UK Passport Renewal Headache

[DrA]

I sent my paperwork off to renew my UK passport a week or so ago, as it had less than 6 months validity left on it. It's currently in HM Passport Office in Liverpool being processed.

However I now urgently need to travel to the UK for a family matter. However due to the renewal, I don't have a UK passport at the moment, as that had to get sent back in with the paperwork. I've been told I can't apply for a UK visa on my Australian passport because I am already a UK citizen - I have to enter the UK on a UK passport, which I currently don't have.

Does anybody know what I can do here? Is this just a matter of contacting the embassy in Canberra and getting some emergency documentation? I've contacted them, but not received a reply.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TonyHancock]

Do you need a visa if you travel to the UK as an Australian citizen if you aren't intending to work?

 

[DrA]

No. But what I was told is that as a British citizen, I was required to enter the UK on a UK passport. Much like Australia makes me enter Australia on my Australian passport. The visa isn't the issue.

If this information is incorrect, then I'm happy for someone to correct me on it. It may have changed, but I've been told this for years, and never given it any thought, because it's never been an issue until now.

 

[opusman]

I'm not going to say that's definitely wrong, but it sounds wrong. I didn't even have a UK passport until I was in my mid-20s despite being a British citizen since birth, and I entered the UK several times on my Australian passport before that. Never had any problems - in fact once they even told me I could have used the UK citizens line (even with my AU passport).

 

[Princess Fiona]

Don't take any of this as legal advice, just google advice but here goes:
You don't need a visa for the UK to leave Australia on an Australian passport. Just a return ticket at check-in for the airline.
On arrival in the UK I would proceed to the AU passport holders entry. If Immigration can cross check you against a UK passport (and I doubt they will as that's not what they are looking for) then you can explain what's happened.
My daughter entered the UK two weeks ago on an Australian passport, carrying an expired UK passport. She only showed the Aussie passport to do so.

 

[DrA]

Thanks. I will try that and see how it goes

Just unfortunate timing. No passport just when you unexpectedly need to travel. At least I still have my Aus one, otherwise this situation would be a nightmare.

 

[kallinch]

You can certainly enter UK with your Australian Passport...My friend in 2013 (who had a current Australian and British Passports) misplaced her British one in Paris and we had a bus trip to the UK the next day. She was able to easily enter the UK on her Australian Passport and book a same day British Passport renewal. The Passport guys were apparently very friendly and helpful. The appointment took about ~4 hours and all you really need was two passport grade photos. *and a few pounds for the cost of express renewal

 

[DrA]

I mention that because back in...Late 2003 I think it was, I got off the plane really tired at Heathrow and went to enter the UK on my Australian passport without even thinking. I was told off by immigration for it and that I had to enter on my UK passport since it was current and valid. They sent me off to the other immigration queue.

 

[burmans]

I mention that because back in...Late 2003 I think it was, I got off the plane really tired at Heathrow and went to enter the UK on my Australian passport without even thinking. I was told off by immigration for it and that I had to enter on my UK passport since it was current and valid. They sent me off to the other immigration queue.

Yeah, but despite the grumpiness they did let you in!

 

[ozjuice]

I can assure you that you can visit the UK on an Australian passport with no issue no visa as long as you don't work. As a joint Citizen myself i never travelled there with a UK Passport as i never thought it was worth it. But.....really all it does is speed up immigration and assist you if travelling europe and wanting to keep coming back into the UK frequently. Otherwise it's not required at all.

 

[Caito]

As said by others you'll be fine.
I've got dual citizenship also, and entered the UK on both Aussie and UK passports with no dramas.
I only use my UK one to line jump lol but they've never grizzled when I use my Australian one