Temporary Passports are being withdrawn because the system is no longer viable as a stand alone product, given the low demand worldwide. It would require a significant investment to upgrade the system to meet current and future security and quality standards.

Over the next 12 to 18 months we will be introducing a more flexible, but secure Emergency Travel Document enabling customers to travel at short notice to the UK or another country.  We will also be introducing measures to enhance the security and integrity of our full validity passport. 

In the meantime we will continue to issue Emergency Passports for people who need to travel quickly. Please be aware that if you need to travel, on an Emergency Passport via the United States, prior clearance will need to be obtained from the US Immigration Service.    

What this means to you?

You must:

• Look after your passport.
• Check its validity.  (Passports can be renewed up to 9 months before they expire.  The extra time will be added on to the new passport’s period of validity.)
• If you do not have a full validity passport, you will need to allow extra time to obtain one.
• If you are a frequent traveller, to countries requiring a visa, please enquire at the counter about purchasing a second passport.*

*These are issued at the discretion of the British Embassy/High Commission/Consulate.  Applicants must demonstrate that: a) they are entitled to a British passport and b) there is a genuine need to hold a second passport. 

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