UK Passport

Greetings, is it possible to track UK passport renewal application using GWF number from Vietnam? If yes, please share link. Thank you in advance. - @Dartanz

Hi,

Not sure I fully understood your question. In case you're asking if you're able to track the progress or status to see/estimate when you might be able to pick up your new passport, you need to understand following.

Firstly, the GWF number is as far as I understand not related to UK passport renewals. Non UK residents applying for a UK visa are issued GWF's to track things.

Next, in case you're not familiar with how or where to renew a British passport as a Brit living overseas, in this case, in Vietnam, you have to go through the so called VFS offices ( https://visa.vfsglobal.com/vnm/en/gbr/hmpo ).

After you've followed all the steps, you'll receive your appointment time/date, where you need to show up in person and submit all the required "things", including your old/existing passport. There it will be checked and if all ok and complete, they issue you a tracking number (not sure anymore, but more or less like DHL/FEDEX/UPS...). I recall that they send it over to Manchester where it's processed. You get email notifications once it's been received by the immigration office in Manchester but I don't think you're able to check or get any feedback while it's being processed there. I also can't remember if you receive any news from them once it's completed, but you will be informed by the VFS office once it has arrived back in VN.

While it might sound complicated or seem awkward when one gets started, it is in fact quite smooth and easy. Expect around 4-6 weeks from the day you submitted your application at the VFS (at least the one in HCM).

Hope that helps, otherwise try contacting VFS Global or the HM Passport Office by email.

Cheers

edited to add: I'm speaking abt someone with expat status, thus officially registered with the local authorities and/or holding the respective TRC, or whatever else there is to show that you're an overseas British citizen who's officially residing in VN. As a tourists you're anyway required to hold a valid passport and by VN law, you're prohibited from entering or remaining in country on a passport with less than 6 month until expiry. Those Brits are in trouble and won't make it past the bullet proof glass doors at the VFS, nor will the gates get opened at the consulate or embassy, those cases will first get to enjoy the 3 meals a day hospitality of the local police station, until things are sorted out, dealt with, and case closed  by a VN judge...