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In reply to Zoro:
On the way out this year they just counted our passports, but on the way in checked in detail even wanting to compare our baby's photo with the photo in our passport. There is a reasonable chance you will get caught one way although I've heard in the past people being able to fob off the border control with a photo id e.g. driving license and at least you'll have your expired passport!
If you are going for any length of time, eurotunnel are very flexible on changing your ticket to another crossing, day etc. This is even for the cheapest tickets. We had to go a few days later than expected. Why not drive to peterborough etc tomorrow morning, get your passport renewed then take the next available shuttle. You may only lose a day of your holiday.
Phil
On the way out this year they just counted our passports, but on the way in checked in detail even wanting to compare our baby's photo with the photo in our passport. There is a reasonable chance you will get caught one way although I've heard in the past people being able to fob off the border control with a photo id e.g. driving license and at least you'll have your expired passport!
If you are going for any length of time, eurotunnel are very flexible on changing your ticket to another crossing, day etc. This is even for the cheapest tickets. We had to go a few days later than expected. Why not drive to peterborough etc tomorrow morning, get your passport renewed then take the next available shuttle. You may only lose a day of your holiday.
Phil
In reply to Mark Morris:
I'd be very surprised if that works.
OP. Sadly, I think you're f*kd
> Photo drivers license should be fine if you've got that.
I'd be very surprised if that works.
OP. Sadly, I think you're f*kd
In reply to Zoro: This business about being able to use a photocard driving licence isn't true. To go through the Tunnel you absolutely need a valid passport, no question.
You could try to blag it with a licence, but I rate your chances as being extremely slim at best. As you're supposed to be travelling tomorrow you might as well try, you have nothing to lose, but be totally prepared to be refused boarding.
Hard luck, but good luck.
You could try to blag it with a licence, but I rate your chances as being extremely slim at best. As you're supposed to be travelling tomorrow you might as well try, you have nothing to lose, but be totally prepared to be refused boarding.
Hard luck, but good luck.
In reply to Zoro:
I think you just need to have photo ID for border crossings within Europe, some airlines insist on a passport - presumably because it is a standard item and easier for their staff?
Caveat: I've been wrong about things before.
EDIT
http://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-information/travel-preparation/travel-...
Passports and identity cards
To travel on Eurostar you need either:
a valid passport, or
a national identity card (EEA citizens and Swiss nationals)
Maybe keep your thumb over the date when you quote the "without due let or hindrance" bit from the Queen's request
I think you just need to have photo ID for border crossings within Europe, some airlines insist on a passport - presumably because it is a standard item and easier for their staff?
Caveat: I've been wrong about things before.
EDIT
http://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-information/travel-preparation/travel-...
Passports and identity cards
To travel on Eurostar you need either:
a valid passport, or
a national identity card (EEA citizens and Swiss nationals)
Maybe keep your thumb over the date when you quote the "without due let or hindrance" bit from the Queen's request
Post edited at 22:35
In reply to Zoro:
From tunnel website:
Passport and documentation
All passengers (including any pets that are travelling with you) will need a valid passport or ID card. A driving licence is not a valid document for travelling abroad. Please ensure you have your passport or ID card within easy reach and out of its wallet before approaching border controls.
Might be stuffed, but I see no real reason why. Once in Europe you won't face any passport control and you are starting in Europe! photo id should be fine.
The link suggests driving license is not ok though?
Good luck. The passport office's problems are well reported.
From tunnel website:
Passport and documentation
All passengers (including any pets that are travelling with you) will need a valid passport or ID card. A driving licence is not a valid document for travelling abroad. Please ensure you have your passport or ID card within easy reach and out of its wallet before approaching border controls.
Might be stuffed, but I see no real reason why. Once in Europe you won't face any passport control and you are starting in Europe! photo id should be fine.
The link suggests driving license is not ok though?
Good luck. The passport office's problems are well reported.
In reply to Zoro:
Lots of Europeans travel to UK by plane or boat without a passport because they have national ID cards and these fulfil the same function.
As we don't (because some bleeding heart liberals got all worked up about the issues about 7 years ago) then you're indeed f&&*88d.
Lots of Europeans travel to UK by plane or boat without a passport because they have national ID cards and these fulfil the same function.
As we don't (because some bleeding heart liberals got all worked up about the issues about 7 years ago) then you're indeed f&&*88d.
In reply to Zoro:
Don't go to the tunnel - you will waste a journey and get refused.
Call Eurotunnel and try to defer the crossing.
The Embassy will do fast turnaround passports in person but you'll need a correctly filled, signed and witnessed form with new photos (and those need to be compliant with all the picky rules). There are also rules over who can witness. I don't think the form is available online, but post offices do stock it.
I suspect getting a form, photos and a lawyer/ accountant/ other "recognised" person to countersign will take tomorrow.
Then get to Embassy 5am on Friday and queue. Make sure you have all the documents you need (check online). And brace yourself for a BIG top up charge for fast turnaround. Given current backlogs etc. I have no idea how long it might take - maybe all day.
