UK Passport Guide: Keeping Old Passport, Backpage Meaning, 6-Month Rule & Processing Time

Can I Keep My Old Passport Until My New One Arrives in the UK?

When applying for a new UK passport, many travellers wonder whether they can keep their old passport until the new one arrives. The short answer is no — in most cases, you are required to send in your old passport when applying for a renewal.

The HM Passport Office typically requires your old passport for verification. This ensures that your identity, travel history, and personal details match up correctly before a new passport is issued. Once your new passport has been approved, your old passport is usually returned separately, marked as “cancelled” by clipping its corners or stamping it.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you need to travel urgently while your application is being processed, you may be eligible for a Fast Track or Premium Service which allows you to retain your old passport temporarily. In such cases, you must contact the Passport Adviceline to confirm your eligibility and follow official guidelines.

Key Takeaway: You usually have to submit your old passport when applying for a new one, but expedited services may provide options to retain it temporarily for emergency travel.

What is the Back Page of the UK Passport?

The back page of the UK passport contains important emergency and contact information. This page is often overlooked but plays a vital role in helping authorities contact your loved ones or offer assistance in case of emergencies abroad.

Typically, the back page includes:

• Emergency Contact Details: A section where you can fill in the name and phone number of someone to contact if you’re in trouble abroad.
• Signature Area: Space for your signature to validate your passport.
• Important Notices: Information about how to use your passport or what to do if it’s lost or stolen.

Filling in your emergency contact details on the back page is highly recommended by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) because it speeds up assistance if anything goes wrong abroad.

Key Takeaway: Always complete the emergency contact section on your passport’s back page before travelling, as it can save valuable time during emergencies.

What is the 6-Month Rule for British Passports?

The 6-month rule is one of the most frequently misunderstood passport requirements for UK travellers. Many countries require that your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure. This is known as the “six-month passport validity rule.”

For example, if you plan to travel on December 1 and return on December 15, your passport should ideally be valid until at least June 15 of the following year. This rule ensures that travellers don’t face issues at border control or get denied entry upon arrival.

However, not all countries enforce the six-month rule. Some destinations may only require three months of validity, while others have even more flexible requirements. The UK Government’s foreign travel advice website provides a country-by-country guide so you can check the specific entry requirements before you travel.

Key Takeaway: Always check the entry requirements for your destination country and renew your passport in advance if its expiry date is within six months of your planned travel.

How Long Does It Take to Get My Passport Back?

The processing time for a UK passport depends on the type of application and the service you use. As of 2025, the standard waiting times are as follows:

• Standard Online Renewal: Approximately 3 weeks.
• First Adult Passport: 3–10 weeks (depending on demand).
• Postal Applications: Usually slower than online applications, taking 4–10 weeks.
• Fast Track Service: 1-week turnaround (appointment required).
• Premium Service: Same-day issuance (appointment required).

The HM Passport Office recommends applying as early as possible, especially during peak travel periods such as summer holidays. If you submit your old passport with your application, it will usually be returned separately from your new passport after processing is complete.

Key Takeaway: Standard processing takes 3–10 weeks, but Fast Track and Premium Services can reduce waiting times dramatically if you have urgent travel plans.

Tips for UK Passport Holders

Here are some expert tips to ensure a hassle-free passport application and travel experience:

1. Apply Early: Don’t wait until your passport is about to expire — apply at least 6 months before your travel date.
2. Complete the Back Page: Fill in your emergency contact details immediately after receiving your passport.
3. Check Entry Requirements: Visit the Foreign Travel Advice page to confirm the rules for your destination country.
4. Consider Fast Track: If you have urgent travel needs, use the Fast Track or Premium Services to get your passport quicker.
5. Keep Copies: Make photocopies or store digital copies of your passport details securely online in case of loss or theft.

Understanding UK passport rules can save you from unnecessary travel disruptions. Whether it’s knowing if you can keep your old passport until the new one arrives, understanding the importance of the back page, being aware of the six-month rule, or knowing how long it takes to get your passport back, being informed gives you peace of mind.

By applying early, keeping your emergency details updated, and checking your destination’s entry requirements, you’ll be fully prepared for your next trip abroad.

For more detailed guidance or to renew your passport, visit the official GOV.UK Passport Renewal Page.