I want my passport back now please ........ | ExpatWoman.com
 

I want my passport back now please ........

610
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 22:43

It's been 4 weeks today since I sent it off to Dussaeldorf................. I am now very hot under the coller as I need to travel in 3 weeks time for our honeymoon (just a small occasion, have never spent more on on a hol ever!!!).

I have the phone no and will be callling it tmrw................ :-(

Fed up in the meantime till my little red book that proves who I am arrives :-(

Please alll send a wish and a prayer to see me with my new lil red book in my hand soon.

LL xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

And before the lynchmob mob me............... I left 8 weeks on the basis of a 4 week return ........... :-(

This really is keeping me awake at night now ..... I so want my passport back :-(

5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 July 2011 - 22:40
Workingmum, I'm sorry, I've realized I've got the details wrong, my husband's new passport is ready for him but he has valid visas for other countries in his old one so he's not going to get the new one till he's travelled to the countries he needs to go to without waiting to get new visas for his new passport. I believe the current UAE residence visa remains valid, though, and the main thing is, his current passport has not been sent back to Switzerland whilst he waits for a new one to be issued, which was the point I was trying to make, rather badly..
38
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2011 - 20:24
My husband needed a new Swiss passport because he'd run out of pages for visas, with all the travelling he does. He put in an application on line and went down to the Swiss Consulate here when they told him his new passport was ready, at which time, I believe, his old one was cancelled for travel, even though it was not out of date and he keeps it because it has his residence visa in it. At no time did he have to send away his passport and he travelled on it whilst waiting for his new one to be issued. My point is, is there any other country apart from the UK which insists on their non-UK-resident nationals being without travel dox and what, for the British, is effectively an ID card, whilst their passports are being renewed? Particularly when this ridiculous new renewal method can take 6 weeks or longer? What a fabulous system! I was without my passport for 8 weeks, missed a job interview as a result and spent the whole time worrying what I would do if something happened at home while I couldn't travel. Does the IPS have a suggestion box I wonder...?
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 July 2011 - 15:20
My husband needed a new Swiss passport because he'd run out of pages for visas, with all the travelling he does. He put in an application on line and went down to the Swiss Consulate here when they told him his new passport was ready, at which time, I believe, his old one was cancelled for travel, even though it was not out of date and he keeps it because it has his residence visa in it. At no time did he have to send away his passport and he travelled on it whilst waiting for his new one to be issued. My point is, is there any other country apart from the UK which insists on their non-UK-resident nationals being without travel dox and what, for the British, is effectively an ID card, whilst their passports are being renewed? Particularly when this ridiculous new renewal method can take 6 weeks or longer?
4062
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 July 2011 - 15:10
Fairycakeyumm, there is a number to call in the UK to check on your passport: + 44 208 495 8078. I just called, they answered on the first ring, were very helpful and were able to give me a DHL tracking number as the passport is on it's way.
2239
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 July 2011 - 07:22
Sent mine June 30 credit card was debited last week still waiting...
4062
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 July 2011 - 22:11
Evidently it's all being centralised and in the future all passport applications will have to be sent to, and processed in, the UK. Something to do with new security measures and passports now having to be printed in the UK. During the transition period they are using seven regional processing centres, of which Dusseldorf is one.
179
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 July 2011 - 21:43
This whole thing in Dusseldorf seems like a total mess. There should be some kind of system here in Dubai for Brits to renew passports in a hurry if necessary, there are enough of us here for goodness sake. I'm lucky in that I can renew when I go on holiday next month but I would hate to think I was stuck here without travel documents for any 6 week period anytime. It is not acceptable imo.
4062
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 July 2011 - 21:36
Thanks mm17. Either you got lucky or I got unlucky! I sent 20 June, payment taken 7 July and still waiting. There is a note on the website to say that the process changed 11 July and whilst Dusseldorf is still processing the applications, the new passports are now printed and sent from the UK. Maybe I'm just not meant to go away this summer. Boo.
237
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 July 2011 - 21:06
see the other thread for some more info but I am surprised that they have sent back the old passport as DS new one arrived in same envelope with his old one which has his visa in. Sent on June 17, payment taken July 8 and DHL were at my door on July 11! I was amazed to say the least. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=153248
4062
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 July 2011 - 13:40
I've just received my daughter's old passport back from Dusseldorf with a note saying her new passport will be sent seperately, from the UK. Can anyone please tell me how long it took to get their new passport after the old one had arrived back? The answer might be on this thread but I can't see it from a quick scan so any guidance would be appreciated, thanks.
98
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 09:15
My passport is here! It apparently arrived yesterday so that was 7/8 days after our credit card was debited.
98
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 08:34
