Your passport is your most important travel document, and keeping it current is essential for British expats living in Tenerife. Whether you're renewing a passport that's about to expire or dealing with a lost or stolen passport, this guide explains the process from Spain.

How to Renew Your UK Passport from Spain

The good news is that passport renewals from abroad are straightforward and done entirely online. You don't need to visit the British Consulate for a standard renewal.

The Online Renewal Process

  1. Check Eligibility: You can renew online if your passport is undamaged, you still have your old passport, you're over 16, and you haven't changed your name or appearance significantly.
  2. Get Passport Photos: You'll need digital photos that meet UK government specifications. Photo booths in shopping centers work, or visit a professional photo shop.
  3. Apply Online: Go to gov.uk/renew-adult-passport and follow the application. You'll upload your photo, provide your current passport details, and enter your Spanish address (your Padrón address is ideal).
  4. Pay the Fee: Standard adult renewal costs £112.50 (as of 2024/25). You'll need a UK debit/credit card or international card.
  5. Send Your Old Passport: You must post your current passport to the UK Passport Office using the pre-paid envelope they provide or via registered post.
  6. Wait for Delivery: Standard service takes approximately 6 weeks. Your new passport is couriered to your Spanish address.

Fast Track Service (1 Week)

If you need your passport urgently, you can pay for Fast Track service (£177) which takes about 1 week. This still requires posting your old passport to the UK, so factor in international postage time.

What If Your Passport Is Lost or Stolen?

If your passport goes missing in Tenerife, act immediately:

  1. Report to Police: File a denuncia (police report) at the Policía Nacional. This is essential for your passport application and proves the passport was lost/stolen.
  2. Report Online: Go to gov.uk and report your passport as lost or stolen. This cancels it immediately to prevent misuse.
  3. Apply for Replacement: You can then apply for a full replacement passport online (costs more than renewal - around £140). You'll need to provide details from your denuncia.

Emergency Travel Documents

If you need to travel urgently and can't wait for a new passport, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the British Consulate in Madrid. This allows one-way travel back to the UK or another destination.

ETDs cost £100 and require an appointment at the consulate. Processing usually takes 2 working days. You'll need proof of travel (tickets), proof of identity, and your police report if the passport was lost/stolen.

Important Passport Requirements for Spain

  • Validity for Residency: Your passport must be valid when applying for or renewing your TIE/residency card.
  • Updating Your TIE: If you get a new passport, you must update your TIE card at the immigration office (Extranjería) to reflect the new passport number.
  • Travel in Europe: UK passports must have at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure date from Europe for non-residents. As a resident, your TIE card is proof of residence rights.

Children's Passports

Renewing a child's passport from Spain follows the same online process. Both parents must consent to the renewal. Child passport renewals cost £81.50 and are also delivered to your Spanish address. If you've recently registered a birth in Spain, you can apply for your baby's first passport once you have their UK birth certificate.

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Courier Delivery Issues: Make sure your Spanish address is written correctly with your apartment number. Consider using a reliable neighbor's address if you're often out. You'll need to sign for delivery.
  • Name Changes: If you've changed your name (marriage, divorce, deed poll), you'll need to provide original certificates. The online service will tell you what's required.
  • Old Passport Not Returned: If they don't return your old passport, contact the Passport Office. Sometimes they retain it if there are concerns about its validity.

How We Can Help

While passport renewal is an online process, we can assist with:

  • Filing the police report (denuncia) if your passport is lost or stolen—this must be done in Spanish.
  • Translating correspondence from the Passport Office or courier companies.
  • Helping with communication if there are delivery problems with your Spanish address.
  • Coordinating with the Ayuntamiento if you need official address confirmation documents.
  • Assisting with updating your TIE card once you receive your new passport.

Related Administrative Tasks

Once you have your new passport, you may also need to: