Can you apply for a British passport from abroad?

With the tightening of entry rules to the UK from 25 February 2026 onwards, the majority of British citizens who have been living overseas will now need to ensure they hold suitable proof of their British citizenship if they want to travel to the UK. 

It is thankfully possible to apply for a British passport from overseas - you do not need to apply from within the UK. This applies to British citizens applying for a passport for the first time or making a renewal application. For example:

• A British citizen has been living in France for the last year. Their British passport is due to expire shortly and they are travelling to the UK in a few months. They do not hold any other nationality. They can apply to renew their British passport from overseas.
• An individual was born in 1986 to British parents in New Zealand. They have received advice confirming they are a British citizen but have not yet applied for their British passport. They intend to travel to the UK in October 2026 however will not be able to rely on their New Zealand passport. They can either apply for a first British passport (or a Certificate of Entitlement) before travelling to the UK.   

Should you require support with an application or have questions about your eligibility for a first British passport, please do get in touch.