Changes to Passport Services in Egypt

[Hurghada Lady]

February 2010

Dear British Community,

Changes to Passport Services in Egypt


I would like to bring this important change in passport services to your attention.

From 15 April 2010, applications for full validity passports for British Nationals will no longer be processed in Egypt. Please read this notice to find out what’s happening, why the change is necessary and how it affects you.

From 15 April all passport applications will be processed and printed centrally in a Regional Passport Processing Centre in Paris. Until this date you can continue to submit your passport applications at the British Embassy Cairo and the British Consulate General in Alexandria.

Our website will be updated shortly to include further instructions on how to submit your application to the Processing Centre in Paris. If you plan to travel in the next 2-3 months you are advised to check this website regularly for advice and information.

Why is this happening?

These changes are part of a global initiative to streamline and modernise the overseas passport operation. The UK remains one of the few countries printing passports in Embassies and Consulates abroad. This is expensive to do and is less secure as we have to transport blank passports around the world. Our aim is to reduce the cost of running the operation, while improving security and maintaining a high quality of customer service.

How long will it take to return a Passport?

We aim to process all passports within 10 working days upon receipt of the correct documentation and payment. Please ensure you allow time for delivery at both ends of the process.
You can continue to state your intended date of travel on the application form but while every effort will be made to return your passport within 3 weeks, you are advised to allow plenty of time to submit your application before travelling.
If you need to travel urgently to the UK, you can contact the British Embassy in Cairo to purchase an Emergency Passport.




Has this happened elsewhere?

Yes. By the end of this year there will be 7 Regional Passport Processing Centres worldwide. 6 Are already in place covering Europe, The Americas, Australasia and Southern Africa. Comments from customers include:

“Very user friendly……No problems very smooth……….Quicker than anticipated…”

The Cost

If you apply for a British passport overseas you can expect to pay:

For your passport (the fee is the same worldwide).
The cost of sending your application to us (as you would in the UK)
For the secure return of your passport and documents.
In the next 6 weeks we will publish instructions on how to submit your application and advice on using local courier services.

Customers are advised to:
Keep their passports in a safe place at all times.
Regularly check the validity, particularly when planning future trips.
Submit applications for new passports or renewals in good time. Don’t leave it until the last minute.


I will let you know further updates on the practicalities of this shortly.

Dawn Naughton

HM Consul