Passport - living in Spain and need a replacement asap - any advice?
Posted: 23 November 2009 04:46 PM  
Tourist
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Hello

My passport is damaged and I need a replacement within 4 weeks. What are my options?

As far as I can see, the Madrid don’t issue them under 4 weeks AND I might have to go to Madrid to attend an interview, which could make the process take ‘significantly longer’.
I have tried to call the embassy in Madrid but havent yet been able to get through.

secondly, I could send my documents to family in the UK and ask them to apply for it on my behalf, but then there are the postal strike and potential problems with photos not being correct etc.

thirdly, I could just chance it at the airport. I’m flying with Easyjet from Porto to Gatwick… the passort has been in the sea and the pages look like they have been wet. there is also a burn mark on the front cover of the passpot.

does anyone have any experience of:
a) getting a new passport quickly in spain or
b) flying with a damaged passport?

any advice welcome, thank you.

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Posted: 23 November 2009 08:30 PM   [ # 1 ]  
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This may help:

http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/

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Rob
http://spainreexposed.wordpress.com/

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Posted: 23 November 2009 08:55 PM   [ # 2 ]  
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Thank you for the reply.
I also found that website and it does say that passports should be done in 10 days, however it still recommends leaving 4 weeks and says that I might have to have an interview… which would make the process take longer than 4 weeks.
ah!

I did just take the passport to the local airport to see what they thought - they said it looks ok, but that Easyjet (who I’m flying with) might have a different opinion. There is a lot of press about people being refused flights with them for slightly damaged passports…. so I guess maybe I should change my travel plans.

I will try to call the Madrid Embassy again tomorrow in case there is any way to get the passport in less time here in Spain….

Complicated stuff!

Thanks again.

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Posted: 24 November 2009 04:45 AM   [ # 3 ]  
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Airline get fine by the passport control and customs you need to go to the Embassy . Damaged passport are used to fake IDs off people Entring UK and Ireland .
that why Airline wont let you fly .

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