New arrangements for British passport renewal

[Kevin Sowten]

http://www.fethiyetimes.com/expat-zone/security/7228-new-arrangements-for-passport-services-for-british-nationals-in-turkey-2013.html

[quackers]

Thanks for that.

[nichola]

When applying for a new replacement passport do you need to get the photo signed on the back?

I found the answer

https://www.gov.uk/countersigning-passport-applications

[bewva]

Nichola, if its a replacement passport (ie the old one is running out) then you don't need the signature of authentication if the the person is clearly recognisable.
I have just renewed my wife's passport (10 year one) and sons (5 year one) and had neither photos signed. My son was 10 on his last one and is now 15. we had no problems.

Its interesting looking down the list of people eligible to sign the photo's the website says Countersignatories must work in a recognised profession or be ‘a person of good standing in their community’

Then lists a whole host of professions, it should not be hard to find a signatory if needed.

[nichola]

Yes, you're right Bewva. I was worried I didn't know my Doctor or a solicitor or my MP but there are lots of people that fit the bill that I do know and have jobs in some of those professions on that list and I think I probably am recognizable from my old passport but it would be just my luck to have a jobs worth who decided I didn't!!!

I was planning to get it renewed in December by appointment in the UK anyway as I was galled at the cost of doing it via Brussels but good to know there are the more reasonable options available now.

[bewva]

Now my wife has a new passport her old one is invalid. Am I to assume that her visa which was still valid for our next trip will now be invalid.
Can you buy/use a new visa whilst you sill have an old one?

[nichola]

Take both passports with you.

I had that years ago when we were travelling on our winter holiday and I had the fright of my life at Istanbul airport when the passport guy asked where my passport stamp was and I had to say at home in my old passport.

He made a phone call and "they" OK'd to let me through but I think I was lucky or maybe because I have a resident permit.

I think as long as they can see it in your passport (old or new) all will be well. I'm not sure if you can get a new one while one is still valid so better safe than sorry.

[bewva]

Sounds like a good plan.