Passports

Standard passports are now printed in the UK via the Regional Passport Processing Centre in Hong Kong. But you still have to apply via the High Commission in Delhi. You should not send your applications direct to Hong Kong - they will be sent back to you and you will lose the money you spent on the courier charge.

Further detailed information on the application process is available here.

Why have we done this? Please see this leaflet [PDF, 77.0 Kb] for all the changes related to the way we issue passports overseas.

If you are renewing an existing British passport you should allow at least 4 -5 weeks - from when the application is received by the Passport Section in New Delhi - for us to process your new passport.

If you are applying for a British passport for the first time you should allow at least 16 weeks - from the date of receipt of a complete application (including all the right documents, photos that conform to requirements and the correct fee) by the Passport Section in New Delhi - for processing. Please note surrogacy cases can take up to 6 months.

We apologise for any inconvenience and the length time it will take but, these measures are necessary to prevent fraud and identity theft. Please also bear in mind that you will need to have the relevant Indian Immigration stamps put in your new passport in order to leave the country.

Please do not call to check on the progress of your application during the processing period. All passport application enquiries and status updates are handled by Careline Services Limited through their Passport Information Helpline. Please be aware that you are charged for this call so try our website first. The details of the Careline Services [PDF, Kb].

We remind applicants that travel should not be booked until you are in receipt of your new passport and HM Government cannot accept responsibility for any costs incurred if flights are booked and subsequently cancelled because a travel document is not available.

Applicants who have had a child through surrogacy or adoption should be aware that additional, often complex steps both in the UK and India may be necessary to obtain all the necessary papers to apply for a passport. This can take up to six months. Please read our surrogacy and adoption pages for advice.

If you are unsure as to your claim to British nationality please contact UKBA's Nationality Determination Service.

Please call the Assistance team of the Consular Section of the High Commission if you need to travel urgently and they will deal with your request.

Please note that the operating hours of the passport section are now 0930 – 1230 Monday – Thursday. We are closed on Friday. However, the Assistance team of the consular section will be available on Friday to handle emergency travel requests.

UK in India

Passports

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