So you won't be travelling before Saturday earliest.
If mates are going, maybe throw money at it and take train/plane?
The other options are all desperate and ill-advised:
- try driving license (~0% chance)
- borrow passport/use old and hope for count only (~50% chance on exit; ~0% on re-entry)
- Get a local boat owner to take you across (~10% each way)
- swim (check tides first)
> What should i do?
Don't go to the tunnel - you will waste a journey and get refused.
Call Eurotunnel and try to defer the crossing.
The Embassy will do fast turnaround passports in person but you'll need a correctly filled, signed and witnessed form with new photos (and those need to be compliant with all the picky rules). There are also rules over who can witness. I don't think the form is available online, but post offices do stock it.
I suspect getting a form, photos and a lawyer/ accountant/ other "recognised" person to countersign will take tomorrow.
Then get to Embassy 5am on Friday and queue. Make sure you have all the documents you need (check online). And brace yourself for a BIG top up charge for fast turnaround. Given current backlogs etc. I have no idea how long it might take - maybe all day.
So you won't be travelling before Saturday earliest.
If mates are going, maybe throw money at it and take train/plane?
The other options are all desperate and ill-advised:
- try driving license (~0% chance)
- borrow passport/use old and hope for count only (~50% chance on exit; ~0% on re-entry)
- Get a local boat owner to take you across (~10% each way)
- swim (check tides first)
In reply to Zoro:
Ahhh
Within Proper-Europe it's easier, travelling to/from the UK it's more complicated due to the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement
Doesn't help you, I'm afraid, but I thank you for giving the opportunity to learn something new today.
Good luck!
Ahhh
Within Proper-Europe it's easier, travelling to/from the UK it's more complicated due to the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement
Doesn't help you, I'm afraid, but I thank you for giving the opportunity to learn something new today.
Good luck!
In reply to Mark Morris:
Your post details the real reasons why: a driving licence is not acceptable under any circumstances!
> All passengers (including any pets that are travelling with you) will need a valid passport or ID card. A driving licence is not a valid document for travelling abroad.
> Might be stuffed, but I see no real reason why.
Your post details the real reasons why: a driving licence is not acceptable under any circumstances!
In reply to Aztec Bar:
Right, its late & I've drunk too much, but for what its worth I'll tell you my experience...
I travelled back to France on a photo driving licence whilst waiting for a visa, my passport was in a embassy at the time awaiting a visa.
I turned up at Dover with a photo copy of my passport & a driving licences photo section & cleared both the French & British passport controls.
The French passport control was not keen on letting me pass, but eventually let me pass after a heated discussion & informing them that I had phoned them & cleared it with them.
The British passport control had no problem letting me though, but informed me that my passport was null & void on re-enter & that I would have to reapply for a new passport.
Honestly think, you have to chance it, you are legally allowed to travel within Europe with Photo ID, but be prepared for hassle.
Good Luck...
> (In reply to Zoro)
> I think your knackered.
>
> Don't do it.!
> I think your knackered.
>
> Don't do it.!
Right, its late & I've drunk too much, but for what its worth I'll tell you my experience...
I travelled back to France on a photo driving licence whilst waiting for a visa, my passport was in a embassy at the time awaiting a visa.
I turned up at Dover with a photo copy of my passport & a driving licences photo section & cleared both the French & British passport controls.
The French passport control was not keen on letting me pass, but eventually let me pass after a heated discussion & informing them that I had phoned them & cleared it with them.
The British passport control had no problem letting me though, but informed me that my passport was null & void on re-enter & that I would have to reapply for a new passport.
Honestly think, you have to chance it, you are legally allowed to travel within Europe with Photo ID, but be prepared for hassle.
Good Luck...
In reply to Zoro:
You need a passport or ID card and you have neither so normally you won't be allowed across, however once when coming to England from France for my Father's funeral I had left my passport at home, in Paris, and the French outgoing customs just waved us through, as they often do, and the British let me in after explaining - I was with wife and three kids all looking fairly worried. So there is a discretionary possibility but you need a good reason... You don't have one though.
The passport office in London can do you a passport in one day but you need an appointment and it costs more, unlikely for tomorrow, but you could give them a ring and try and put your trip off till later?
There's little chance of getting through the British customs, they are fairly careful at the moment, with the proviso above... getting out is possible it's getting in that is more difficult.
You need a passport or ID card and you have neither so normally you won't be allowed across, however once when coming to England from France for my Father's funeral I had left my passport at home, in Paris, and the French outgoing customs just waved us through, as they often do, and the British let me in after explaining - I was with wife and three kids all looking fairly worried. So there is a discretionary possibility but you need a good reason... You don't have one though.
The passport office in London can do you a passport in one day but you need an appointment and it costs more, unlikely for tomorrow, but you could give them a ring and try and put your trip off till later?
There's little chance of getting through the British customs, they are fairly careful at the moment, with the proviso above... getting out is possible it's getting in that is more difficult.
