Travel - In England

This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

About this information

This information relates to people who are British citizens. Citizens of other countries should check at their own consulates/embassies on the rules about passports in their countries.

Back to top

Who needs a passport

You need a valid passport to travel between the UK and all other countries (except the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland). However, in the case of a genuine emergency it may be possible to make other arrangements (see under heading How long does it take to get a passport).

Individuals can apply for a standard passport (see under heading Standard passports). Approved groups, for example, a party of school children can apply for a collective passport (see under heading Collective passports).

Babies and children

Babies and children under 16 need to have their own passports, and can no longer be included on someone else’s passport. A child who was already on another passport before 5 October 1998 can continue to travel on this passport, provided the child travels with the main passport holder.

However, children have to apply for a passport in their own right when:-

• they reach 16; or
• the passport expires; or
• an amendment to the passport means that it has to be reissued.

Back to top

Standard passports

A standard passport is valid for travel anywhere in the world, provided any necessary visas and permits are obtained to satisfy the entry conditions of the country being visited. A standard passport is normally valid for 10 years (5 years for a child under 16 - see under heading Children and young people under 18). Everyone, including children however young, must have their own passport. An adult who is likely to fill her/his passport with visas very quickly, for example, a frequent business traveller, can apply for a passport with 48 pages.

How to apply for a standard passport

Get a form and information leaflets from the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), main post offices, Worldchoice travel agents or a passport office. For details of how to contact the IPS, see under heading Contacting the Identity and Passport Service. Passport application forms give guidance on where to apply and processing times. Details of current waiting times are updated regularly on BBC Ceefax, ITV Teletext and on the IPS website at: www.ips.gov.uk.

If you're applying for a passport for the first time and are 16 years old or over, you won't be able to use the Fast Track one-week service and may have to attend an interview. For more information about the Fast Track service, see under heading How long does it take to get a passport. For more information about interviews for first-time adult passport holders, go to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) website at www.ips.gov.uk.

When applying for a passport, you will need documentary evidence that proves you have British nationality. You will also need photos. Details of what is necessary and how to fill in the application form are given in the information leaflet accompanying the application form. Complete the form carefully as any mistakes will delay the application.

The form for a passport must be countersigned. The person who countersigns must be someone who has known you personally for at least two years, is resident in the UK and holds a British or Irish passport, and who is professionally qualified or of similar standing. (You can find a list of recommended occupations for someone who is countersigning your passport application at www.passport.gov.uk). A relative or partner, cannot countersign your application even if they meet these conditions. The person who signs will also have to certify one of the photos by writing on the back ‘I certify that this is a true likeness of (your full name)’.

Send the completed form to the passport office in the envelope provided; also include the appropriate fee.

If you were born on or before 2 September 1929, you will not have to pay for your passport. However, you will still have to pay the £6 administration fee if you used the Post Office to help you send off your application.

Forms can also be handed in at main post offices and branches of Worldchoice travel agents. These are known as the IPS high street partners. The completed forms are checked by a member of staff and despatched to the appropriate passport office. Passports applied for in this way will be sent to the applicant by post. There is an extra fee for this service.

Back to top

Collective passports

A collective passport can be issued for approved parties of school children, members of the Scout and Guide movements and other recognised youth organisations. A minimum of five and a maximum of 50 children can be entered on a collective passport, although the numbers may vary for certain countries. A collective passport is valid for only one trip.

A form for a collective passport can only be obtained from, and returned to, a passport office.

Back to top

Children and young people under 18

Children and young people under the age of 16 who are not already on a parent's passport or guardian's passport must have their own child passport if they want to travel abroad (unless they are on a collective passport). An application for a passport for a child or young person under 16 must be signed by a parent or someone with parental responsibility.

A passport for a child under 16 is valid for five years. A young person aged 16 or over can use a child passport until it expires.

If you're 16 years old or over and you need a new passport, you should apply for an adult passport. You don't need the consent of your parents. If you're applying for an adult passport for the first time, you may have to have to attend an interview and you won't be able to use the Fast Track one-week service. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) advises that, if you need to attend an interview, you should apply for a passport at least six weeks before you want to travel. For more information about interviews for first-time adult passport holders, go to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) website at www.ips.gov.uk.

Back to top

How long does it take to get a passport

Standard service

If you complete the form correctly and enclose the correct documents and fee, you should receive your new or amended passport within three weeks. It can take longer. Current turnaround times are given on BBC Ceefax, ITV Teletext and the Identity and Passport Service's (IPS) website at: www.ips.co.uk.

