New passport rule for Britons in PNG

 BRITISH nationals in Papua New Guinea applying for a new passport will see changes in the application procedures, says Acting British High Commissioner Rebecca Brett.

She said from yesterday British nationals would need to send applications directly to Her Majesty’s Office in the UK instead of the regional processing hub in Wellington.

“The British nationals in PNG will need to send their applications to a different address but the processing times will remain the same,” Brett said.

She said if people were renewing their passports, they should allow at least four weeks from the date the fee was taken and all the correct documents received.

“If they were applying for the first time or for replacing a lost or stolen passport, they should allow at least six weeks.

“The current helpline call charges will be removed instead of paying for a premium rate phone line. Applicants will now pay for the cost of call to UK,” she said

Brett said those who needed to travel urgently but their passports were unavailable, damaged, expired or had insufficient validity should contact the consular assistant team at the high commission in PNG. They would issue emergency travel document valid for a single specified journey.

British nationals who need advice can call the customer service centre on +44 (0) 300 222 0000. The service operates from 8am to 8pm (UK time). 

Applicants with email access can contact [email protected]