Thank you ladies for your info. I went for the double whammy (and more) e mailed the lady you'd all mentioned on here - got a lovely e mail from an outside source with info. Called the consulate who were fab. abd them spent a wasted 2 hours at the airport and blubbed at them all!! Anyhow, germany and consulatte are fab my boys pasports sent this arvo. Flights changed (Virgin) wih no stress. We are off as a whole family (DH included and much needed) on Monday. I would say that the British consul were great - bless her she dealt with an emotional' /perhaps hysetial woman (can't type small kitten causing probs) However.if anyone tells you to go to the airport 4 a exit visa - tell 'em to poke it coz it's a waste of time! I'm so glad you got it sorted. The British Embassy were very nice when I spoke to them too.
101
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 23:23
Thank you ladies for your info. I went for the double whammy (and more) e mailed the lady you'd all mentioned on here - got a lovely e mail from an outside source with info. Called the consulate who were fab. abd them spent a wasted 2 hours at the airport and blubbed at them all!! Anyhow, germany and consulatte are fab my boys pasports sent this arvo. Flights changed (Virgin) wih no stress. We are off as a whole family (DH included and much needed) on Monday. I would say that the British consul were great - bless her she dealt with an emotional' /perhaps hysetial woman (can't type small kitten causing probs) However.if anyone tells you to go to the airport 4 a exit visa - tell 'em to poke it coz it's a waste of time!
98
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 08:21
Swils darling, my heart goes out to you, so sorry to hear your news. Despite what Zanie said, I'd actually recommend going straight to the embassy this morning, get there at 7.45 so you're as close as first in the queue when they open at 8am. They'll be able to tell you on the spot exactly what you need to do & if you then need to go to Bur Dubai Police station you have time to do so and then get back to the embassy to complete whatever paperwork is required today. When en route to Bur Dubai call your airline and change the flights.....(ie once you know what's required from the embassy). If you're flying Emirates they do not charge for flight changes when it's due to a death (OH had this back in Feb). A family death is a DEFINATE ok for an emergency travel doc!!! Really good luck and do let us know how you get on today. Hugs to you and your family xxx I'm so sorry to hear your terrible news Swils. Don't forget to take any documentation you do have with you to the embassy ie birth certificates etc, unless of course these are with dusseldorf, in which case ask Suwannee to email them to the embassy. You should be able to get this sorted. The last thing you probably need right now is all of this added stress. Good luck! <em>edited by Mushroom on 08/06/2011</em>
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 06:37
Swils darling, my heart goes out to you, so sorry to hear your news. Despite what Zanie said, I'd actually recommend going straight to the embassy this morning, get there at 7.45 so you're as close as first in the queue when they open at 8am. They'll be able to tell you on the spot exactly what you need to do & if you then need to go to Bur Dubai Police station you have time to do so and then get back to the embassy to complete whatever paperwork is required today. When en route to Bur Dubai call your airline and change the flights.....(ie once you know what's required from the embassy). If you're flying Emirates they do not charge for flight changes when it's due to a death (OH had this back in Feb). A family death is a DEFINATE ok for an emergency travel doc!!! Really good luck and do let us know how you get on today. Hugs to you and your family xxx
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 00:04
Hi Swils, very sorry to hear about your Dad. When I asked the embassy about emergency passports they said that they can issue them on the spot, but only if you are travelling within 5 days or less and have proof of this (e.g. confirmed flight ticket). They also said that you will need to get an exit permit from the main immigration office, which is next to Bur Dubai police station at the Trade Centre roundabout. I didn't go into the details, but I guess you have to get the emergency passport first and then take that to immigration to get the permit, because they probably need to put the passport number on it or stick it into the passport or something. Definitely call the embassy to confirm before you go down there though. I suspect you'll need to change your flights first anyway, so that you've got the proof of immediate travel.
101
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 23:39
Oh I hope someone can help me as so many of you seem to have lots of info about this. 2 of my DS's passports were sent and rec'd in Dusseldorf for renewal on 10th May. This was plenty of time as we were due to travel on 16th July. Sadly my Dad passed away yesterday (bit sooner than I'd hoped) and it's not confirmed but his funereal may be as early as Tues or Weds next week. It was only an hour ago I remembered teh passports. We have rung the expensive number and they say they are 'under process' and it will be a week. So now I need to look at emergency travel doumentation. I had planned to come on here to find decent directions to the embassy but having just read this read it seems I need to show proof of immediate travel to get emergency docs - but we haven't changed flights yet and I'm worried about doing that if I haven't got any travel documents. It could be that I need to travel this weekend so that only leaves me two working days (and only 3 hours a day at that!) to get this sorted. Is there any point in me going to the embassy tomorrow or am I better off just calling them first? Any advice or experience will be much appreciated.
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 22:40
Hassle early, hassle often :)
237
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 22:26
Ah that's gr8 news BM. So glad it's on its way. Hopefully mine should be this Saturday then if it's 4 weeks from CC being debited. In total though that will be almost 6weeks!! Have a gr8 trip ;) Yep I just called the UK and they told me mine debited on 19th May and it should take 3 or 4 weeks after that to be delivered, so fingers crossed, that will make it 16th June. God I hope so. If not she told me to phone 5 days before I travel and ask them to help hassling the Germany office !!!! Fingers crossed for all of us - it's wonderful that lots have had good news already - relief ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 18:29
