one. Likewise, on average it is six to eight weeks or more. The process can continue for a long time depending on the factors, like the time required for the police verification. However, after the beginning of the application process, you can track down your passport status through the VFS website.
In conclusion, for the Indian passport renewal in the UK, you need to follow the mentioned steps online on the VFS website. In addition, have to collect all the right documents and pay the fee. However, in case you face any difficulties like not understanding the process or gathering papers contact Visament. The experts here will guide you better and assist you in handling all the things with ease. For example, if you need police clearance certificate help they can guide you.
Also, there will be no chance of any mistakes in your renewal or reissue of your passport. So why worry about your passport or visa-related issue when we are here to aid you? Contact us now and get the best assistance for sure.