In reply to Zoro:
As far as I am aware (as I did nearly the same as you and got away with it many years ago) you can't technically be prevented from leaving the UK but might need to be prepared to be turned back on entry to France. However I'm sure Eurostar would't want you living on their train if the UK then won't let you back in. And nowadays it is often the French authorities who check your passport before you leave (and the UK authorities who check you in France before you come back).
As I say many years ago I got out to the Dolomites by road and every border guard just sort of shrugged and passed the problem on to the next guy; the only person who made anything of it was the passport control in Dover on the way out.
As far as I am aware (as I did nearly the same as you and got away with it many years ago) you can't technically be prevented from leaving the UK but might need to be prepared to be turned back on entry to France. However I'm sure Eurostar would't want you living on their train if the UK then won't let you back in. And nowadays it is often the French authorities who check your passport before you leave (and the UK authorities who check you in France before you come back).
As I say many years ago I got out to the Dolomites by road and every border guard just sort of shrugged and passed the problem on to the next guy; the only person who made anything of it was the passport control in Dover on the way out.
Post edited at 09:45
In reply to Bruce Hooker:
I'd agree - getting out might go OK - we've often only had to wave a handful of passports, and on the most recent trip (early morning ferry) passports weren't checked at all leaving the UK or entering France. We've always used ferry, not tunnel, though.
Much more careful checks coming back into UK, though, every time.
I'd agree - getting out might go OK - we've often only had to wave a handful of passports, and on the most recent trip (early morning ferry) passports weren't checked at all leaving the UK or entering France. We've always used ferry, not tunnel, though.
Much more careful checks coming back into UK, though, every time.
In reply to Zoro:
I've come back from France on my drivers license - realised atthe last minute I'd left my passport in the hotel I'd just driven all day from and there was no way I could get there and back in time. I just went to the check-in as soon as I could to explain the situation and they were OK with it. I was travelling from France to Guernsey though, your experience may be different. You may get into France, but not back into the UK!
I've come back from France on my drivers license - realised atthe last minute I'd left my passport in the hotel I'd just driven all day from and there was no way I could get there and back in time. I just went to the check-in as soon as I could to explain the situation and they were OK with it. I was travelling from France to Guernsey though, your experience may be different. You may get into France, but not back into the UK!
In reply to Zoro:
Just got back from Europe and we never even showed our passports leaving the UK (Tunnel) and on arriving in France you drive straight off the train onto the roads. There is also no border control when travelling within (most of?) mainland Europe.
HOWEVER on leaving France, whilst the French border crossing was unmanned the UK border control checked our passports pretty thoroughly - really pissed me off actually that I can leave on holiday having forgotten my passport and only find out when I try to get back home.
As others have said is is easy (and fairly cheap, or even FOC) to rearrange crossing times with the tunnel.
Just got back from Europe and we never even showed our passports leaving the UK (Tunnel) and on arriving in France you drive straight off the train onto the roads. There is also no border control when travelling within (most of?) mainland Europe.
HOWEVER on leaving France, whilst the French border crossing was unmanned the UK border control checked our passports pretty thoroughly - really pissed me off actually that I can leave on holiday having forgotten my passport and only find out when I try to get back home.
As others have said is is easy (and fairly cheap, or even FOC) to rearrange crossing times with the tunnel.
In reply to Zoro:
Having just gone through the tunnel...
On the way out you are unlikely to have the passports looked at too closely so you may get away with it.
On the way back they were thorough, including requesting windows to be wound down so the lady in passport control could see the dodgy guy in the back of the car to see if he matched the photo.
Having just gone through the tunnel...
On the way out you are unlikely to have the passports looked at too closely so you may get away with it.
On the way back they were thorough, including requesting windows to be wound down so the lady in passport control could see the dodgy guy in the back of the car to see if he matched the photo.
In reply to Babika:
Nothing to do with ID cards, everything to do with Schengen
>
> Lots of Europeans travel to UK by plane or boat without a passport because they have national ID cards and these fulfil the same function.
>
> As we don't (because some bleeding heart liberals got all worked up about the issues about 7 years ago) then you're indeed f&&*88d.
> Lots of Europeans travel to UK by plane or boat without a passport because they have national ID cards and these fulfil the same function.
>
> As we don't (because some bleeding heart liberals got all worked up about the issues about 7 years ago) then you're indeed f&&*88d.
Nothing to do with ID cards, everything to do with Schengen
In reply to JJL:
You missed:
- Go anyway but bury yourself in the boot under all the sacks.
Worked for my mate who got all the way down the M1 before he realised he'd left his passport at home.
E
>
> The other options are all desperate and ill-advised:
> - try driving license (~0% chance)
> - borrow passport/use old and hope for count only (~50% chance on exit; ~0% on re-entry)
> - Get a local boat owner to take you across (~10% each way)
> - swim (check tides first)
> The other options are all desperate and ill-advised:
> - try driving license (~0% chance)
> - borrow passport/use old and hope for count only (~50% chance on exit; ~0% on re-entry)
> - Get a local boat owner to take you across (~10% each way)
> - swim (check tides first)
You missed:
- Go anyway but bury yourself in the boot under all the sacks.