Check and send service

The check and send service is available at selected post offices and worldwide travel agents. You should receive your new passport within two weeks of making your application.

Fast Track service (one week)

The Fast Track service is available if you apply in person to a Passport Office. You need to make an appointment to apply at a Passport Office and you can do this by calling the Passport Adviceline on 0870 521 0410. It can take up to two weeks to get an appointment. The Fast Track service guarantees a one-week service for all straightforward, properly completed applications. The IPS returns the passport by post and allows two days' delivery time. There is an extra charge for this service.

You can't use the Fast Track service if you're over 16 and applying for your first passport. This is because you will need to attend an interview to confirm your identity. You won't need to attend an interview if you held your own passport as a child and therefore you could make a Fast Track application in these cases.

Premium service (one day)

The Premium same-day service is available if you apply in person to a Passport Office. You need to make an appointment to apply at a Passport Office and you can do this by calling the Passport Adviceline on 0870 521 0410. It can take up to two weeks to get an appointment. The Premium same-day service guarantees a one-day service (this means a target turnaround time of four hours) for all straightforward, properly completed applications. There is an extra charge for this service.

The Premium same-day service is not available to people applying for a passport for the first time, or applying for an extension of their passports or for people whose passports have been lost, stolen or damaged.

Back to top

Amending a passport

If you need to change your passport, for example, to change the name on it, you need to get a form from the post office. You'll need to send two photographs with the application form as a new passport will be issued. There is no need to have one of the photographs countersigned unless your appearance has changed significantly from the photograph in your old passport.

Change of name

If you want to change your passport because you have changed your name, you need to send in evidence of the change with the application form. The evidence needed will depend on how you have changed your name. Contact the Identity and Passport Service for advice.

Marriage

A woman does not have to change her name on marriage and can continue to use a passport in her own name for as long as she wishes.

If a woman decides to use her husband’s surname after she marries, she can:-

• apply for a new passport in her married name, valid from the date of the wedding; or
• have her existing passport amended to show her married name, valid from the date of the wedding.

If the woman is applying for a new or amended passport in her married name, she should complete the United Kingdom Passport Application form as though she were already married and sign it in what will be her married name. If her address is changing after the wedding, she should give both her current and future addresses. The woman should send in two photographs, one of which should be countersigned on the back as follows ‘I certify that this is a true likeness of Ms..............(to be Mrs...........)’.

A fee is payable for the issue of a new or amended passport. If an existing passport has not expired when the woman applied for a new or amended passport in her married name, a refund will not be made for the unexpired period of the old passport.

If a woman is travelling abroad immediately after the wedding, she can apply for a new or amended passport to be post-dated to the date of the wedding. An application for a post-dated passport can be made up to three months before the date of the wedding. However, the person should bear in mind that she will not be able to use the post-dated passport until the date of the wedding.

To apply for a post-dated passport, the woman should complete form PD2, in addition to the United Kingdom Passport Application form. Part 1 of form PD2 should be completed by the person who is to perform the marriage ceremony. Part 2 of the form should be completed by the applicant, giving the name of her future husband, the date of the wedding and an undertaking that she will return the passport if the marriage does not take place. The form and a leaflet (PD1) are available from various outlets (see under heading Standard passports).

These provisions also apply to men who change their name on marriage.

Civil partnerships

After registering a civil partnership, one partner may want to change their name to that of their partner or a couple may choose to hyphenate their surnames. The passport agency will accept a civil partnership certificate in the same way they accept a marriage certificate as evidence of a change of name. You can apply for a new passport in your new name, or to have your existing passport changed, valid from the registration date of your civil partnership.

Back to top

Replacing a lost or stolen passport

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad, report the loss to the local police and go to the nearest consular office. If the nearest consular office is some distance away, phone or fax them. You will still have to visit the consular office to apply for and collect a replacement. Usually, after checking with the passport office in the UK, the consular office will issue a new passport. The replacement passport will be valid for all the same countries as the original passport, but may be valid for one year or less. A fee will be charged for issuing the replacement passport. When a restricted replacement passport expires it can be extended at no extra charge to a full 10 year passport if the original has not been recovered.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are in the UK, report it to the police. You should apply for a replacement from the Identity and Passport Service using form LSO1 (see under heading Contacting the Identity and Passport Service). The full fee will be charged and the Premium (one day) service will not be available for the replacement although you will be able to use the Fast Track one week service. If you are applying for a replacement passport because an earlier passport has been lost or stolen, your replacement passport may have restricted validity.

