British Passports processed in Hong Kong
The British High Commission in Colombo announced that with effect
from October 15, 2010, applications for British passports received in
Sri Lanka will be processed and printed in Hong Kong. Acting British
High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Mark Gooding said, “This
change, under which British passport applications from across Asia will
be processed in Hong Kong, is part of a global initiative to streamline
the UK’s overseas passport operation.”
“It is designed to increase efficiency and keep costs down, as well
as to improve the security of our passport operation. It will also
achieve a high and consistent quality of customer service for British
nationals across Asia.”
Under the new arrangements, passport applications will continue to be
submitted at the British High Commission in Colombo. A British passport
will cost Sterling Pound 128.00 for a 32-page passport and Sterling
Pound 154.50 for the jumbo passport. Customers would also have to pay a
courier charge of Rs 1,200 per application.
The target processing time will be four weeks for passport renewals,
and customers should allow at least six weeks for first time
applications. Emergency Travel Documents (ETD), however, will continue
to be issued in Colombo.
More information on the application process, passports for
urgent/emergency travel, security of documents and other details is
available on
www.ukinsrilanka.fco.gov.uk
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