Worked for my mate who got all the way down the M1 before he realised he'd left his passport at home.
E
In reply to Simon Caldwell:
I think you are wrong about this. Schengen agreement is about participating states not requiring the showing of passports or national IDs when crossing borders with other participating states. The UK opted out of this, prefering to maintain it's own border controls. Which is why you normally still need to show passport or ID if you travel between FR and the UK. If the UK was in Schengen you wouldn't need to. I believe that the fact the UK border allows national ID in place of passport precedes Schengen. Of course I could be wrong....
> (In reply to Babika)
> [...]
>
> Nothing to do with ID cards, everything to do with Schengen
> [...]
>
> Nothing to do with ID cards, everything to do with Schengen
I think you are wrong about this. Schengen agreement is about participating states not requiring the showing of passports or national IDs when crossing borders with other participating states. The UK opted out of this, prefering to maintain it's own border controls. Which is why you normally still need to show passport or ID if you travel between FR and the UK. If the UK was in Schengen you wouldn't need to. I believe that the fact the UK border allows national ID in place of passport precedes Schengen. Of course I could be wrong....
In reply to Toerag:
What is going to happen if a UK citizen turns up at a UK port with an out-of-date passport? Would they get deported? Not likely. It may be a few hours of hassle and enquiries, but you'll get in.
As I understand it, a British citizen does not actually need a passport to enter Britain, since they have a right to be here. The passport is simply an easy way of showing British-citizen status. The passport is a document requesting that *other* countries allow you passage.
> You may get into France, but not back into the UK!
What is going to happen if a UK citizen turns up at a UK port with an out-of-date passport? Would they get deported? Not likely. It may be a few hours of hassle and enquiries, but you'll get in.
As I understand it, a British citizen does not actually need a passport to enter Britain, since they have a right to be here. The passport is simply an easy way of showing British-citizen status. The passport is a document requesting that *other* countries allow you passage.
Post edited at 11:54
In reply to Zoro:
Sorry if this is a bit late, but based on my experience this year you may be OK.
There is a British border police presence at the Eurostar terminal in Paris, and presumably one at the Tunnel entrance too. They may give you the third degree, but ultimately they can allow you back in the country
Flying back is a different matter - it's the airlines responsibility to check your passport and they'll be heavily fined if they bring in passengers with passports.
I'd lost my passport, couldn't fly back, but was allowed onto the Eurostar with no more than a photocopy of my passport and a (non photo)driving licence
Sorry if this is a bit late, but based on my experience this year you may be OK.
There is a British border police presence at the Eurostar terminal in Paris, and presumably one at the Tunnel entrance too. They may give you the third degree, but ultimately they can allow you back in the country
Flying back is a different matter - it's the airlines responsibility to check your passport and they'll be heavily fined if they bring in passengers with passports.
I'd lost my passport, couldn't fly back, but was allowed onto the Eurostar with no more than a photocopy of my passport and a (non photo)driving licence
In reply to Zoro:
I've used Eurotunnel a few times on business where the same colleague had forgotten his passport (twice!) - both times he used his drivers license successfully - he was told his name was subsequently on a watch list.
I've also turned up at Eurotunnel and confessed at check in that I'd forgotten my passport and was escorted off site (!).
My colleague above went through check in and just told passport people just before boarding.
I've used Eurotunnel a few times on business where the same colleague had forgotten his passport (twice!) - both times he used his drivers license successfully - he was told his name was subsequently on a watch list.
I've also turned up at Eurotunnel and confessed at check in that I'd forgotten my passport and was escorted off site (!).
My colleague above went through check in and just told passport people just before boarding.
In reply to Zoro:
You could always go to (The Republic of) Ireland instead, it's the only 'foreign' country that you don't need a passport to visit!
You could always go to (The Republic of) Ireland instead, it's the only 'foreign' country that you don't need a passport to visit!
In reply to Zoro:
I've been through with a guy whose passport had expired. Like some said, they just count the passports on the way out. Coming back, you have to rationlise whether the hassle that occurs when they realise it is a month out of date is worth the holiday, but realistically what are they going to do? make you stay in France? of course not!
I've been through with a guy whose passport had expired. Like some said, they just count the passports on the way out. Coming back, you have to rationlise whether the hassle that occurs when they realise it is a month out of date is worth the holiday, but realistically what are they going to do? make you stay in France? of course not!
Post edited at 13:39
In reply to Zoro: Several years ago a friend caught the ferry with an out of days passport with no problem. They just rolled their eyes and called him some names on the way out. Another time the same guy forgot his passport completely but he did have a colour photocopy of it. Again he was let in. His general demeanour is that of a homeless person, though people do tend to warm to him which may have helped.
Hope you get in, let us know how you get on!
