A statement from the British Embassy in Lisbon has revealed that the Passport Office is dealing with “the highest demand for passports in 12 years” and has issued over three million passports so far in 2014.
“Recognising people’s concerns about possible delays”, a series of additional measures to ensure people and families are able to travel and live overseas were announced on June 12.
If you live in Portugal and need to renew an existing British passport, you can instead apply for it to be extended for 12 months. You will need to be in possession of a passport that expired less than six months ago or will expire within the next three months, and have at least three blank pages left in your passport. The extension will be done by consular staff in country applying a stamp to the existing passport. You will not be charged for this service.
If you have already made an application to have your passport renewed, you cannot get an extension in your current passport, even if you still have your passport with you. If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for an emergency travel document.
If you need to get a passport extension, consular services will be operating an appointment system only. Call 808 20 35 37 or +351 21 392 4000.
www.gov.uk
