Announcement - UK Passports

Dear All

We want to alert you to an important change to British Embassy passport services in Greece. From 8 May 2010, the British Embassy in Athens will no longer issue UK passports.  After this date, all British passport holders resident in Greece will need to send passport applications to the regional UK Passport Processing Centre based in Madrid, Spain.

The new Regional service is part of a global rationalisation of the UK’s overseas passport production. The regional centres will help reduce costs of producing passports overseas and increase document security. The UK Passport Processing Centre aims to process correctly completed applications within 10 working days from date of receipt. As applications will need to be sent by post/secure courier to and from Madrid, applicants will need to apply at least 4 weeks before travelling.  As applicants can apply up to nine months before their passport expires – this time will be added to their new passport – this offers flexibility to apply at a time of their choice.  Full details of the new procedures, including what type of documentation and photographs must accompany an application, and how to check on the status of applications, can be found at: ukingreece.fco.gov.uk

Anyone who has an urgent and unavoidable need to travel to the UK may still be able to get an Emergency Travel Document from the British Embassy and Consulates in Greece for a one-way trip to the UK.  Once in the UK a full passport must be issued before travelling abroad.  If you need urgent assistance you should contact the British Embassy Consular Section at: Tel: +30 210 7272 600 or email: consular.athens@fco.gov.uk.     

Finally, we assure you that the British Embassy in Athens and its Consulates throughout Greece will continue to provide assistance to British residents and visitors who need our help.  We have a professional and high performing Consular team and the changes to the passport service should free up more time to allow them to meet the growing demand for other forms of consular assistance.


Regards

British Embassy, Athens