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Renewing your UK passport from Turkey (Sept 2011)

If like us you are an ex-pat, renewing your passport may seem a bit daunting, especially as they keep changing the system. Many of us are aware what we need to do to renew our passports and all the info is easy to find on the internet. But for those who are not familiar with the process here is a step by step guide particularly relevant to the Akbuk, Didim/Altinkum area.

Notes: You can no longer renew your passport in Turkey, you need to apply to the Regional Processing Centre in Düsseldorf Germany. Here is their website http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/. You can apply up to nine months before your old passport expires, the time remaining will be added to your new passport.

The Forms
Go to this webpage http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/how-to-apply/turkey.
On the right hand side there is a section headed Passport Forms. The first link is Adult form (C1) [PDF, 205KB]. This is the application form for British citizens over the age of 16 applying from abroad.
Give it a moment to download and save a copy of this form to your computer or print it directly from the web page.
You can print this form in black & white (no need for colour), if you don't have a printer, or a friend with one, just go into one of the photocopy/printing shops in the town and ask them to access the webpage and print it for you.

You also need to download and print the credit card form from the same page.

Fill in the application form C1 and sign it.
Countersignatures are not normally required for anyone over 16 renewing a passport, see  www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/passports1/passports-a-to-z/c-topics/countersignatures.

Fill in the credit card form and sign it.
Note that they only accept Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Also note you will need to complete one payment form per applicant and if the cardholders name is different to the applicant’s name, you must attach a photocopy of the cardholders passport or other photo ID with signature.

Your Photos

There is a link on the same webpage to all the information and requirements for the new biometric passport photo's. Despite what they say about home printed photo's not likely to be acceptable, it is possible to take & print your own, but don't waste your time unless you know exactly what is required and are knowledgeable about digital photography and print resolutions. Your mobile phone is unlikely to be man enough for the job.

Instead go to the photo shop opposite Isbank in Didim, it has a large sign saying Fuji Film. Tell them you want photo's for UK passport, not Turkish residency, the size is the same (35x45mm), but the requirements are stricter. The photographer will take your photo's and print them while you wait. They do cut them up for you but you may need to trim them properly to the borders with a craft knife. The cost as of Sept 2011 was 8 TL for 6 photo's (although you only need 2).

Another photo shop in Altinkum who are ofay with UK passport photo's are Photo Naci at the entrance to the Didim Shopping Centre, near the sea front on Ataturk Boulevard, although they charge 10 TL for 6 photos.

You do not normally need to get the photo's verified (countersigned) if you are renewing your passport. See IPS rules for photographs.

Sending Them Off

Cram the following items into an envelope:-

• Your completed form C1
• Card payment authorisation form - Do not send the card
• The photocopy of the cardholders passport - If it is not your card
• Your old passport
• Two of the photo's you had done

Address it to:-


Now take it to Aras Kargo in Didim, they are on Ataturk Blv. almost opposite HSBC bank, If you stand with your back to the bank and look slightly to your left across the road. you will see Aras Kargo (red & white colours), usually one or two of their vans in front. The charge in Sept 2011 was 39.50 TL but we put 2 applications in a larger envelope for that. If you can't be bothered to go to their depot, give them a call on 444 2552 and they will collect for an additional fee.

Your new passport should arrive from the UK by courier a week or two later, although their website states allow four. Your old passport will be returned to you from Germany.  All very easy when you know how!