Hope you get in, let us know how you get on!
In reply to Zoro:
>"What should i do?"
Chance it. Wear a track suit and try to look a bit feckless (given the circumstances this might not be completely alien to you). Take on the persona of a loveable rouge, mention something about your grannies funeral, induce a tear in your eye.
Alternatively, buy one of those huge pads that are on the market these days, cut out a "you" shaped hole in the foam, conceal yourself inside and have your mates carry you on board with the other pads.
Don't be tempted to take the "you" shaped foam with you in the hope that you can make good the mat once in Font. That's guaranteed to give the game away.
>"What should i do?"
Chance it. Wear a track suit and try to look a bit feckless (given the circumstances this might not be completely alien to you). Take on the persona of a loveable rouge, mention something about your grannies funeral, induce a tear in your eye.
Alternatively, buy one of those huge pads that are on the market these days, cut out a "you" shaped hole in the foam, conceal yourself inside and have your mates carry you on board with the other pads.
Don't be tempted to take the "you" shaped foam with you in the hope that you can make good the mat once in Font. That's guaranteed to give the game away.
Post edited at 15:06
In reply to Zoro:
It really is funny how little the French care about people entering from our xenophobic little island and how much we seem to care about people coming into the UK (despite not having exit controls and thus no idea whether those who come in ever actually leave)...
If you make it out, they have to let you back in (eventually) if you are a UK citizen, but you might miss your ferry/train.
It really is funny how little the French care about people entering from our xenophobic little island and how much we seem to care about people coming into the UK (despite not having exit controls and thus no idea whether those who come in ever actually leave)...
If you make it out, they have to let you back in (eventually) if you are a UK citizen, but you might miss your ferry/train.
In reply to andrewmcleod:
It's because the traffic is trying to come from the mainland world to the little island, there are camps of potential immigrants all around Calais who risk their lives time after time trying to cross the Channel in a South/North direction but not, as far as I know, around Dover trying to reach France... I wonder why, do you think they are into some kind of masochist trip and are turned on by getting badly treated by xenophobes?
It's a question I've often asked myself.
It's because the traffic is trying to come from the mainland world to the little island, there are camps of potential immigrants all around Calais who risk their lives time after time trying to cross the Channel in a South/North direction but not, as far as I know, around Dover trying to reach France... I wonder why, do you think they are into some kind of masochist trip and are turned on by getting badly treated by xenophobes?
It's a question I've often asked myself.
In reply to Zoro:
hmm - now I think about it you may have bigger issues? Mexican national in the UK without a valid passport? I presume there is some sort of right to reside of something? Might the UK border folks in France just turn around and say sorry chummy - no passport no dice?
hmm - now I think about it you may have bigger issues? Mexican national in the UK without a valid passport? I presume there is some sort of right to reside of something? Might the UK border folks in France just turn around and say sorry chummy - no passport no dice?
In reply to Zoro:
always makes me feel good to know there are more stupid people than me in the world
always makes me feel good to know there are more stupid people than me in the world
In reply to Bruce Hooker:
If they were, surely they'd stay in France. They'll have a field day when Marine wins the next Presidential vote.
> (In reply to andrewmcleod)
>
> It's because the traffic is trying to come from the mainland world to the little island, there are camps of potential immigrants all around Calais who risk their lives time after time trying to cross the Channel in a South/North direction but not, as far as I know, around Dover trying to reach France... I wonder why, do you think they are into some kind of masochist trip and are turned on by getting badly treated by xenophobes?
>
> It's because the traffic is trying to come from the mainland world to the little island, there are camps of potential immigrants all around Calais who risk their lives time after time trying to cross the Channel in a South/North direction but not, as far as I know, around Dover trying to reach France... I wonder why, do you think they are into some kind of masochist trip and are turned on by getting badly treated by xenophobes?
If they were, surely they'd stay in France. They'll have a field day when Marine wins the next Presidential vote.
In reply to goldmember:
Yes!
Zoro, who is a uk citizen has made into France and is currently in cauterets having a superb
Time!
And yes what kind of idiot doesn't check his expiry date on his passport? Er....this one!
Ah well lesson learnt and life's a bit more exciting for it!
The French border guy didn't even take hold of the passports, although I think I better
Put in my innocent you are absolutely right mr/mrs immigration officer I am a complete numpty....creep...creep...humble pie pie eating idiot, I'm sooooo sorry routine
Anyway thanks for advice and entertainment everyone!
P.s the Pyrenees look superb from where I am!
Zoro
Yes!
Zoro, who is a uk citizen has made into France and is currently in cauterets having a superb
Time!
And yes what kind of idiot doesn't check his expiry date on his passport? Er....this one!
Ah well lesson learnt and life's a bit more exciting for it!
The French border guy didn't even take hold of the passports, although I think I better
Put in my innocent you are absolutely right mr/mrs immigration officer I am a complete numpty....creep...creep...humble pie pie eating idiot, I'm sooooo sorry routine
Anyway thanks for advice and entertainment everyone!
