How to apply from Spain

You need to send your completed passport application and documents to our Regional Passport Processing Centre in Madrid, Spain for processing.

We recommend that you print this page, so you can refer to it. Print

• Before you begin
  
• Where to send
• How to send
• How much
• How to pay
• Timing
• Delivery back to you
• Specific requirements
• Translations
  
• Need more information
• Urgent travel
• Contact us

Before you begin

Up to 1 in 5 passport applications received in our Regional Passport Processing Centre are incorrectly filled out. Don’t let yours be one of them.

Here’s how you can help……….

• Please read the guidance notes before completing the application forms.
• Please complete the correct application form (see Guidance notes)
• Please send the correct supporting documents with your application form.
• Please ensure your photographs meet IPS standards.
• Please ensure you submit the correct payments in the correct way.

Failure to complete the application form correctly or to send the correct supporting documents and payment may cause considerable delay in your application being processed.

Where to send

UK Regional Passport Processing Centre
British Consulate-General Madrid
Torre Espacio
Paseo de la Castellana 259D
28046 Madrid

How to send

We recommend that you send us your application by secure means such as registered post or a courier.  If using a courier to submit your application you should not pay for a return service, as this is covered by a separate fee, charged by us - see below. 

How much

Passport fees in Spain are:

Adult passport

• 32-page passport - €164
• 48 page passport - €198

Child Passport

• Child passport (32 pages) - €104

Courier Fee – Each customer will be required to pay a courier fee to cover the cost of the return of supporting documents from Madrid and for the return of the passport from the UK.

• Courier fee – €25

How to pay

Please pay using MasterCard or Visa credit/debit card. Please print a credit card authorisation slip and fill in your card details. Please do not send your actual credit card. You should ensure you have sufficient funds available to pay using your debit/credit card or your application may be returned.

We do not accept responsibility for cash sent in the post.

From 1 March 2012, we will not provide a receipt unless you have supporting documents to be returned or if you are applying at the counter or if you specifically ask for one.  If paying by credit card you can do this by using the tick box on the credit card mandate form or if you are paying by another method by making a note in the ‘other information’ section of your Passport Application form.  If you have no supporting documents to be returned and you request a receipt, you will need to pay the full courier fee for the return of supporting documents as well as the fee for sending your new passport from the UK.

Timing

We aim to process the new passport within four weeks from the date the fee is taken and the application contains all of the information we need. Failure to provide all of the required documentation will result in your application being delayed or returned. If it is a first time application, or you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, you should allow at least six weeks. We would  remind  customers that travel should not be booked until a passport has been issued and received by you. We cannot accept responsibility for any costs incurred if  travel is booked and subsequently cancelled before you have received your passport.

Delivery back to you

Please make sure that you write your complete return address correctly on your application form. Incomplete or misspelt addresses may result in non-delivery.  Please also ensure that you choose a return address where you (or someone authorised by you) will be available to sign for your new passport and supporting documents.

Your passport will be dispatched to you from the UK. Where appropriate, your supporting documents will be sent back to you from the Passport Processing Centre. Both shipments are handled by DHL Worldwide.

DHL advise that delivery of supporting documentation should take one to two working days from dispatch from the Consulate-General in Madrid. Delivery of your passport will take one to two working days from UK dispatch.

DHL aim to deliver packages direct to customers or to diplomatic missions.  However, for some areas this may not be possible.  In such circumstances, DHL will contact you directly during working hours to arrange for you to collect your documents from the nearest DHL office or to provide an alternative delivery address.  You should ensure that up to date, correct contact details are included with the passport application form. When collecting documents, you will be required to bring photo identification that matches the name on the shipment.

Specific requirements from Spain

First time applications

For first time applications, birth certificates should be the certificado literal, issued by the Registro Civil. We cannot accept the Libro de Familia in lieu of the Spanish birth certificate.

UK birth certificates must be the long version – i.e. showing parents’ details. If you don’t have your long birth certificate, you can obtain a copy from the General Registry Office.

Change of name

If you are a married woman and wish to have your new passport issued in your married name, you must send your current UK passport and your marriage certificate along with the application form.

If your name has been changed otherwise than by adoption or marriage you must provide documentary evidence that your name has been changed for all purposes. An official deed poll drawn up by a lawyer and/or statutory declaration together with at least three other documents in the new identity must be submitted with your application.

If child's parents are not married

If the parents of the child are not married and it is the father who is applying on behalf of the child, the mother must provide her written consent to the issue of the passport.  This is policy both in the UK and abroad.  We suggest that the mother provide a photocopy of her passport or photographic ID, including the following text: “I, ----------------, as mother of the minor --------------, give my consent to the issue of a UK passport to him/her”. This should then be signed and dated and included with the application.

Damaged passport

If your passport is damaged, please write a note in section 7, explaining the reason.

Nationality enquiries

Please note that we are unable to provide advice on enquiries related to nationality. Please see the section on Am I Eligible for a UK Passport for further information.

Translations

Documents in Spanish do not require translations.

We may ask for additional photographic identification and/ or original certificates, if necessary.

Need more information

If you still require further information, please see the following links:

• What passport do I need?
• Free passports for those born on or before 2 Sept 1929. All free passports are issued in the United Kingdom and can take a minimum of 10 weeks to be processed.
• First time applications for those applicants who are 16 or over
• Passports for children under 16
• Official passport photo standards
• Full UK birth certificates: For more information, please visit the General Register Office web site.

Urgent Travel

If you need to travel urgently and your normal passport is not available you should contact your nearest British Consulate.

Your local Consulate may be able to provide you with emergency travel documentation. Please note they will not be able to answer general passport questions or give information on passport applications in progress (as they are no longer involved in this process). You should only contact them if you have a need to travel urgently and you will be asked to supply evidence of your need.

Contact Us

If you cannot find the information you need on the website, you can contact the Careline Passport Information Line at 807 444 946 (Premium Rate Line - please note that these calls are charged at €1.18 per minute, mobile phone calls may be charged at higher rates) or +44 208 082 4734 (Credit Card Line - calls will be charged at £0.72 per minute plus VAT). This line is open from 21:00 on Sundays (UK Time) to O1:30 on Saturdays (24 hour service). Please be aware that you will be charged for this call so try the website first.

For customers with hearing difficulties, a Text phone service is available by contacting +44 1750 725368.

Please do not contact us before the expected processing/delivery time as detailed above.  We will not be able to give further information and you will be charged for this call.