If you're living overseas, you can apply for your first British passport at most British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions. If you have lost your passport or it's been stolen, please go to our Lost and Stolen page.

The process

Applying

1. Print out the correct application form from the list below. We have also provided guidance notes to help you complete your application form. Please note that the forms below are in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To open them on screen and print out, you’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free of charge from the Adobe website. We accept application forms printed in black and white.
   
2. Once you have printed out and completed the form, initial each page in the box provided. We cannot accept your application if this is not done.
3. With your application form, you must also include two identical passport photographs, taken within the last month. The passport-sized photographs must meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
4. Send your form, supporting documents and the fee (in local currency) to a British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission. You can also submit your application in person. See our fees page for further details.
   

Interview

From May 2007 the UK Identity Passport Service (IPS) introduced compulsory interviews for all first time adult applicants in the UK. This was designed to help stop fraudulent passport applications by improving the integrity and security of British passports.

This change means we can:

• Help fight passport fraud and forgery
• Help protect the UK public from identity theft
• Ensure the British passport stays one of the most secure and respected in the world.

Our British embassies and consulates introduced interviews from 1 August 2007. This means that adult first-time applicants may need to attend an interview.

A small number of applicants applying for passports will be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. You will be advised of this following submission of your application. The interview is a vital part of the passport application, and makes sure that applicants are who they say they are.

Application forms

Form C1: Please complete form C1 if you are applying overseas for your first UK passport and are over the age of 16. The only exception is if you are a British National (Overseas) and have a close connection with Hong Kong. In this case please use form BNO-A instead.

The accompanying notes will help you to complete your application.

C1 Form (PDF, 205K)
C1 Notes (PDF, 120 K)
The IPS Guide to Taking a Good Photo for Your Passport.

Form C2: Please complete form C2 if you are applying overseas for your first UK passport and are under the age of 16. The only exception is if you are a British National (Overseas) and have a close connection with Hong Kong. In this case please use form BNO-B instead.

C2 Form (PDF, 70K)
C2 Notes (PDF, 34K)
The IPS Guide to Taking a Good Photo for Your Passport.

Form BNO-A: Please complete form BNO-A if you are applying for a passport overseas as a British National (Overseas) who has a close connection with Hong Kong and you are over the age of 16.

BNO-A Form (PDF, 131 KB)
BNO-A Form notes

The IPS Guide to Taking a Good Photo for Your Passport.

Form BNO-B: Please complete form BNO-B if you are applying for a passport overseas as a British National (Overseas) who has a close connection with Hong Kong and you are under the age of 16.

BNO-B Form (PDF, 146 KB) 
BNO-B Form notes

The IPS Guide to Taking a Good Photo for Your Passport.

In Botswana we issue passports at the British High Commission in Gaborone.

Please ensure you read the notes included in the application form as these set out the guidelines on how passport applications should be completed. In addition, you should check your application against the points listed below and ensure that your photographs meet the necessary requirements.

Applications normally take 10 working days to process. As far as is practicable, you should submit your passport application at least three weeks in advance of your intended travel date. Only in genuine emergencies will we try to process applications ahead of processing time but we cannot make any guarantees.

Please note that the Consular section is open to the public between 10:00 and 12:15 and between 13:30 and 16:15 from Monday to Thursday, and 08:00 and 12:45 on Friday. Applications, together with the fees, can only be presented during these times.
Processed passports can be collected, on production of official receipt (and letter of authority if collecting on behalf of a third party), from the reception during normal office hours, Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:30 and Friday 08:00 to 13:00.