P.s the Pyrenees look superb from where I am!
Zoro
nice. life's more fun when you take these chances. Though I wouldn't do it with flights. Good luck getting home.
In reply to Zoro:
Cross that bridge (or border) when you come to it mate congrats and have a blast
TC
> I think you're right, as for getting back I might need some of that luck!
Cross that bridge (or border) when you come to it mate congrats and have a blast
TC
In reply to Zoro:
Excellent, was hoping you'd go for it.
You driven down? Not bad going.
> Yes!
> Zoro, who is a uk citizen has made into France and is currently in cauterets having a superb
Excellent, was hoping you'd go for it.
You driven down? Not bad going.
In reply to Zoro:
Well done - I did the same thing; no-one said a word on the way out.
On the way back, British officer (on French side) said 'Which one's Kipper' when he was handed 2 passports. He then suggested that I get it renewed some time.
Well done - I did the same thing; no-one said a word on the way out.
On the way back, British officer (on French side) said 'Which one's Kipper' when he was handed 2 passports. He then suggested that I get it renewed some time.
In reply to Zoro:
Good work - might get a talking to on the way back, but hey, it'll have been worth it, and they'll let you in in the end!
Good work - might get a talking to on the way back, but hey, it'll have been worth it, and they'll let you in in the end!
In reply to Zoro:
Nice1. My wife used to out stay her visa in India and when questioned turned it back on the officials by saying 'sorry, what am I to do?'
Nice1. My wife used to out stay her visa in India and when questioned turned it back on the officials by saying 'sorry, what am I to do?'
In reply to Simon Caldwell:
I regularly travel to the UK without my passport, my ID card works just fine. It really is because the UK for some reason doesn't have ID cards
I regularly travel to the UK without my passport, my ID card works just fine. It really is because the UK for some reason doesn't have ID cards
In reply to Baron Weasel:
Although some countries will be much less inclined to or simply will not issue a new visa if you have overstayed a previous one.
> Nice1. My wife used to out stay her visa in India and when questioned turned it back on the officials by saying 'sorry, what am I to do?'
Although some countries will be much less inclined to or simply will not issue a new visa if you have overstayed a previous one.
In reply to Zoro:
Considering that over the past few months passport control has been tightened up in the UK, I would be a little bit nervous about the return journey.
Tells from a few years ago of being able to get in , no longer count.
Considering that over the past few months passport control has been tightened up in the UK, I would be a little bit nervous about the return journey.
Tells from a few years ago of being able to get in , no longer count.
In reply to neilh:
They cannot refuse to allow a UK citizen to enter the UK, they can only make it awkward. It is not a matter of discretion; it is an absolute right to enter and remain.
> Considering that over the past few months passport control has been tightened up in the UK, I would be a little bit nervous about the return journey.
> Tells from a few years ago of being able to get in , no longer count.
They cannot refuse to allow a UK citizen to enter the UK, they can only make it awkward. It is not a matter of discretion; it is an absolute right to enter and remain.
Post edited at 15:25
In reply to andrewmcleod:
How do they know you are a UK citizen if your passport has expired?
You could always just hide under the bags in the boot as we did when we were at uni!
> They cannot refuse to allow a UK citizen to enter the UK, they can only make it awkward. It is not a matter of discretion; it is an absolute right to enter and remain.
How do they know you are a UK citizen if your passport has expired?
You could always just hide under the bags in the boot as we did when we were at uni!
In reply to andrewmcleod: True, but they can make him stay in France until he gets a new passport issued.
In reply to andrewmcleod:
So let me get this right. Zoro, who is Mexican and now with UK citizenship, is being told by most people here....go on....it will be alright..without a UK passport to travel to France etc and get back in to the UK.
It's crass advice.All I can say is rather him than me for the return journey.
So let me get this right. Zoro, who is Mexican and now with UK citizenship, is being told by most people here....go on....it will be alright..without a UK passport to travel to France etc and get back in to the UK.
It's crass advice.All I can say is rather him than me for the return journey.
In reply to neilh:
Legally a UK citizen does not need a passport to enter Britain. The UK citizenship alone does that. What they do need to do is to establish their identity and establish that they are UK citizens. A recently expired passport actually does that job reasonably well, and thus should suffice. The border agents are unlikely to make much of an issue out of it, since it's fairly obvious what the outcome would be. Legally, the passport is there as a request to *other* countries to allow passage, and for that the expiry date of the request is indeed relevant.
> It's crass advice. All I can say is rather him than me for the return journey.
Legally a UK citizen does not need a passport to enter Britain. The UK citizenship alone does that. What they do need to do is to establish their identity and establish that they are UK citizens. A recently expired passport actually does that job reasonably well, and thus should suffice. The border agents are unlikely to make much of an issue out of it, since it's fairly obvious what the outcome would be. Legally, the passport is there as a request to *other* countries to allow passage, and for that the expiry date of the request is indeed relevant.
