If you’re an Indian citizen residing in the United Kingdom and need to apply for a passport, the process is handled through the Indian High Commission in London or its Consulates in Birmingham and Edinburgh. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Indian passport in the UK.
1. Identify the Relevant Mission (Jurisdiction)
You need to apply at the Indian High Commission (London) or one of the Indian Consulates in the UK, based on your place of residence:
- Indian High Commission, London (covers London, South East, and East England)
- Indian Consulate, Birmingham (covers West Midlands and other surrounding areas)
- Indian Consulate, Edinburgh (covers Scotland)
To find out which consulate has jurisdiction over your area, visit the respective mission’s website.
2. Gather Required Documents
Here is a list of the essential documents needed to apply for a passport:
- Proof of Indian Citizenship:
- Your old or expired passport (for renewal/reissue).
- Birth Certificate (if applying for a first-time passport).
- NRI (Non-Resident Indian) status proof, if applicable.
- Address Proof in the UK:
- Utility bills (e.g., electricity, water, gas).
- Bank statements (dated within 3 months).
- Lease agreement, driving license, etc.
- Proof of Date of Birth (for first-time applicants or minors):
- Birth certificate (in English or with a notarized translation if in another language).
- Old Passport (if applicable).
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- 2-3 passport-size color photographs that meet the passport photo guidelines (size, background, and format).
- Visa/Residency Proof in the UK:
- Visa (valid for a minimum of 6 months).
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Permanent Residency (PR) card, if applicable.
- Proof of legal stay in the UK (e.g., Work Permit, Student Visa, etc.).
- Annexure E (if applicable):
- This is required in cases of name changes, address changes, marital status changes, etc. Annexure E is a self-declaration form that can be downloaded from the High Commission or Consulate website.
3. Fill Out the Passport Application Form
To apply for a passport in the UK, you must fill out the application form online through the official Passport Seva system.
Online Process:
- Go to the Official Passport Seva Portal:
- Visit the Indian Passport Seva website.
- Register or Log In:
- If you are a new user, create an account on the Passport Seva Portal.
- If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.
- Fill the Application Form:
- Select “Fresh Passport”, “Renewal”, or “Reissue” based on your requirement.
- Provide your details carefully (personal, family, contact, and address details).
- If you are renewing your passport or applying for a reissue, fill in the details of your existing passport.
- Submit the Application Form:
- After completing the form, submit it online and take a printout of the application.
4. Make Payment
After completing the form, you will be prompted to pay the passport application fee. The fee will depend on the type of passport (36-page or 60-page) and the urgency of your request.
- Normal Passport Fee: Approximately £75 – £95 for a 36-page passport.
- Tatkal Passport Fee: £125 – £150 for urgent processing.
Payment can usually be made by credit/debit card online or through a bank draft (check the consulate’s website for acceptable payment methods).
5. Book an Appointment
Once the application and payment are complete, you will be directed to schedule an appointment at the relevant Indian Mission (Embassy/Consulate).
How to Book an Appointment:
- Visit the Passport Application Website:
You can book an appointment through the website of your respective mission, either the High Commission (London) or the consulate in Birmingham or Edinburgh.- Indian High Commission, London: https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/
- Indian Consulate, Birmingham: https://www.cgibirmingham.gov.in/
- Indian Consulate, Edinburgh: https://www.cgiedinburgh.gov.in/
- Select Appointment Slot:
- Choose a date and time that works for you based on availability.
- Bring all necessary documents to the consulate or embassy at the scheduled time.
6. Attend the Appointment
On the day of your appointment, visit the Indian Embassy/Consulate with the following:
- Printed Application Form (from the Passport Seva Portal).
- Appointment Confirmation (the appointment receipt).
- All Original Documents (with photocopies).
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Fee Payment Receipt (if applicable).
- Annexure E (if applicable).
At the embassy/consulate, your documents will be verified, and your biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) will be taken.
7. Police Verification (if required)
In most cases, police verification is conducted for first-time passport applicants or those applying for a reissue after a long period (usually for more than 10 years).
- Police verification may take place either in the UK or in India, depending on your address and the embassy’s/consulate’s process.
- The embassy/consulate will coordinate the verification with the Indian police if required.
8. Wait for Passport Processing
Once your application is accepted and biometric data is collected, your passport will be processed. The processing time can vary based on whether you are applying for a normal passport or a Tatkal passport:
- Normal Passport: Usually takes 10-15 business days.
- Tatkal Passport: Can be processed within 1-3 business days (if you apply under the urgent processing scheme).
You can track the status of your application online through the Passport Seva Portal or the website of your respective embassy/consulate.
9. Receive Your Passport
Once your passport is processed and ready, you will receive it via post to the address you provided during your application. The delivery time typically ranges from 7 to 15 business days, depending on the processing time and the postal service.
Important Things to Note
- Passport Validity: Your passport will typically be issued for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors (below 18 years).
- Tatkal Scheme: If you need your passport urgently, you can opt for the Tatkal service. You will need to provide proof of urgency and pay the higher Tatkal fee.
- Police Verification: Police verification can take time, so make sure you allow extra time for the process if your address is new or has changed.
Links to Indian Missions in the UK
Here are the official links to the Indian High Commission and Consulates in the UK for your reference:
- Indian High Commission, London: https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/
- Indian Consulate, Birmingham: https://www.cgibirmingham.gov.in/
- Indian Consulate, Edinburgh: https://www.cgiedinburgh.gov.in/
By following these steps, you can easily apply for your Indian passport in the UK, whether it’s for a first-time application, renewal, or reissue.