How to Renew a British Passport in Canada

Applying for a British passport renewal in Canada can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are not in the vicinity of an embassy or consulate. 

Thanks to technology, lots of everyday tasks and obligations can be done from the comfort of your home, and your British passport renewal is one of them. Keep reading to find out what options are regarding having your British passport renewed in Canada.

British passport renewal in Canada

Before submitting the application form, make sure you have all the necessary documents. Those include: 

1. old UK passport
2. new UK-sized passport photos
3. your credit/debit card (to pay the fees). 

The application process is done online, but if you need further instructions and/or information you can always reach out via email or phone to the nearest British embassy or consulate (more information below). 

In some cases it might be necessary to have a guarantor to confirm your identity, but if that happens to be the case, the website will indicate that. Applicant’s identity can then be confirmed online, not requiring a printed photo. 

Digital passport photo requirements

The British government laid out certain requirements UK passport photo has to meet. First of all, given that you have to apply for a British passport renewal online, your photos have to be digital. You can either get that taken at a photo booth, or by using an online UK passport photo tool, such as PhotoAiDⓇ. 

The photos must be clear, coloured, file size no more than 10MB, and a minimum of 600 pixels wide x 750 pixels tall. As with most other passport photos, it has to show only you, with a plain background and no contrast, and without red eyes. 

Furthermore, applicants need to have a neutral facial expression, no hair covering their face, and no accessories such as sunglasses and head coverings (except when worn for medical or religious reasons). One more important thing, the photos you submit must have been taken in the month prior to your application.

Renewal of a British passport in Canada—cost and fees 

The UK government charges different fees based on the type of application you submit (online or paper form), and where you submit your application from. 

In order to renew your British passport in Canada, you will have to pay £86 (CAD$ 140.24) for a standard passport (adults), £56 (CAD$ 91.32) for a children’s passport, and a £19.86 (CAD$ 32.39) courier fee.

British passport renewal form

Given that your application is to be filled out online, the appropriate form can be found on the UK government’s website, and it is quite simple to fill out. The website guides you through the application process step-by-step, and further instructions can be found on the website or in their contact and help centre. 

After having submitted the online British passport renewal form, you can get updates on the status of your application either by email or via text message. You can also log into the UK government’s website to:

1. Track your application.
2. Check the required documents to be sent, and the location to be sent to.
3. Ask a guarantor to confirm your identity. 

Getting help with your British passport renewal from Canada

In case you need help filling out the form and providing all the necessary documents, there are numbers you can call to guide you through the process.

Passport Adviceline contacts:

Telephone: +44 (0) 300 330 0901

Textphone: +44 (0) 300 330 0808

You can call the Advice line from 8:00am to 8:00pm on workdays, and from 9:00 to 5:30pm on weekends and holidays (UK time).

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