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Passport used to enter the UK

A section for posts relating to applications for Naturalisation or Registration as a British Citizen. Naturalisation

Moderators: Casa, archigabe, CR001, push, JAJ, ca.funke, Amber, zimba, vinny, Obie, EUsmileWEallsmile, batleykhan, meself2, geriatrix, John, ChetanOjha

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Stelcal
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Joined: Wed Jun 21, 2023 8:42 pm
United Kingdom

Passport Application

Post by Stelcal » Sat Jun 20, 2026 10:41 am

Hello gurus,
Hope you're all doing great.

Next week, my partner will be attending her British Citizenship Ceremony, following the recent approval of her application, after which she will formally become a British citizen.
She is then planning to apply for her first British passport.
She is an EU citizen. While awaiting citizenship approval, she renewed her EU passport through her national embassy in London. She has now received her new passport by post; however, her previous passport was not returned. We assume it has been cancelled, as the new one has been issued, although she was not informed as to whether the old passport would be returned separately or retained.
My question is as follows: when applying for her first British passport, will she only be required to submit her current valid passport as proof of identity, or will she also need to provide her previous (now presumably cancelled) passport, which she has not received back?
I ask because, whilst the process for EU citizens is often relatively straightforward, there can sometimes be ambiguity in the requirements, which may lead to misunderstandings.
Thank you!

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alterhase58
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Re: Passport Application

Post by alterhase58 » Sat Jun 20, 2026 11:16 am

You can't provide something which you don't have - many authorities don't return old, expired passports, destroyed presumably. Just provide the current passport together with a note explaining. If you should have a copy of the old passport provide that as well. This happens regularly and HMPO are aware of how other authorities work. It is not a reason to refuse a passport.
This is just my opinion as a member of this forum and does not constitute immigration advice.
Please do not send me private messages asking for advice.

Stelcal
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Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Jun 21, 2023 8:42 pm
United Kingdom

Re: Passport Application

Post by Stelcal » Sat Jun 20, 2026 11:54 am

alterhase58 wrote:
Sat Jun 20, 2026 11:16 am
You can't provide something which you don't have - many authorities don't return old, expired passports, destroyed presumably. Just provide the current passport together with a note explaining. If you should have a copy of the old passport provide that as well. This happens regularly and HMPO are aware of how other authorities work. It is not a reason to refuse a passport.
Thank you very much for your prompt reply alterhase58!!!
As always your replies and perspectives are quick and to the point. We will provide colour copies of the old passport, which we have -for all pages - along with the new one + an explanatory note.
Once again a huge thanks for all your support through the years!

Stelcal
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Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Jun 21, 2023 8:42 pm
United Kingdom

Passport used to enter the UK

Post by Stelcal » Mon Jul 06, 2026 2:57 pm

Hi Gurus,
Hope you're all doing well.
I have a quick call question about applying for the first UK passport.
I am writing on behalf of my partner which is an EU citizen and now a British citizen as well. She is applying for her first British passport and one of the requirements is to send "The passport used to enter the UK". She doesn't have that as, this was 20 years ago and most importantly not every country returned back cancelled passports. She has a current valid EU passport and colour copies of the one with which she applied for naturalisation.
What us the best way to proceed in this case?
Thank you !

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CR001
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Re: Passport used to enter the UK

Post by CR001 » Mon Jul 06, 2026 3:11 pm

Topics merged!!!

You were already given advice when you previously asked the question. The advice does not change.
Char (CR001 not Casa)
In life you cannot press the Backspace button!!
Please DO NOT send me a PM for immigration advice. I reserve the right to ignore the PM and not respond.

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