Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the information below carefully to find answers to your questions.

Passport Application Information

Application process

Overseas Citizens Biometric Enrolment

Application process of OCBE

His Majesty’s Passport Office DNA testing

Application process of His Majesty’s Passport Office DNA testing

Type of Passport application?

Different types of passport applications:

  • Renewal or replacement of an adult passport;
  • First adult passport application;
  • Getting a passport for a child;
  • Changes, Extension or 48 page Passport.
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What documents do I need to have?

Customers should visit this website for the list of supporting documents required when applying for a British passport from outside the UK.

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When Should I apply for a Passport?

Please visit the gov.uk website before applying, to ensure you have filled in the passport application form correctly and you have gathered all the required documentation and then book an appointment with TLScontact to submit the passport application.

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How much is the application fee?

Customers can find the passport fee for each type of application here.

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How to contact His Majesty’s Passport Office directly?

You can find more information on how to contact the Passport Advice line here.

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Do I need to apply in Person?

You must apply in person. If you’re unable to, someone else can go on your behalf. You must bring photo ID with you and a letter of authorisation.

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Can I travel during the application process?

Do not book any travel until you have a valid passport. If you need to travel more urgently, you may be able to apply for an Emergency Travel Document.

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Do children need to attend?

Children under the age of 16 years old, are not required to attend the appointment with their parent to submit the application.

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Which browsers does TLScontact support?

TLScontact supports the latest versions of these browsers:

  • Chrome (Win 10 and Android for Mobile / Tablet);
  • Edge (Win 10);
  • Firefox (Win 7);
  • Safari (OS X and iOS for Mobile / Tablet).

Make sure your browser is up to date and get into the habit of installing software updates whenever they are available.

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Why isn’t Internet Explorer supported?

Internet Explorer (IE) 11 was released in 2013, and no feature updates released by Microsoft in years, which puts this browser behind others in terms of its ability to support new technologies. While Microsoft will continue to provide support for users of IE 11 for a few more years, the new default browser is Microsoft Edge.

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How to register on TLScontact website?

You can find more details on how to register on the TLScontact website here.

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Who is TLScontact?

TLScontact is a commercial company that works with His Majesty’s Passport Office to provide services to people applying for their British passport.

TLScontact staff do not play any role in the assessment or processing of Passport applications. Applications are processed by His Majesty’s Passport Office, which is a separate entity to TLScontact.

This website provides you with guidance on how to apply for each service we provide in your country, please use the menu for assistance.

If you have any questions, please Contact Us.

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What happens when I am missing one or more documents when applying?

The application will be rejected and you will be asked to re-apply with all required supporting documents. Please book another appointment with TLScontact.

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What would I receive as proof of my application submission?

After submission customers will receive a receipt/checklist acting as acknowledgement for the documents you have submitted. You will be able to track your application via website.

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After submission, how long does it take to have a decision on my application?

Your application will take at least 12 weeks from when it’s received by His Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK.

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What if I need to submit additional documents requested by His Majesty’s Passport Office?

You are not required to book an appointment to submit additional documents at the Application Centre, please bring the letter from His Majesty’s Passport Office which requested the additional documents to be submitted and this letter will grant you access to the Application Centre.

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How can I collect my passport?

Please visit the Address page and check opening times for the Passport Return service in the Application Centre you applied from.

After you have received the notification email from TLS saying that your passport is returned to the Application Centre, you can come and collect it.

To collect your passport at the Application Centre, please ensure to come with the following documents:

  • TLScontact checklist (Form provided to you after the documents reviewing);
  • Copy and Original of your photo ID document;
  • (If collected by a representative) Original Authorisation form and representative’s valid photo ID document (copy & original) should be added to above documents.
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What will happen if my application is withdrawn?

You will be informed by His Majesty’s Passport Office of your application status and the reasoning for the withdrawal. Please contact the passport advice line or use the contact information provided with the letter if you have any objections to their decision.

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In what case can I apply for a refund and what’s the process?

If you have paid for a service in error, or you no longer require that service, please go to the TLScontact website via the Contact Us form. In order to arrange a refund if applicable.

If you require a refund for His Majesty’s Passport Office DNA services, please email hmpodnatls@tlscontact.com to request this refund.

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What should I do if I need my passport back urgently?

If you need your passport back urgently for any reason after you have submitted your application, you will need to contact the Passport Advice Line to get advice.

Alternatively you may want to apply for an Emergency Travel Document.

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Can I have my passport delivered to my home/company?

No, all passports and supporting documents will be returned to the Application Centre where you submitted your application and you will be contacted to collect by TLS staff to collect your passport and supporting documents.

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Can His Majesty’s Passport Office request me for an interview?

His Majesty’s Passport Office may request for an applicant to book for a video interview at our Application Centre.

