How to Obtain a British Passport in Australia

Applying for a U.K. passport from abroad can be a tricky process, but the U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office offers guidance and instructions for passport applications. A passport is proof of U.K. citizenship, so to successfully apply you must be entitled to U.K. citizenship by birth or adoption. U.K. passport applications in Australia are handled by the Foreign & Commonwealth office and can be submitted at an Australia Post Office outlet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Passport application Proof of eligibility for British citizenship--proof of parents' citizenship, birth certificate or certificate of registered U.K. birth abroad Passport fee 2 passport photos
Passport application
Proof of eligibility for British citizenship--proof of parents' citizenship, birth certificate or certificate of registered U.K. birth abroad
Passport fee
2 passport photos

Step 1

Print out the appropriate passport application form (see resources) from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. There are several different versions of the form depending upon your situation. The passport guidance notes will help you to select the correct application.

Step 2

Fill out the passport application and initial each page. Attach two recent passport sized photos to the application and gather supporting documentation, including your proof of U.K. citizenship. Your supporting documents will prove your eligibility for a U.K. passport. The documents will vary based on your claim to U.K. citizenship but might include your parents' birth certificates and passports, your birth certificate or certificates of adoption by a U.K. citizen.

Step 3

Take your application, fee and supporting documents to the nearest Australia Post Office. Call Australia Post on 13 13 18 to determine which Post Office outlet will accept your application.

Step 4

Attend a passport interview, if necessary. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office will contact you if an interview is necessary.

Resources

U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office: How To Apply

Article Written By Gwen Wark

Gwen Wark is a freelance writer working from London, Dublin, and New York. She has been a published writer since 1998 with works appearing in both university and local publications. Her current writing projects include SEO, web copy, print and advertising features. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in history from Rutgers University.

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