Passport renewal times for expats have been lengthened, according to new guidance from Her Majesty’s Passport Office.
A spokesman said: "We are updating our guidance on estimated processing times for customers who apply for a passport overseas. Applications from overseas can take significantly longer than those made in the UK due to additional security checks.’’
Three weeks is the usual time it takes for passports to be processed for people living in the UK.
But for Brits abroad, it can take at least six weeks. First-time applicants may have to wait for eight or more weeks.
"We recommend customers do not book travel until they have received their passport,” the spokesman added.
Expats can help themselves beat the system by applying early as there is no need to wait until the passport expiry date draws near.
As of March 2014, all passports for Britons overseas are processed centrally at HM Passport Office in Liverpool.
Previously, overseas applications were handled by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's seven regional processing centres in Düsseldorf, Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, Pretoria, Washington and Wellington.
Country-by-country advice on applying for a passport from overseas is available at gov.uk/overseas-passports. The cost of renewing a standard adult red 32 page passport is £102.86 including courier fees.