Your appointment will be scheduled by His Majesty’s Passport Office booking team. Please bring your confirmation email of your interview appointment at our Application Centre to gain entry.

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What is Overseas Citizens Biometric Enrolment (OCBE)?

OCBE concerns persons applying for the British citizenship and who have been required to submit their biometrics (scanned fingerprints, signature and photograph) as a part of the application process.

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What documents do I need to have?

You must bring your UKVI letter and a form of photographic identification, (as shown on your letter).You will be unable to provide your biometric data without both pieces of information.

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Do I have to pay for OCBE?

There are 2 types of locations to apply for OCBE service, it is either free-user service or user pay service. If your location is a User-pays location: you need to pay the Biometric enrolment fee on the TLScontact website and the TLS agent will check for proof of payment when you attend your appointment.

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Who do I contact for any issues related to OCBE?

If any details are incorrect on the letter e.g. Name, date of birth or nationality, please email: NationalityBiometricsOverseas@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk to notify and correct this information.

Should you require any other information related to OCBE, please click here.

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Do children need to attend?

From 6th April 2015 every person applying to become registered or naturalized British citizen is required to submit his/her biometrics. A child under the age of 16 years old, will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult when providing their biometrics. This must be the same person whose details you provided on the application form. If you are not accompanied by this person your enrolment cannot go ahead.

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Do I need to register on TLScontact website?

Once you have received the letter from UKVI to enrol your biometrics, please register on TLScontact to book your appointment. If your location is user-pay please proceed to payment. Please click here to register.

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How do I book an appointment?

Please click the home page here. On the top menu select OCBE Service, then OCBE Process and it will guide you on how to book an appointment.

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How long do I have for my Biometrics to be enrolled?

You have up to 30 days (from the date of your letter) to have your biometrics taken. Otherwise your application may be rejected as invalid. Please have your biometrics taken as soon as possible.

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Can I be refused to enrol my biometrics?

You will only be refused to enrol your biometrics if you do not provide the UKVI letter which has requested you to enrol your biometrics, also if you do not provide a form of ID.

Another reason for refusing you is if you miss your appointment, or you show up at the Application Centre without an appointment. You will not be able to enter the Application Centre to enrol your biometrics and need to book an appointment.

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What is DNA testing?

DNA testing service is for the first time child cases (first passport for a child) applying for the British citizenship and who have been required to take their DNA test at a TLScontact location. This test involves a check swab and not a blood test.

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What documents do I need to have?

Please see the page here where you will have the list of the required documents. This applies only to DNA locations.

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What are the fees for DNA testing?

The fees vary on the number of customers needing testing. You will receive an appointment request with the total cost for your DNA test for you and your family and you will also see the different fees which may be applicable to your case when you are making the payment on our portal.

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Who do I contact for any issues related to DNA?

Any inquiries regarding DNA appointments, please email hmpodnatls@tlscontact.com, or for any other related DNA matters please contact His Majesty’s Passport Office.You can use the email which send you the DNA testing request or you can contact His Majesty’s Passport Office passport advice line. You can find this information on the gov.uk website.

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Who needs to get tested?

His Majesty’s Passport Office will send you an email listing the individuals which need testing. When you receive the appointment email from TLS, it will also state on the email subject line who is required to get tested.

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Do I need to register on TLScontact website?

You will receive an appointment email from TLS, which will instruct you on how to register and how to make the payment for DNA testing.

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What happens when I am missing one or more documents when attending the appointment?

When you attend your appointment and you are missing any of the required documents, you will not be accepted and you will need to contact hmpodnatls@tlscontact.com to book another appointment.

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What happens if I am requested to re-take the test?

There could be instances where the samples taken were not sufficient enough to determine the results of the DNA. It may be just one of the family members (Customer or one of the parents) that may be required to attend another appointment and re-take the test.

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What if I would like to change the location of where my family will get tested?

You could choose another location to get tested if it is more convenient for you and your family. You have the right to get tested in the UK.

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In what case can I apply for a refund and what’s the process?

Should you decide not to carry out the testing after you have made the payment, you have the right to request a refund, or if you made the wrong payment amount, you can claim the wrong amount back by emailing us on hmpodnatls@tlscontact.com.

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What should I do if I do not want to carry the testing - (withdrawal process)?

Please inform His Majesty’s Passport Office and TLScontact straight away. His Majesty’s Passport Office will advise you on the correct withdrawal process and once you inform TLScontact, we will cancel any booked appointments and return your case to His Majesty’s Passport Office.

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After the testing, how long will the results take?

After the testing has been conducted, it will take up to 21 days for His Majesty’s Passport Office and the customer/customer representatives to receive the DNA report. Usually these results will be sent out via email unless you request them to be posted to you.

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