UK in Turkey
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From 15 June 2010, applications for full validity passports for British Nationals will no longer be processed in the British Consulate in Istanbul. From 15 June 2010, the British Passport Processing Centre (PPC) in Northern Europe, based in Dusseldorf, Germany will process all British passport applications from Turkey. These changes are being implemented throughout the region in 2010.
From 15 June 2010 you will need to send your completed application to the British Passport Production Centre in Dusseldorf
All applications must include a completed application form, two identical photographs, supporting documents and a credit card authorisation slip.
If you are applying to renew your passport you must also include your old or expiring passport. We will cancel this passport (leaving any visa or residency stamps intact) and return it with your new passport.
- Application form: you can either download the appropriate passport application form from this website or call into the British Consulate to collect one. Please read the passport application notes carefully and make sure that each section on your passport application form is filled out in its entirety, even if you do not think it is applicable.
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Photographs: Ensure that the photos meet the new Biometric criteria. Ensure that you enclose two identical and recent photographs. One of the photographs must be countersigned by a professional who has known you for at least 2 years, but is not a relative.
The photograph standards required for biometric passports are higher than those needed for earlier types of passports. If the photograph you send with your passport application does not meet the standards required you will be asked to send photographs that do. This could cause a long delay in processing your application. Please ensure that your photographs meet the required standard, by checking the latest information on the DirectGov website To avoid any inconvenience we recommend that you print the guidance and give it to your photographer. - Supporting documentation:Required documents; list all documents that you will be required to submit with your application. Please note that documents must be originals and will be returned to you once your application has been processed. The relevant Turkish documents are:
Birth Certificate: Formul A
Marriage Certificate: Formul B
Death Certificate: Formul C
- Payment: Payment for this service is by credit card. Your passport application and payment will be processed by Dusseldorf. This is the only payment option. You should print a Card Payment Authorisation Form , filling in your card details as instructed on the form, and enclosing this with your application by post.
DO NOT send your actual credit card. If the cardholder name is different to the applicant’s name, please attach a photocopy of the cardholder’s passport or other photo ID with signature.
The cards we accept are Visa and Mastercard credit cards. We are unable to process Maestro cards, American Express, Diners Club.
Where do I send my completed application form, supporting documents and payment to?
You should send your completed application form, supporting documents and credit card authorisation slip to the following address:
Passport Section
British Consulate General
Yorck Strasse 19
40476 Düsseldorf
Germany
How much will this process cost?
The cost of a passport issued overseas is set by Parliament in sterling and is the same everywhere. Fees in Dusseldorf are taken in Euros.
Please click for the current fees
You will also need to pay for the cost of secure return of the new passport by courier from Dusseldorf. Return shipment from Dusseldorf is handled by DHL Worldwide, this costs €25 for each application from Turkey.
You are responsible for getting your application to Dusseldorf either via a reputable courier firm or by registered mail from Turkey.
How long will it take to receive my passport?
In line with the service in the UK, for customers renewing a passport we aim to return your new passport within 4 weeks of receipt of correct documentation and fee. If you are applying for the first time you should allow at least six weeks.
Will I have to travel to Dusseldorf to get my passport?
No. You are responsible for sending your application directly to the British Passport Processing Centre for Northern Europe in Dusseldorf, which is part of the British Consulate General, Dusseldorf, Germany, and they will return your new passport and other papers by courier.
How will my new passport be sent to me and how will you guarantee protection for my personal documents and completed passport?
Return shipment from Dusseldorf is handled by DHL Worldwide, this costs €25. DHL provide a secure delivery service within 72 hours of dispatch, dependent on which part of Turkey you live in. The courier will need to obtain your signature on delivery. This service represents the most secure means of ensuring that your passport reaches you.
You should be aware that there are other cheaper courier services available, but these do not meet our standards for security and speed of despatch.
Can my new passport be sent to a PO Box?
No, you must provide a home or office address, where you can sign for the package containing your new passport.
What if I need a passport urgently?
The British posts in Turkey are able to issue an Emergency Travel Document. You should contact them to discuss your case and emergency travel document requirements. You will need to visit the Consulate nearest to you to process your application.
How can I make an enquiry about the progress of my application?
