Passport Interviews
PASSPORT APPLICATIONS ARE CHANGING
PROTECTING YOUR IDENTITY
The UK Identity and Passport Service has now introduced interviews for all first time passport applicants as part of the application process. This significant change is designed to help stop fraudulent passport applications by improving the integrity and security of British passports.
As a result of this, the British Embassy is now applying this policy. First time passport applicants aged 11-16 should plan on having to attend our offices for an interview. The parents/guardians of minor children/infants aged under 11 will be interviewed instead of the children. Those aged 11-16, can sit with a parent or guardian in the interview. Applicants aged 16 or over will be interviewed alone. We may ask to physically see children under the age of 11 to compare likeness with supplied photos. We recommend that customers submit their applications at least a month before they require their passport to travel although if we have to make document checks the passport processing time may be longer.
The interview is a vital part of the passport application, ensuring that applicants are the rightful owners of that identity. As at present, this should not affect most passport renewals although some other passport applicants may also be required to attend interviews at the discretion of the British Embassy on a case by case basis.
Who will require an interview?
Compulsory interviews for the following applicants will be conducted:
- Those applying for a British passport for the first time.
- Those applying for a replacement passport following the loss or theft of more than one passport over a short period;
- Those who have changed their names, except if that change follows marriage, civil partnership, divorce or dissolution;
- Those not holding a valid British passport for more than 10 years;
- Those renewing an old style blue passport;
- Those holding British Overseas Territories passports, other than Gibraltar.
* The British Embassy has the discretion to interview any applicant on a case by case basis.
If an interview is requested, applicants will be required to supply full documentation. The Embassy will notify you with what documents are required.
Why are interviews necessary?
Interviewing passport applicants has been established practice in many British Embassies and High Commissions worldwide for a number of years and has proven to be an effective deterrent against passport fraud and identity theft. To bring our current procedures into line with the IPS in the UK, all FCO posts will adopt the same policy and approach to passport interviewing. This has become necessary to:
- Establish your eligibility and entitlement to a British passport;
- Prevent other people impersonating you and using your identity to commit fraud. Sadly, this is happening more frequently with distressing consequence for its victims.
- Reduce passport fraud and forgery; this sort of crime is becoming more sophisticated and more organised.
- To counter terrorist activity, making internal safer and hassle-free;
- Prevent illegal entry into the UK and other countries.
Many UK banks, building societies and organisation now ask for photographic proof of identity prior to transacting business, with a valid passport increasingly being required. A misappropriated passport therefore can open the way to bank accounts, mortgages, benefits and many other services.
The interview has a vital role within the passport application, in ensuring that customers are the rightful owners of that "identity."
How will I know I need an interview and how long it take?
- Make sure you submit your passport application in plenty of time before you expect to travel.
- Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Once the British Embassy has received a fully completed application they will establish that the customer’s identity exists and that they are entitled to a British passport. If a customer requires an interview he/she will be notified accordingly and given a date, time and location to attend.
- You may have a long journey to your nearest Consular Office. Please allow plenty of time to attend an interview.
- They will also advise you what documents you need to bring with you to support your application.
The interview length is dependant on the type of application being made. On average it will take about [insert your post’s average interview time] minutes and will be conducted in a professional manner, consisting mainly of questions confirming facts about a customer, which someone attempting to steal their identity may not know.
Questions asked will not be the same at every interview.
When will I receive my passport?
After your interview, we will still need to make some final checks so we cannot tell you at the interview if your application is successful. You will be notified at a later stage.
Your needs at the interview office:
When making an interview appointment, please let us know if you have any particular needs for your interview, for example:
- If you have a severe incapacity which you believe will prevent you from attending or taking part in an interview.
- An interpreter or sign language interpreter?
- A carer or parent to be present during the interview.
- Privacy because you do not wish to uncover your face in public – you will need to have your face uncovered during your interview?
Customers should not make any travel arrangements until the new passport is received, as the FCO Embassy cannot be held responsible for costs incurred as a result of disrupted travel plans.