In reply to Coel Hellier:
I got let in with an old style driving licence with no picture, having dropped my passport on the plane on the way back from Canada. This was about erm... 12 years ago?
> Legally a UK citizen does not need a passport to enter Britain.
I got let in with an old style driving licence with no picture, having dropped my passport on the plane on the way back from Canada. This was about erm... 12 years ago?
In reply to Coel Hellier:
All well and good. I would just love to see this in practise for a Mexican who now has UK citizenship.I would reckon it's more than certain he will be delayed coming back in.Maybe an hour, maybe a few days, maybe even longer...who knows?I am sure he can get a Border Agent to speak to us to sort it all out.
In his shoes I would be visiting the local UK consulate to get it sorted.
All well and good. I would just love to see this in practise for a Mexican who now has UK citizenship.I would reckon it's more than certain he will be delayed coming back in.Maybe an hour, maybe a few days, maybe even longer...who knows?I am sure he can get a Border Agent to speak to us to sort it all out.
In his shoes I would be visiting the local UK consulate to get it sorted.
In reply to Zoro:
Zoro, let us know how you got on.
My bet is that you will get back into the UK OK.
Zoro, let us know how you got on.
My bet is that you will get back into the UK OK.
In reply to kylo-342:
Currently i'm in saint lary. I've been climbing ridges, clipping bolts and just soaking up the amazing scenery, ive barely given a thought to the return journey. I'm not returning for about a week/10 days, but i think i'm just going to wing it and see how it pans out. I was fretting before i left because i thought i would mess up a holiday ive spent 12 months saving to pay for, all because i'm a forgetfull idiot.
I would like to say thanks to the UKC community for the support though
I will definately give a debrief once i have returned, perhaps i could discreetly record my return through passport/security controls hahaha, maybe i shouldn't i might all ready be in enough hot water already!
Currently i'm in saint lary. I've been climbing ridges, clipping bolts and just soaking up the amazing scenery, ive barely given a thought to the return journey. I'm not returning for about a week/10 days, but i think i'm just going to wing it and see how it pans out. I was fretting before i left because i thought i would mess up a holiday ive spent 12 months saving to pay for, all because i'm a forgetfull idiot.
I would like to say thanks to the UKC community for the support though
I will definately give a debrief once i have returned, perhaps i could discreetly record my return through passport/security controls hahaha, maybe i shouldn't i might all ready be in enough hot water already!
In reply to Coel Hellier:
That's actually a really interesting point, given that we are not required to carry ID cards to prove that we're UK citizens, within the UK. However, there is the fact that in certain parts of the country there are increasing needs to be able to prove one's identity to avoid hassle due to so called anti-terrorism laws (taking photographs of "important" buildings in London has seen me stopped on more than one occasion).
So, would showing a pre-1983 birth certificate suffice (I'm not sure whether there is any way to prove whether it has been renounced or not, other than the fact that you recently had an in-date passport)?
Sadly, I think it's all largely down to how you look and the person on the other side of the desk when you pass through
The thing I found strange, was the last time I had to renew mine, in haste, over 10 years ago, I couldn't use my current (valid) passport as a form of identity, I had to provide 2 alternate forms! What was I going to do, fake a passport, then show it to the people that issue them to get a new one?
That's actually a really interesting point, given that we are not required to carry ID cards to prove that we're UK citizens, within the UK. However, there is the fact that in certain parts of the country there are increasing needs to be able to prove one's identity to avoid hassle due to so called anti-terrorism laws (taking photographs of "important" buildings in London has seen me stopped on more than one occasion).
So, would showing a pre-1983 birth certificate suffice (I'm not sure whether there is any way to prove whether it has been renounced or not, other than the fact that you recently had an in-date passport)?
Sadly, I think it's all largely down to how you look and the person on the other side of the desk when you pass through
The thing I found strange, was the last time I had to renew mine, in haste, over 10 years ago, I couldn't use my current (valid) passport as a form of identity, I had to provide 2 alternate forms! What was I going to do, fake a passport, then show it to the people that issue them to get a new one?
In reply to Zoro:
Enjoy the rest of the stay, and, if you really get stuck on the way back, fish out your phone, answer the following questions and show it to the person at immigrations
https://www.gov.uk/check-british-citizen
Enjoy the rest of the stay, and, if you really get stuck on the way back, fish out your phone, answer the following questions and show it to the person at immigrations
https://www.gov.uk/check-british-citizen
In reply to Morgan Woods:
Or just request to be re-admitted to the asylum - either way should work!
> Just claim asylum on the way back in :p
Or just request to be re-admitted to the asylum - either way should work!
In reply to Zoro:
Maybe this has been said, but for heavens sake when trying to get back in don`t say you went out without one, that's probably an offence.
When/if they ask for it on return, just pat your pockets and say you cannot find it. If they ask did you have it going, say must have but cannot remember it being checked.
Maybe this has been said, but for heavens sake when trying to get back in don`t say you went out without one, that's probably an offence.