Careline services, are available between 0900 Monday and 1800 Friday local time and will be able to answer questions about the passport application process, documents required and the progress of your application once it is received in Dusseldorf. This is an English-speaking service only.
If you are calling from Turkey the telephone number is: +44 208 082 4740. Calls will be charged at GBP 0.69 per minute + VAT for the duration of the call. Telephone service providers will also charge for the cost of the international call. Calls made on a mobile phone may be subject to additional charges, please check with your mobile phone provider. Please ensure you have your credit card details ready before calling.
For customers with hearing difficulties, a Textphone service is available by contacting +44 1750 725368. This is a credit card payment service, charged at the same rates as above.
Why are these changes happening?
These changes are part of a global initiative to streamline the overseas passport operation; to reduce administrative costs while improving security and maintaining a high quality of customer service.
What services will the Embassy continue to provide for British nationals living and travelling overseas?
The Consular Team in Turkey will continue to provide assistance to British residents and visitors who need our help, including notarial services. We have a professional and high performing consular team throughout the country.
Is it illegal to send a UK passport across borders?
No. Sending passports across borders is standard practice elsewhere - a large number of our passport issuing posts process applications from neighbouring countries. This practice is also common in other countries: Australia, Canada, the USA and most of our EU partners process passports across country borders. The latest passport application form no longer states that "you must be in the country where this application is being made".
I need my passport for ID purposes. What can I do whilst my application is being processed?
You should carry your Residence Permit and/or other photo ID with you (e.g. driving licence), along with a photocopy of your old passport and evidence that you have requested a renewal (eg copy of your application form, proof of postage).
I am a frequent traveller and use my passport constantly. Is there any way to minimise the time I am without my passport?
You can minimise transit times by sending your application to Dusseldorf by an internationally recognised courier.
You can also apply to renew your passport when you are next in the UK, using the premium or fast-track services available there. For details see the pages on urgent applications of the Identity and Passport Service’s website.
Our system also allows you to apply up to nine months before your current passport expires without losing any validity (we can add the unused validity of your old passport onto the validity of your new passport e.g. add nine months plus 10 years). This gives you the flexibility to apply at a time when you are not travelling. We recommend that you apply at least 4 weeks before you plan to travel.
Alternatively, you can apply for a second passport. These are issued on a discretionary basis to people who travel frequently. If you choose to apply for a second passport you will need to include a letter from your employer setting out the professional reasons for requiring a second passport.
Why is it more expensive to apply for a passport abroad than it is in the UK?
The issuing of British passports is divided between the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), which works in the UK, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which works overseas. The IPS issues approximately six million passports every year from seven locations. The FCO issues fewer than 400,000 passports a year from over 100 locations. The full costs of issuing must be met through the passport fee. Although we run an efficient operation, we cannot match the economies of scale that the IPS benefits from. Centralising passport production in fewer locations is one way for the FCO to cover costs without any reduction in service to the customer.
Have you transferred passport production elsewhere in the world?
Yes, other mergers have been successfully completed in Australasia, Europe, North America and Southern Africa. These changes to passport services are being implemented throughout the Gulf region in 2010.
Although we realise circumstances are different in different parts of the world, we are confident we can also successfully streamline and improve the operation here too. In the larger Passport Processing Centres there are in excess of 6000 passport applications processed successfully within the Public Targets every month.
Can I apply directly to the IPS (UK based passport office) instead of Dusseldorf?
Yes, but only if you are going to be in the UK at the time you make the application. To do so, you need to make an appointment at a UK passport office, and you must provide an address in the UK to which the passport can be posted. Full details are available on the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) website or from the Passport Advice line on +44 300 222 0000 which operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Customers should not make any travel arrangements until their new passport is received. The Embassy cannot be held responsible for costs incurred as a result of disrupted travel plans.
Consulate Vodcast
How to apply for a UK passport
There's a single process for applying for your first passport or to renew or replace it if you are a UK resident living overseas.
Biometric passports
Linking biometric information to the passport holder is a security measure that helps to combat identity fraud.
Passport documents
There are different documents and information that you'll need to provide depending on the type of passport you are applying for.
Passport forms
The forms for applying for a new passport or to replace or renew your passport are different. Make sure you use the right form.
Lost or stolen passports
You need to report the loss of theft of your passport to the police and to our staff.
