DUBAI: British citizens living in the UAE now have to follow a new system while applying for passport services.

According to a press note issued by the British Embassy in Dubai, from Monday the applicants would have to submit passport applications online to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) in the UK for processing.

All the information needed to complete the passport application process is available on the government website, https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports. If one cannot find the information he needs on this website, he may contact the Passport Advice-line on the same website.

The citizens have been advised not to delay applying for their passports until the last minute. He/she can apply to renew the passport at any time. Any remaining validity up to nine months will be transferred from the applicant’s old passport to the new one.

If the applicant is renewing his passport, he should allow at least four weeks from the date the fee is taken and all the correct documentation has been received. If he is applying for the first time or he is replacing a lost or stolen passport, he should allow at least six weeks. His application may take longer if IPS needs to request further information.

The embassy has advised the applicants not to book travel until he has received his new passport. “The British Government cannot accept responsibility for costs incurred if travel is booked and subsequently cancelled before the passport has been received,” it stated.