Back to top

Renewing your passport

You need to make a fresh application for a replacement passport on the United Kingdom Passport Application form. The information on applying for a standard passport (see under heading Standard passports) also applies to renewal applications. You can make a renewal application up to nine months before your passport expires. A fee is payable for renewing a passport.

You will need to send in two new photographs. These will not normally need to be certified as a true likeness unless you were under 16 when the passport was issued or your appearance has changed greatly since the passport was issued. You wont normally need to send in documents to renew a passport if you send your old passport and all the details are the same.

Back to top

Help for customers with disabilities

Specific facilities are available for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing, and those who are blind or partially sighted. If you need some other help contact the Identity and Passport Service Passport Adviceline (see under heading Contacting the Identity and Passport Service), who will try to provide the necessary help.

If you're deaf or hard of hearing

The following services are available at passport offices:-

• a member of staff who is trained to use sign language skills
• a textphone service with trained staff at the Passport Adviceline (see under heading Contacting the Identity and Passport Service)
• induction loops (only available at some offices)
• access to a quiet room, if the person has difficulty hearing what is being said because of noise at the main counter.

If you're blind or partially sighted

The following services are available at passport offices:-

• a limited range of braille leaflets. However, the application form and guidance notes are not available in braille
• large print versions of the application form and leaflets
• a braille identifying sticker can be attached to the passport when it is issued, if you ask for this on your application form
• audio tape versions of the information leaflets.

If you're a wheelchair user

All passport offices are accessible to wheelchair users.

Back to top

Contacting the Identity and Passport Service

You can phone the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0870 521 0410. The Service operates a Passport Adviceline to give customers advice and information on all aspects of applying for a passport. The Passport Adviceline can also supply passport application forms and information leaflets. The Passport Adviceline also has a textphone number (0870 240 8090) which hearing impaired customers can use if they have minicom equipment. Calls are charged at the standard national rate.

The Passport Adviceline has a menu system that allows the caller to choose to listen to one of several recorded messages or to speak to an operator. The Passport Adviceline and each passport office is linked to a central computer system, can call up a passport applications made at any office, and should therefore be able to deal with most enquiries. If you need to speak to a passport office, you will normally be put through to your nearest office. If this office is unable to take a call, the call will be answered by another office.

The IPS website (www.ips.gov.uk) allows customers to email the Passport Adviceline, complete an application on line, to order passport application forms, make general enquiries or a complaint, or ask about the progress of their passport application. The customer will normally receive a reply by email within four hours.

Back to top

Complaints about the Identity and Passport Service

To complain about the way your passport application has been dealt with, write to the customer services manager at the passport office which handled the application or email or telephone the Passport Adviceline (see under heading Contacting the Identity and Passport Service). If you are not satisfied with the result of your complaint, contact the Director of Operations of the Identity and Passport Service at the headquarters office in London.

Back to top

Visas

You will need visas to travel to certain countries. Check before travelling. A travel agent, tour operator, national tourist board or embassy can advise on the visa requirements of a particular country.

Allow plenty of time for the visa to arrive as sometimes the application is dealt with in the country being visited.

To get a visa, you will usually have to complete a form and send off your passport. You may also have to send passport photographs, air tickets, and evidence that you can support yourself while abroad. A fee may be charged for the visa.

Back to top

Travelling to the US

If you are travelling to the US, you must have a machine-readable passport.

Anyone who does not have a machine-readable passport, including children on their parent's passport, will need to apply for one, or get a visa to travel to the US. For more information, go to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel, or the website of the US embassy at www.usembassy.org.uk.

Back to top

Travel advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provide useful information for anyone planning a trip abroad. Their website provides up to date advice about your destination country and information on what to do before you leave. The website is at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

Back to top

Health precautions

Before travelling abroad, check whether you will need any vaccinations or other health precautions.

For more information, see Health advice for Travellers.

Back to top

Medical treatment abroad

You will usually have to pay in advance for any medical treatment. You may be able to claim some or all of the cost if:-

• you have a European Health Insurance card for European Economic Area countries or are visiting a country with a reciprocal health care agreement
• you are covered by holiday or other insurance. A travel agent or insurance broker can advise on the insurance needed for a particular country.

For more information, see Health advice for travellers.

Back to top

Driving abroad

Check with your insurance company or a motoring organisation whether you need to take out extra insurance. You may need to get a Green Card from the insurance company which gives additional car insurance cover abroad. Also check whether your driving licence is valid for driving in the country/countries you will visit.

