Obtaining your first British passport is an exciting milestone. For many, particularly those who have recently become British citizens through historic legislative unfairness provisions, completing a British passport application is the final step in a lengthy journey.
While the process is now largely digital, there are several practical points that applicants should be aware of before starting the application.
Here are five key tips to support you, based on our experience assisting clients make their first British passport applications from overseas.
1. You cannot apply until you become a British citizen
Many applicants are keen to submit their passport application as soon as their British citizenship application is approved. However, approval alone is not enough.
If you obtained British citizenship through registration or naturalisation, you must attend a citizenship ceremony and receive your Certificate of Registration or Naturalisation before applying for your first British passport. This is because you do not officially become a British citizen until your ceremony has taken place.
For overseas applicants, ceremonies are typically arranged through British embassies or consulates. This can lead to delays between approval and receiving the certificate. The standard timeframe is up to 16 weeks from the date of decision to attending a ceremony, although some applicants are currently experiencing delays of up to 20 weeks.
2. The application process is mostly digital
The good news is that applying for a first British passport from overseas is now largely an online process.
Applicants will complete an online application and upload a digital passport photograph. In most cases, this photo can be taken using a smartphone, provided it meets the UK Passport Office's requirements.
After your application has been submitted, you will be required to provide original supporting documents via post, such as your birth certificate or Certificate of Registration.
3. Referee for a passport application
You will need a referee, known as a countersignatory, for your application.
To be a suitable countersignatory, a person must meet the following requirements:
- They must be age 18 years or older
- They must have a current British, Irish, or other European Union (EU), United States (US) or Commonwealth passport (your application will be processed faster if your referee has a British or Irish passport)
- They must not be related to you by birth or marriage
- They must be an adult who has known you for at least 2 years
- They must work in (or be retired from) a profession recognised by the Passport Office
If your referee does not hold a British or Irish passport, the Passport Office will usually email you shortly after you submit your application. The email will ask you to provide a copy of the biographical information page of your referee’s passport by post so that their identity can be verified.
Choosing a referee who is responsive and easy to contact can help avoid unnecessary delays.
4. Processing times can vary significantly
In practice, processing times can vary considerably depending on demand, individual circumstances and whether further evidence is requested.
While some overseas first passport applications are processed in as little as four weeks, applicants should be prepared for the process to take longer. In some cases, applications can take 10 weeks or more, particularly where additional checks are required or demand is high. The processing time starts from when the Passport Office receives your documents.
You should apply for your first British passport as soon as possible, especially if you are looking to relocate to the UK. While the new British Citizenship Priority Service can accelerate British citizenship applications, there is currently no equivalent fast track service for a first adult British passport application.
Once you become a British citizen, you must enter the UK using a British passport. You will not be able to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) as a British citizen, which is an electronic document providing permission to travel for those who are not British citizens.
5. Home Office fees
The fee for a first adult British passport from overseas is currently £116.50 (as of October 2026).
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also incur additional costs for obtaining and couriering original supporting documents internationally. These expenses can vary depending on the country involved, the type of documents required, and the courier service used. Using a reliable, tracked courier service can make the process considerably smoother and provides reassurance that documents have been safely delivered.
If you do not have access to certain UK-issued documents needed to support your application, our team at Thorntons can often assist in obtaining copies on your behalf, where appropriate. We can advise on which documents are likely to be relevant and help ensure that any supporting evidence is obtained as efficiently as possible.
How can Thorntons help?
Our specialist Immigration team regularly advises on first British passport applications from overseas.
We offer an initial fixed-fee consultation to assess your eligibility, identify any potential issues and explain the process in detail. We can also provide a full representation service, preparing and managing your passport application on your behalf.
For advice about the process of applying for your first British passport from overseas, contact Ross Drysdale at [email protected].
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