Should you Renew your UK passport?

[gaz0303]

Well it's been more than 5 years post Brexit departure date. The sky hasn't fallen down but the expiry on my UK passport has. I'm in two minds on what to do. Do I spend $201 on a new passport or stump up $33 for an ESTA? From a functional perspective, the UK passport offers very little value - handy tool here. But there is an emotional gratification holding a passport of your country of birth. Dual citizens, what have you done with your UK passport?

 

[antycbr]

If you’re planning to go to Chile renew your UK passport - the AU visa fee is almost the same as the passport!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

And useful for Vietnam! No visa required for there either.

I renew mine, seems easier and simpler to keep doing so rather than let it lapse and need to get all the documents together later.

I also have a slight complication in that my ESTA is in my UK passport. And all the advice seems to be to not transfer it to my Aussie passport… unless you fancy a trip down to the closest US embassy/consulate/visa centre.

 

[antycbr]

Add Brazil to the list - UK free for 90 days, Australians $81USD and 2 months in advance.

 

[andye]

I've let mine, mrsandye's and mstrsandye3&4 expire. Everything x4 becomes expensive. The older sons are either already working or considering working in UK so makes sense to keep them running. I've always found the egates in UK pretty quick with Aus passport

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Allegedly… soon… UK passports will be allowed to use the e-gates in continental europe again. Although apparently it will be up to each individual country to allow it, or not.

 

[andye]

I did stare mournfully at the empty EU egates in HEL while waiting in
a long, long queue for Aus/NZ/UK/US/Korea/Japan egates.
UK passport wouldn't have helped though

 

[jastel]

Renewed mine, pretty much equal status with Aussie now though, I have got many benefits pre Brexit in the EU, got the South American benefits as well.
But on recent trip used the UK one, except for enter/leaving Australia.
My theory is keep renewing is easier than starting again.
Also having a "spare" could be a bonus.

 

[zig]

I renewed mine as well. More an emotional decision than logical perhaps.
However also influenced by points raised above - have previously had benefits whilst travelling in South America, and I figure it is easier to renew than to have to apply for a new passport in the future.

 

[clifford]

Add Brazil to the list - UK free for 90 days, Australians $81USD and 2 months in advance.

Not to mention Turkey, EUR 50 for Australians, zero for UK passport holders. I know from bitter experience, when I had lost my UK passport en route and only had my AU passport to enter the country (but that's another story).

And, as the UK passport is so much cheaper than the ripoff Australian one, why not just go for it? It's not a king's ransome, and could get you out of a few scrapes and save yourself some money at the same time.

 

[gaz0303]

Your collective points have convinced me to renew. Thank you all.

 

[FlyingFiona]

I know you've made your mind up, but I'm another one who threw money after nostalgia. Also, I am also of an age that I may just well end up back there to live again, at least for a time.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Well it's been more than 5 years post Brexit departure date. The sky hasn't fallen down but the expiry on my UK passport has. I'm in two minds on what to do. Do I spend $201 on a new passport or stump up $33 for an ESTA? From a functional perspective, the UK passport offers very little value - handy tool here. But there is an emotional gratification holding a passport of your country of birth. Dual citizens, what have you done with your UK passport?

I have never let my UK passport lapse same with all of my Australian born children. Been an Australian citizen for 15 years.
Being able to get Global Entry long before Australia was a great benefit.
But I think the emotional attachment was the bigger drive.

 

[kelvedon]

Allegedly… soon… UK passports will be allowed to use the e-gates in continental europe again. Although apparently it will be up to each individual country to allow it, or not.

UK passport holders can already use e gates in some Spanish and Portuguese airports.

 

[clifford]

UK passport holders can already use e gates in some Spanish and Portuguese airports.

And Rome FCO. I know from experience.