Renewing your passport while living abroad
You renew your passport by applying through the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. You will need to complete the official application forms, provide passport-sized photos, and submit your current passport by mail or in-person appointment.
- Budget
- 150 dollars per renewal
- Duration
- 4-8 weeks processing time
- Best Time
- Anytime, but 9 months before expiration
- Visa Required
- Yes; the passport is the primary document required for all international travel and legal residency.
Step by step
Check your passport validity
Most countries require at least 6 months of validity on your passport to travel. Start the renewal process at least 9 months before your expiration date to avoid issues with residency permits or travel plans.
Visit your government's embassy website
Navigate to the official website of your country's embassy or consulate in your current country of residence. Look for the 'Passports' or 'Consular Services' section to find country-specific instructions and appointment requirements.
Prepare your documents
Gather your current passport, a completed application form, proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate, if required), and the exact number of passport photos requested by your home government (usually 2, 2x2 inch photos).
Pay the fee
Fees vary by country and are often paid via a specific online portal, a bank draft, or by money order at the time of your appointment. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
Submit the application
Follow the submission method mandated by your embassy. Some allow mail-in applications for adults, while others strictly require an in-person appearance for biometric data capture.
Questions people ask
Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?
Generally, no. You must surrender your current passport to the embassy for the duration of the renewal process, meaning you cannot leave your current country of residence.
What happens to my valid visas in my old passport?
Most countries allow you to travel with both your old passport (containing the valid visa) and your new passport. Check with the destination country's embassy to confirm their specific policy.
- Estimate
- Expect to pay between $130 and $200 USD depending on your home country's specific fee structure, plus any potential courier or postage costs.
Packing
- Digital copies of your current passport and birth certificate saved on an encrypted drive
- Physical passport-sized photos (carry two extra just in case)
- A self-addressed, pre-paid express courier envelope for the return of your new passport
- A folder to organize your application documents during transport