Back to top

People in trouble abroad

Consular offices abroad can provide limited help to people in trouble and may charge a fee. A European Union (EU) national can go to any EU consulate. For more information about consular help abroad look at the Foreign and Commonwealth website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

Back to top

Contacting people abroad

If you are trying to contact a person abroad but do not have the exact address or telephone number you can try:-

• the tour operator or travel agent if the person abroad used one
• an employer if the person is working abroad
• the consular office
• putting a message on a radio broadcast. A motoring organisation or tourist office in the United Kingdom will be able to advise on doing this
• international directory enquiries.

Back to top

Customs

Goods bought duty-paid in another European Union country

Someone coming into the UK from another European Union (EU) country does not have to pay any custom charges on goods that they bought and paid tax on in the other EU country. There is no limit on the amount of goods that can be brought in, as long as the goods are either for the personal use of the person bringing them in or are for a gift. If you are under 17 there is no recognized amount for personal use.

The amounts in the following table are EU guidelines on what is a reasonable amount of tobacco and alcohol for personal use. If you bring in more than these amounts, and customs officials believe they are for commercial rather than personal purposes, the goods and the vehicle you have carried them in may be confiscated. Special rules apply to tobacco products bought in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

Duty free allowances

Duty free allowances within the European Union

Duty free allowances within the European Union (EU) have been abolished on EU journeys. If you buy alcohol or tobacco at an airport, you will be charged the rate of excise duty and VAT of the country where the airport is situated. If you buy alcohol or tobacco on the plane or ferry, you will be charged the excise duty rate of the country of departure, up to the airspace or waters of the country of arrival. So, for example, UK excise duty rates will apply on a flight from the UK to Greece until the aircraft reaches Greek airspace when Greek excise duty rates will apply.

Some ferry and airline operators may decide not to sell any excise goods in the UK territory.

On all goods, VAT will be charged at the rate applying in the country of departure. A ferry leaving Dover for Calais would charge VAT at the UK rate but the French rate would apply for the return.

For a list of EU countries, see The European Union.

For more information about duty-free allowances within the European Union, go to HM Revenue and Customs website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Duty free allowances on non-European Union journeys

There are still duty free allowances for passengers arriving from countries outside the EU. No one under 17 is entitled to the tobacco and alcohol allowances.

For more information about duty-free allowances on non-European Union journeys, go to HM Revenue and Customs website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Prohibited and restricted goods

You cannot bring certain goods into the United Kingdom. These prohibited goods include illegal drugs, explosives, for example, fireworks, offensive weapons, for example, knives, firearms and ammunition, obscene video-tapes, magazines and books, walkie-talkies and CB radios, counterfeit currency and goods and meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries. Some goods are restricted. You will either need a license to import them or, in some cases, you can only bring in a small quantity from most countries outside the EU. Restricted goods include food of animal origin not containing meat or milk, such as fish, honey, plants, bulbs, seeds, fruit and vegetables, goods made from protected species, including fur, skins, ivory and reptile leather, animals and birds.

For a list of EU countries, see The European Union.

Carrying cash in and out of the UK

If you are travelling to the UK from a non-EU country, you must declare any cash you are carrying if it is 10,000 Euros or more (or the equivalent in other currencies). This rule also applies if you are travelling from the UK to a non-EU country.

You must declare the cash to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) either at the place where you leave the UK, or the place where you enter. Forms will be available at ports and airports.

You could face paying a £5000 penalty if you fail to declare the cash or if you give wrong or incomplete information.

You don't need to declare cash if you are travelling from or to another EU country.

For more information about carrying cash in and out of the UK, including a list of EU countries, go to HMRC's website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Back to top

Airport taxes

UK air passenger duty is payable on all flights from UK airports except those in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The duty is usually charged when you buy your ticket. The rate of the tax for travel within the UK (except for flights leaving the Scottish Highlands and Islands) is £5.00. For travel to other EEA countries, the tax is £5.00 for economy flights or £10.00 for standard flights. If you're travelling to countries outside the EEA, you will pay £20.00 for an economy flight or £40.00 for a standard flight.

The tax on flights on or after 1 February 2007 will be higher than the figures above. This applies even if you've booked and paid for your flights before 1 February 2007. If you have already paid at the old rate, you'll have to pay an additional charge. The rate of the tax for travel within the UK (except for flights leaving the Scottish Highlands and Islands) will be £10.00. For travel to other EEA countries, the tax will be £10 for economy flights or £20.00 for standard flights. If you're travelling to countries outside the EEA, you will pay £40.00 for an economy flight or £80.00 for a standard flight.

Most international journeys will also attract taxes or charges by the destination country.

Back to top