You can apply for a British passport after your citizenship ceremony — not before. You receive your naturalisation certificate at the ceremony, and you need that certificate to make your passport application. Most people get their passport within 10 weeks of applying online.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| When you can apply | After your citizenship ceremony only |
| Document required | Original naturalisation certificate |
| Online fee (adult standard) | £102 |
| Fast Track fee | £192 (adult standard) / £206 (54-page) |
| Standard processing time | Up to 10 weeks |
| Fast Track processing time | Approximately 1 week (passport office appointment required) |
| Countersignatory required? | Yes — a UK passport holder who has known you for 2+ years |
| Children's passports | Apply separately using the child passport process |
Quick Overview
✅ Your citizenship ceremony gives you the naturalisation certificate — this is the document that unlocks your passport application.
✅ You apply online at GOV.UK or by post using form C1 (first-time adult British passport).
✅ Standard processing takes up to 10 weeks. Fast Track takes approximately 1 week but costs more.
✅ Once you hold a British passport, you must enter the UK on it — not your previous foreign passport.
⚠️ Do not book international flights until your British passport arrives. Your old foreign passport may still be valid for travel, but entering and leaving the UK as a British citizen has legal implications.
⚠️ British citizens do not need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the UK — so you do not need to apply for one.
⚠️ If you lose your naturalisation certificate before applying for your passport, you must get a certified copy from UKVI — this takes time and costs money.
📌 Your countersignatory must hold a valid UK passport and must have known you personally for at least 2 years.
📌 Children's passports are completely separate from your application — your child does not appear on your passport.
💡 Apply for your passport as soon as possible after your ceremony. Processing times can increase during peak periods (summer and around school holidays).
💡 Keep your naturalisation certificate safe after your passport application. You may need it again for future applications — for example, if you need to prove your citizenship status separately.
Introduction
After years of preparation — passing the Life in the UK test, meeting the residency and good character requirements, and attending your ceremony — your British passport is the final step. The process is straightforward, but there are details that catch people out. This guide explains exactly what to do, in the right order.
When Can You Apply?
You can apply for a British passport only after your citizenship ceremony. This is when you receive your naturalisation certificate. The ceremony is the point at which you legally become a British citizen. You cannot apply before this date, even if your naturalisation has been approved.
If your ceremony is confirmed but has not yet happened, wait. The application system will ask for your naturalisation certificate number, which appears on the certificate you receive at the ceremony.
What Documents Do You Need?
You need three things to apply for your first British passport as a naturalised citizen:
1. Your naturalisation certificate (original) This is given to you at your citizenship ceremony. Keep it safe. The passport application requires you to send the original, not a copy.
2. Two identical passport photos These must meet the GOV.UK passport photo requirements. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service. You can also use an approved online photo service.
3. Countersignatory details Your countersignatory must:
- Hold a valid UK passport
- Have known you personally for at least 2 years
- Not be a close relative
- Not live at the same address as you
Your countersignatory signs the back of one of your photos and confirms that it is a true likeness of you.
How to Apply Online
Go to GOV.UK and use the online passport application service. The online route is faster than applying by post. The steps are:
- Go to gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
- Select "Apply for a new passport" (not renew)
- Answer the questions about your citizenship status — select that you are a British citizen by naturalisation
- Upload your photo digitally, or follow the prompts to use a photo code from an approved photo booth
- Enter your countersignatory's UK passport number and contact details
- Pay the fee — £102 for a standard adult passport
- Post your naturalisation certificate to the address provided
The online system will tell you exactly what to post and where to send it.
How to Apply by Post
If you prefer to apply by post, use form C1. This is specifically for first-time adult British passport applicants. You can download it from GOV.UK or pick it up from a post office.
Post applications generally take longer to process than online applications. The standard processing time applies (up to 10 weeks), but postal applications add handling time on top.
Fast Track and Urgent Applications
Fast Track: If you need your passport sooner, you can book an appointment at a His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) location. Fast Track takes approximately 1 week. It costs £192 for a standard adult passport (£206 for the 54-page version). You must attend in person with all your documents.
Premium (same-day) service: An appointment-only service at select passport offices for urgent travel within a very short window. It costs £239.50 for a standard adult passport. You must prove you have imminent travel booked. Note: the Premium service is only available for adult passport renewals — not first-time applicants.
Do not book travel until your passport arrives. If your travel date is approaching and your passport has not arrived, contact HMPO directly.
Processing Times
Standard processing is up to 10 weeks. This is the time HMPO states from receiving your complete application to posting your passport. During busy periods — summer, school holidays, and January — processing can extend beyond this.
Check the current processing time estimate on GOV.UK before you apply. This figure changes regularly.
Entering the UK as a British Citizen
Once you hold a British passport, you must use it to enter the UK. You cannot choose to enter on your previous foreign passport instead. British citizens have the right to live and work in the UK without any immigration conditions — your British passport is proof of this.
If you travel before your British passport arrives, you can still travel on your previous foreign passport. However, be aware that as a British citizen, you may have different visa requirements for other countries. Some countries grant British citizens visa-free access that your previous nationality did not have — and vice versa.
