Applying for new or replacement passports as a British national living in Spain
Changes to the system for Spanish-based expats came into effect on 13th May 2013
Changes to the procedures for obtaining new or replacement passports.
British nationals living here in Spain should be aware that the procedures for applying for new or replacement passports changed on the 13th May 2013.
From this date on, all passport applications are being processed via the UK, not via the Madrid processing hub. The main reason for this is the cost involved in handling passport applications, which can be done more efficiently from a single UK base.
All passport applications must be sent to the Identity & Passport Service (IPS) in Belfast in the United Kingdom, instead of the regional passport processing hub in Madrid.
All of the forms necessary for applying for a new passport or replacing an existing passport can be found on the British government web site :
Type in www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
Processing times for passports will remain the same, which means that at least four weeks must be allowed in order to renew a passport, providing all the correct documentation has been submitted with the application.
In the case of first time passports or replacing a lost or stolen passport, six weeks must be allowed.
Passports will be sent via courier to Spanish addresses.
British nationals who lack internet access or want advice are able to call the IPS Customer Service Centre on +44 (0) 300 222 0000.
People who need to travel urgently but whose normal passport is unavailable should contact their nearest British Consulate via 902 109 356 or email info.consulate@fco.gov.uk .
Your local Consulate may be able to issue an Emergency Travel Document to help you travel.( Click for Alicante Cnsulate)