When/if they ask for it on return, just pat your pockets and say you cannot find it. If they ask did you have it going, say must have but cannot remember it being checked.
In reply to SCrossley:
Personally I would just wave the expired one (without saying anything). Even though it is expired it is still proof of identity which will probably simplify the process considerably.
Claiming you never realised it had expired, and that the French didn't bother checking, is entirely believeable.
Personally I would just wave the expired one (without saying anything). Even though it is expired it is still proof of identity which will probably simplify the process considerably.
Claiming you never realised it had expired, and that the French didn't bother checking, is entirely believeable.
In reply to andrewmcleod:
I agree, personally, I'd just hand over the expired passport and attempt to look surprised when told it's out of date. It's pretty good proof of who you are, which is what they need to know before they let you in.....
I agree, personally, I'd just hand over the expired passport and attempt to look surprised when told it's out of date. It's pretty good proof of who you are, which is what they need to know before they let you in.....
https://www.gov.uk/get-an-emergency-passport-extension-or-child-travel-docu...
In reply to Zoro:
It appears you can probably get a free 12 month extension by appointment at the British consulate. Paris Marseille or Bordeaux.
In reply to Zoro:
It appears you can probably get a free 12 month extension by appointment at the British consulate. Paris Marseille or Bordeaux.
In reply to Carolyn:
I'd agree with that. Look surprised, act dumb and say "Wow, I'm surprised that wasn't noticed when I tried to get out of England!"...then apologise profusely.
> I agree, personally, I'd just hand over the expired passport and attempt to look surprised when told it's out of date. It's pretty good proof of who you are, which is what they need to know before they let you in.....
I'd agree with that. Look surprised, act dumb and say "Wow, I'm surprised that wasn't noticed when I tried to get out of England!"...then apologise profusely.
In reply to Zoro:
Would love to know how you get on. A "person" who I may or may not be married to nearly ruined our holiday by turning up at the quayside in Newcastle with an expired passport. Because this was a group holiday with other people depending on our car to get us to Slovenia I had to leave him in Newcastle as they wouldn't let him board. He managed to get a new passport and a flight to Austria and joined us a couple of days later. Kinda ruined the "minimise the cost/carbon footprint by driving" idea though.
Would love to know how you get on. A "person" who I may or may not be married to nearly ruined our holiday by turning up at the quayside in Newcastle with an expired passport. Because this was a group holiday with other people depending on our car to get us to Slovenia I had to leave him in Newcastle as they wouldn't let him board. He managed to get a new passport and a flight to Austria and joined us a couple of days later. Kinda ruined the "minimise the cost/carbon footprint by driving" idea though.
In reply to Snoweider:
I happened to check passports about a week before a trip to France. Mainly so I knew where they were, just lucky I did. Mr Marsbars had already run out. No appointments at the passport offices in London or Peterborough, so I ended up getting a train to Durham and back the day before driving to France.
I happened to check passports about a week before a trip to France. Mainly so I knew where they were, just lucky I did. Mr Marsbars had already run out. No appointments at the passport offices in London or Peterborough, so I ended up getting a train to Durham and back the day before driving to France.
No news of Zoro?
Free the UKC one!
Free the UKC one!
In reply to Zoro: I'm back!
No problems re-entering, i just handed over my(expired)passport, put on my most innocent shocked(has it REALLY expired?) look? I then put on a really worried look and asked if i could still travel?
At which point the immigration official said it wasnt a problem although i should renew it straight away!
Bit of a let down really, i was kind of hoping for a jaunt into paris to see the consulate.
I think i got lucky, but hey ive had an absolutlely briiliant time in the pyrenees walkin/climbing and cycling!
Also i turned up at eurotunnel early just in case of any er...problems so i had an hour until my train was due so i asked inside the terminal at custumer info if there was any chance i could get an earlier train even though i'd checked in already and they just slotted me into a cancellation for free on an even earlier train than my oringinal, which is great service i think!
Thanks again to everyone who replied, ive already scoped where i like to go in the pyrenees next year. Although i might just check the date on my passport before i book my holiday next time!
Hahaha!
No problems re-entering, i just handed over my(expired)passport, put on my most innocent shocked(has it REALLY expired?) look? I then put on a really worried look and asked if i could still travel?
At which point the immigration official said it wasnt a problem although i should renew it straight away!
Bit of a let down really, i was kind of hoping for a jaunt into paris to see the consulate.
I think i got lucky, but hey ive had an absolutlely briiliant time in the pyrenees walkin/climbing and cycling!
Also i turned up at eurotunnel early just in case of any er...problems so i had an hour until my train was due so i asked inside the terminal at custumer info if there was any chance i could get an earlier train even though i'd checked in already and they just slotted me into a cancellation for free on an even earlier train than my oringinal, which is great service i think!
Thanks again to everyone who replied, ive already scoped where i like to go in the pyrenees next year. Although i might just check the date on my passport before i book my holiday next time!
Hahaha!
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