British Passport Renewal in Dubai

Here's our helpful guide on what you need to do to replace your British passport while living here

Posted on

4 September 2012

| Last updated on 29 October 2019

by Rebecca Roberts

How to replace your British Passport in Dubai is one of the most frequently asked questions in our community.

For those who are unfamiliar with the processes of how to renew your British passport while living in Dubai, attempting to do so without any guidance can be at first, a little daunting.

After all, it's your passport - one of, if not the, most important document you own - so the idea of shipping it away in order to gain your new one can be stressful for some.

Previously, passports could be replaced here in Dubai or in Abu Dhabi by the British Embassy, or you would send them to Dusseldorf. However now, you'll be happy to learn that the process is super easy to follow, and the whole renewal can be done quickly.

During quieter times, you can expect your passport renewal to be completed within two weeks - however, this time can increase up to four weeks during peak seasons, such as before Christmas or the summer holidays.

Please also note that this process may take longer if HM Passport Office requires further documentation from you, or if your new passport photo is rejected. Don’t book any travel until you have a valid passport. If you need to travel more urgently, apply for an Emergency Travel Document.

Here's our complete guide to renewing your British passport in Dubai...

Renewing a red UK passport

First of all, British expats residing in Dubai who wish to renew their passport must do so via the Overseas British passport applications service on the government's website, here.

This is a separate procedure to Britons rewewing their passport if they reside in the UK or are visiting the country for a limited time.

For an overseas passport application (and renewal), simply follow the steps and you will be provided with the forms, prices and application details you need if you're a British national wishing to renew/apply for a British passport while living abroad.

The process involves steps to determine where you live, your date of birth, whether you've had a passport before and if your current one is lost or stolen. You'll then be requested to input your current passport's details, like issue date and issuing authority.

You will also need:

Two identical new passport photos of yourself
Any other current passports issued by other countries
A MasterCard, Visa, Visa Electron, Visa Debit or Maestro (UK Domestic) card - Maestro (International) cards aren’t accepted

Read the guidance notes to help you fill in your online application. Check which supporting documents you must send with your application. Any documents that aren’t in English (including documents showing an address) must be translated by a professional translator.

Continue the process until you come to the payment page. It costs £75.50 (approx. AED 350) to renew your passport online. At this stage, you will also be required to pay around £20 for both your new and old passports to be couriered back to you here in the UAE.

Once you have printed your paperwork and declaration form, it needs to be sent to HM Passport Office in the UK. For this, head to your nearest courier service. DHL comes as one of the most recommended couriers in our online communities since they offer a special UK passport renewal that costs between AED 200 - 300.

To give you peace of mind, you can track your passport application immediately if you apply online. You'll also receive regular SMS alerts and emails to keep you up-to-date with what stage your passport renewal is currently at.

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