UK passport

British passport applications are often delayed due to an incomplete or incorrect application. Get it right first time when you submit your UK passport applications at your local Postshop.

A PostShop staff member will go over your completed application with you to make sure it’s correct and that you’ve provided all the relevant supporting and original documents – then we’ll forward it to the British High Commission (BHC) for you via tracked courier.

Your application will take three to four weeks to process once received by the BHC. However, we recommend you apply at least six weeks before your travel date in case of any delays.

Things you need to know

Application forms need to be downloaded from the BHC website and completed before you bring them in to your local PostShop.

You can no longer send your British passport application directly to the BHC – it will be returned unprocessed.

Our staff are experienced in ID verification and application processing but are unable to answer questions on UK passport eligibility, legal document requirements, countersign applications or the status of your application while being processed by the BHC.

Passport helpline

If you have any questions contact the British High Commission call centre between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday. They will also give you progress reports on your application.

• Premium rate line: 0900 990202 (NZ$4.50 per min) Charged to your home telephone account. Calls made on a mobile phone may have additional charges.
• Credit Card Line: 0044 208 082 4727 (£0.72p + VAT per min) Charged to your credit card, plus the cost of an international call, which is charged to your home telephone account.

If you have an urgent need to travel within the standard four weeks processing time, please contact your nearest British Consulate.