So, your British passport is close to expiring, and you’re soaking up the sun in Spain. What now? Don’t worry — you don’t need to brave a consulate visit or hop a flight back to the UK. Renewing your British passport from Spain is totally doable from your sofa (preferably with a café con leche in hand). This guide walks you through everything, from start to finish, without the fluff.
Now, I’ll admit — writing about passport renewals isn’t exactly visually thrilling, so I’ve sprinkled in some of my favourite photos from over the years living in Spain to keep things a bit more cheerful (and maybe help show what you’re renewing that passport for).
The Short Version (For the “Just Tell Me What to Do” Crowd)
- Best Option: Apply online via GOV.UK.
- Cost: ~£128 total (passport + courier at time of publication).
- Processing Time: Around 3–6 weeks. Don’t book flights until it arrives.
- Key Tip: Your old passport must be posted to the UK before they’ll issue the new one.
- Emergency? You might need an Emergency Travel Document (ETD), but more on that below.
Step-by-Step: Online Passport Renewal (The Easy Way)
1. Go to GOV.UK
Start your application here. When asked, say you’re applying from outside the UK, then pick Spain.
2. Upload a Digital Photo
You can take it yourself (think white wall, good lighting, no glasses glare) or pop into a local photo shop. It needs to be:
- Taken in the last month
- Plain light background
- No smiling, hats, or filters
- Minimum 600 x 750 pixels
3. Fill Out the Form
Add your personal details, current passport info, and your Spanish address. If your name changed since your last passport, you’ll need official proof (e.g. marriage certificate + certified English translation).
4. Pay Online
The current cost is:
- £108 for the passport
- £19.86 for courier delivery to Spain
Make sure your card allows GBP payments.
5. Send In Your Old Passport
After submitting your application, post your old passport to the UK address they give you. Use a tracked courier — regular mail is risky, and HMPO doesn’t confirm receipt.
6. Wait (Patiently)
You probably won’t hear anything until it’s dispatched. Most get their new passport within 3–4 weeks, but officially, it could take up to 6.
7. Receive Your New Passport
Delivered by secure courier, often requiring a signature. Your old passport comes separately (with the corners snipped off).
Prefer Paper? Here’s What to Know
While the online route is faster and cheaper, you can apply by post. It’s a bit old-school and costs more (£120.50 + courier), but it’s still an option.
To do this:
- Request a paper form from the HM Passport Office
- Include 2 printed photos, your old passport, and any name change docs – check the latest photo requirements here.
- Pay by card or UK bank cheque (no cash!)
- Mail the lot by secure courier to the UK
Expect a longer processing time (5–7 weeks), and no confirmation until your new passport’s on its way.
Key Docs You’ll Need
For most standard renewals:
- Your old British passport
- Digital or printed passport photo
- Name change proof (if relevant), plus certified English translation
- A second passport (copy or original) if you have dual nationality
You usually don’t need:
- Proof of address
- Countersignatures
- Birth or citizenship certificates (unless asked)
Urgent Travel? Here’s What You Can Do
If you’ve got a trip looming and no valid passport:
- Don’t Send It Off Yet if your current one is still valid for your trip.
- Emergency Travel Document (ETD): Apply at your nearest British Consulate in Spain. It costs £125 and is valid for limited travel. You’ll need proof of your journey and a digital photo. Find out more about the ETD here.
- Fast-Track (Only in the UK): If you’re planning a UK visit soon, you could renew in person there using a 1-week or same-day service. But you must be physically in the UK — not possible from Spain.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Process
- Renew early – aim for 6+ months before expiry, especially if you have travel plans.
- Double-check your photo – it’s the most common reason for delays.
- Track your parcel – since you won’t get a “we got it” message.
- Use a real address for delivery – no P.O. boxes or hotels.
Helpful Resources
- Main passport renewal page
- Passport photo guidelines
- Emergency Travel Document info
- Passport fees
- Contact HM Passport Office / Adviceline
- Online passport photo checker
- List of approved translators (UK gov guidance)
- British Consulates in Spain (for ETDs)
- Latest processing times
- Dual nationality travel guidance
Final Thoughts
Renewing your British passport from Spain doesn’t need to be a nightmare. As long as you follow the steps, get that photo right, and allow a few weeks for the process, you’ll be flipping through your shiny new passport in no time — ready for your next adventure.