I am preparing to apply for my first British adult passport online. My current situation is a bit tricky, and I would love some guidance on how to proceed. I have a few moving pieces and want to make sure I don't run into issues at the border or face any delays in getting my first British passport.
Here are the key details of my case:
- Birth: Born overseas in Asia before 1 January 1983
- How I obtained citizenship: Through Naturalisation. Certificate issued in August 2026, and the ceremony is in 3 days
- Passports Held: I entered the UK in 2020 with a foreign passport that expired 3 years ago. I then replaced it with a new passport (same nationality), which is still active now.
- The Dilemma: I will apply for my first British passport on Thursday 20 Aug (my ceremony date). I also have a business trip from 3 Sept for 1 week, and I presume I will not be able to receive the British passport before my travel. I can travel with my current passport; however, if I need to submit my current passport to HMPO when applying for the British passport, I will not be able to travel as I would not be able to get my current passport back or the British passport before my travel.
- Can I submit my expired foreign passport to HMPO instead of my current (valid) passport? I can also send copies of all pages of the current passport, my driving license, and any other document.
- If I decide to travel using my current foreign passport, will I face any issues getting back to the UK since I would officially be a British citizen, but I wouldn't have a British passport yet?
- If I cannot postpone my business travel (it is very important), and I need the British passport issued before 11 Sept (since on 12 Sept I have to go for another business trip that requires a UK passport), what are my options?