A passport is a must-have no matter what country you are applying for or which country’s citizen you are. Although applying for a passport seems quite simple it isn’t that simple as you might face certain challenges in between.
There are common passport problems people face in the routine. Some of the common passport problems are filling in incorrect information, not completing document checklists, inconsistent signatures, poor-quality pictures, etc. These are preventable problems but sometimes you can also get into bigger troubles.
Such as an urgent need to travel while you have submitted your passport for visa approval to any other country. But worry not as there is a solution for every problem. In such a case you might need a second passport.
Yes, you heard me right. A second passport is issued under exceptional circumstances as discussed above. The benefits of having a second passport are more than just the freedom to travel. But you might get curious about what it is and how to apply for a second passport.
Let’s find out more about the second passport and how to apply for it.
What is A Second Passport?
A second passport also known as an additional passport is issued to a person in addition to the original passport. Generally, authorised issuing one passport per person but in special cases, people might need an additional passport. An additional passport is beneficial for many reasons. People in the UK might also need an additional passport.
One might be eligible for a second British passport in the following cases:
- If someone is planning to avail of the perks associated with dual nationality
- People who are frequent travellers might need an additional passport while their original passport is waiting for approval at the embassy.
- An additional passport is also required when a person has to visit an incompatible country that has political differences with a country they previously have been to such as Israel. In this case, the incompatible country doesn’t let them visit because of the Israel visa record so they need another passport.
In short, a second passport opens doors to better travel opportunities, and business opportunities, and acts as a safe plan in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
How to Apply for a Second Passport?
Now comes the question: how can you apply for an additional passport? Well, the process can differ from region to region. But the process of application for a second passport in the UK is as follows:
Know Your Eligibility
The first step is to check if you are eligible for a second passport. For a second passport, there are certain age requirements as well as the applicant must fall under the particular categories to apply for it. Whether for work reasons, or any other cause, make sure you are at least 16 years old and fulfil all the requirements. Also, you should be able to prove the validity of your reason while you are applying for a second passport in the UK.
Fill out the Application for a Second Visa
Once you are sure of your eligibility for a second passport, now it’s to file an application and move a step ahead. You can fill out the application form by visiting the post office or apply online. The form is similar to that of the passport replacement and renewal form. Now you fill out the form and check the “Your first British passport’ in Section 1 if you are applying for an additional passport for the first time. If you are applying for it a second time or more tick the ‘replacement’ box. Also, fill in the details in the information box in section 8. Now fill the rest of the form as usual. The form-filling details are the same no matter if you are applying at an online platform or a post office.
You have to send your original valid passport alongside your application. You also need additional documents such as:
- Signed letter from employer.
- A countersignature of a non-related individual who holds a British or Irish passport, working in a recognized profession who you have known for at least two years.
- Two recent photos with one signature by the counter-signatory.
Pay the Fee
The next step is to pay for the fee of an additional passport. Before you submit it, be mindful that the amount is non-refundable in case your application for a second passport gets rejected. The fee for an additional passport is the same as for a first passport. You have to pay almost £80 but the prices can slightly vary. There are multiple payment methods offered for your assistance such as cash, cheque, and credit/debit card forms at the back of the application.
Monitor Application Status
Once you have successfully applied for a second passport, now wait for the reply. Keep checking the status of your application on an online portal. The approval process might take several weeks. After application processing, you will receive your secondary documents via free postal service. However, for a secure service, you can pay additional charges. If your appreciation gets approved you are going to receive your passport via mail.
Let’s Wrap Up
A second visa or a second passport is a requirement for people who are frequent travellers and have to move frequently for business reasons. In such cases, they can’t wait for their passport to be submitted to the embassy for visa approval so they apply for an additional passport. Not only this but the people who have to visit incompatible countries having political differences might also need a second passport. In all these cases, a second passport is provided to such people.
The process of a second passport application for residents of the UK is pretty simple. All they need is to get a form and fill it out at the post office or online, deposit the fee, and submit their applications. The process takes weeks for approval and then applicants receive their second passport.
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