ETA: British citizens do not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. Do not apply for one.
What Happens If You Lose Your Naturalisation Certificate?
If you lose your naturalisation certificate before you have applied for your passport, you must contact UKVI to request a certified copy. This process takes time and costs a fee. There is no fast alternative.
To avoid this problem, make a good quality scan or photocopy of your certificate immediately after your ceremony. Keep the original in a safe place at home.
Children's Passports
Your children are not included on your British passport. Each child needs their own passport application. If your child is a British citizen (by birth, registration, or descent), apply for their passport using the relevant child passport form on GOV.UK.
Check your child's citizenship status carefully before applying. Not all children of naturalised British citizens automatically become British citizens. Read the guidance on citizenship for children born abroad if you are unsure.
Common Mistakes
❌ Applying before the ceremony — Your application will be rejected. You cannot apply without the naturalisation certificate, which you only receive at the ceremony.
❌ Sending a photocopy of the naturalisation certificate — The passport office requires the original. Sending a copy causes delays and you will need to resubmit.
❌ Choosing the wrong countersignatory — A countersignatory who does not hold a valid UK passport, or who has not known you for 2+ years, will invalidate your application. Check the exact requirements on GOV.UK.
❌ Booking international travel before the passport arrives — Processing can take up to 10 weeks. Booking flights before your passport is in hand is a serious risk.
❌ Applying to renew instead of apply for a new passport — This is your first British passport. Select "Apply for a new passport," not "Renew."
❌ Not checking photo requirements — Passport photo rules are strict. A rejected photo delays your application.
Expert Tips
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Apply online, not by post. Online applications are processed faster. The online system also guides you through the process step by step, reducing the chance of errors.
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Check the current processing time before you apply — and before you book travel. GOV.UK updates the estimated processing time regularly. If you have travel coming up, check the figure before submitting.
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Get your passport photos done before your ceremony. You already know you will need them. Having photos ready means you can submit your passport application within days of receiving your certificate.
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Confirm your countersignatory in advance. Ask the person before your ceremony. Waiting to find someone after the fact adds unnecessary delay.
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Track your application. HMPO provides a tracking service. Use it to monitor progress rather than guessing where your application is.
FAQs
How long does a British passport take after naturalisation?
Standard processing takes up to 10 weeks from the date HMPO receives your complete application. This can be longer during busy periods. If you need it sooner, book a Fast Track appointment at a passport office, which takes approximately 1 week.
Do I send my naturalisation certificate with my passport application?
Yes. You send the original naturalisation certificate. HMPO returns it to you after they process your application. Do not send a copy — they need the original document.
Can I travel before I receive my British passport?
You can travel on your previous foreign passport if it is still valid. However, once you are a British citizen, you should be aware that your immigration status has changed. You cannot use an old BRP or eVisa to enter the UK — as a British citizen, you have the right to enter without any visa conditions. When your British passport arrives, use it to enter the UK.
Do I need an ETA as a British citizen?
No. British citizens do not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. The ETA applies to foreign nationals from certain countries — not to British citizens.
Can I have dual nationality as a British citizen?
The UK allows dual nationality. Whether you can hold two nationalities depends on whether your original country allows it. Check the rules for your previous country of citizenship, as some countries require you to renounce your original nationality when you acquire another.
What if my citizenship ceremony was cancelled or postponed?
Contact your local council, which organises the ceremony. You cannot apply for a passport until the ceremony takes place and you receive your certificate. Ceremonies are rescheduled — they are not cancelled permanently.
How much does a British passport cost in 2026?
The standard adult passport costs £102 when applying online. Postal applications and Fast Track appointments cost more. Check GOV.UK for the current fee schedule before applying.
Can I use my old foreign passport to enter the UK while waiting for my British passport?
Your previous foreign passport may still allow you to travel internationally. However, as a British citizen, you are no longer an immigrant — you do not need a visa or ETA to enter the UK. If your old passport had a UK visa or BRP linked to it, that is no longer relevant. Enter using your British passport once you have it.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
The passport application process described here follows the guidance published by His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) on GOV.UK. HMPO requires naturalised citizens to apply for their first British passport using the standard new passport application route, not the renewal route. The requirement to supply the original naturalisation certificate, two photos, and a countersignatory reflects current HMPO policy. Processing times and fees are subject to change — always check GOV.UK for the current figures before applying.
Official Resources
- Apply for a British passport — GOV.UK
- Passport photo requirements — GOV.UK
- Passport countersignatory requirements — GOV.UK
- His Majesty's Passport Office contact information — GOV.UK
Our Free Tools
Use our mock tests to prepare for the Life in the UK test — the step before your citizenship ceremony. Our citizenship planner helps you work out your qualifying date and what comes next. The cheat sheet covers the key facts most people miss.
What to Do Next
Book your passport application appointment as soon as you receive your naturalisation certificate. Check the current processing time on GOV.UK before you book any international travel. If you have not yet passed the Life in the UK test, start with our free practice questions — that is the step that comes first.