They called me too today. Mine will hopefully be leaving Germany tomorrow. :) :) :) Can almost hear your sigh of relief from here!! Thank goodness for that ..... Fingers and toes crossed for everyone else's! When I posted mine off I also had the delusion that it would be a 10 day / max 2 week turnaround from what friends & colleagues had said ....... such a shame it's all gone so t!ts up this summer & caused us all so much stress eh! I think the consulate should offer a 'Waiting for passport to return counselling session, how to cope with the stress' Free of charge!!! Ha ha. I'd sign up for sure.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 18:26
Yes HUUUGE thank you to Loopy Lotti!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxx I second that!! Thank you Loopy Lotti. I'm sure my sister would be thanking you too if she knew as you have saved her from holidaying alone with my MIL!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 18:20
They called me too today. Mine will hopefully be leaving Germany tomorrow. :) :) :) Can almost hear your sigh of relief from here!! Thank goodness for that ..... Fingers and toes crossed for everyone else's! When I posted mine off I also had the delusion that it would be a 10 day / max 2 week turnaround from what friends & colleagues had said ....... such a shame it's all gone so t!ts up this summer & caused us all so much stress eh! I think the consulate should offer a 'Waiting for passport to return counselling session, how to cope with the stress' Free of charge!!!
80
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 18:19
Ah that's gr8 news BM. So glad it's on its way. Hopefully mine should be this Saturday then if it's 4 weeks from CC being debited. In total though that will be almost 6weeks!! Have a gr8 trip ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 18:01
Mushroom, did you email the contact and have you heard anything from them? I did thank you. I'm so pleased yours is being sent to. Fingers crossed for us all! <em>edited by Mushroom on 07/06/2011</em>
98
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 18:00
I emailed Suwanee and she is amazing. She called us within about an hour and got it processed and the passport along with our documents will be dhl'ed from germany either this afternoon or tomorrow and we should have it back within 48 hours! I can not thank her and LOOPY for posting the details enough. I am so relieved. Immigration have told us it is not a problem to get an exit visa in an about hour as long as we have the documentation and we can sort the residence visa out on our return. I would say to email Suwanee if its an emergency - ie travel within about a week but otherwise not so we do not inundate her and she doesn't help anymore. I have asked her for a contact (ie her boss) so I can send a letter of praise as to how helpful she has been.
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 16:40
Button Mushroom, have they found you in the system yet? Or will you have to start again?:\:
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 16:33
Good news! Just got a phone call from the email I sent this afternoon. They've confirmed my passport will be sent either tomorrow or Thursday at the latest. Phew! Had a good chat with the lady and she was very helpful. So if anyone is travelling within the next couple of weeks, then it will be worth dropping her a line.
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 14:56
I've just emailed the contact listed too. Thought it was worth a try. All I can do is wait now and chase up later this week! Just keep fingers and toys crossed!
98
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 14:20
I've just spoken to the British Consulate here regarding Emergency Passports. They can issue you one within a day ( not Sundays, you can order one and collect on a Monday! But someday service Monday -Thursday 8am - 11am). Although, one thing you will need to do is request an exit form from the UAE Immigration as the emergency passport will obviously not have your residency visa/UAE entry stamp, otherwise you will encounter questions and holdup at the airport when trying to leave. You'll need to take copy of your old passport (if you're renewing), 2x passport photos, flight ticket or proof of travel and police report (you only need this if you have reported your passport lost or stolen with the police here). And the fee.... 625AED! They'll only cancel your passport application in Dusseldorf if hasn't been processed yet. However, just because they've taken your money doesn't mean the passport IS in process, so you'll need to check with them. It's a pain in the @rse, as a lot of running around just before you leave, but seems straight forward and will enable to leave as planned. So don't panic, we're all doing the best we can to hurry our passports along, but this is what we'll need to do if the worst happens and our passport doesnt return in time. Yep they pretty much told me the same thing, although said it wouldn't affect the original application atall. My problem though is that because it is baby's first passport I have to take the original documents, which are all in Dusseldorf. They will however accept scanned copies from the Dusseldorf passport office. In order to get the scanned documents the UK have to send a request to Dusseldorf and it is a 3 day response as to whether they will agree to be willing to scan and email them. I'm not sure what the costs are for the exit pass but fyi the typing centre fees are approx 200 dhs.
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 14:09
I've just spoken to the British Consulate here regarding Emergency Passports. They can issue you one within a day ( not Sundays, you can order one and collect on a Monday! But someday service Monday -Thursday 8am - 11am). Although, one thing you will need to do is request an exit form from the UAE Immigration as the emergency passport will obviously not have your residency visa/UAE entry stamp, otherwise you will encounter questions and holdup at the airport when trying to leave. You'll need to take copy of your old passport (if you're renewing), 2x passport photos, flight ticket or proof of travel and police report (you only need this if you have reported your passport lost or stolen with the police here). And the fee.... 625AED! They'll only cancel your passport application in Dusseldorf if hasn't been processed yet. However, just because they've taken your money doesn't mean the passport IS in process, so you'll need to check with them. It's a pain in the @rse, as a lot of running around just before you leave, but seems straight forward and will enable to leave as planned. So don't panic, we're all doing the best we can to hurry our passports along, but this is what we'll need to do if the worst happens and our passport doesnt return in time.
 
 

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