New Passport Arrangements for British Nationals in Panama.

From 2nd November 2009 applications for full validity passports will be sent to The British Consulate Washington, USA.

Changes to Passport Operation

In order to keep costs covered, the UK Government is committed to looking for opportunities to reduce administration, centralise excellence and deliver beneficial economies of scale.  These are the parameters we have set ourselves as we introduce more sophisticated measures to protect personal identity, reduce fraud and safeguard UK borders.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) Passport Network Rationalisation Project was set up in May 2008 to deliver a more streamlined and efficient passport operation for British nationals abroad, to achieve immediate financial benefits to the FCO and to establish a sustainable operating platform for the future.

The FCO is committed to supporting the UK Government’s National Identity Scheme to:

    Help secure our borders and tackle illegal immigration;
    Prevent identity fraud;
    Become a key defence in the fight against crime and terrorism;
    Enhance checks as part of safeguarding  the vulnerable;
    Improve customer services.

New Passport Arrangements for British Nationals in Panama

What is happening?

Passports for British nationals in Panama will be processed and printed in The British Consulate Washington DC, USA from Monday 2nd November 2009. 

What do these changes mean to me?

From Monday 2nd November 2009 passport applications should be sent by courier or registered post directly to:
UK Passport service for the Americas & Caribbean
19 Observatory Circle
Washington DC
20008, USA
Website: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/passports

The passport team in The British Consulate Washington DC, USA aim to issue new passports within 10 working days of receiving the correct documentation and fee (excluding transit time).
Before applying for a passport we suggest that you visit our website at: http://ukinpanama.fco.gov.uk/en
All the relevant passport forms can be downloaded together with information on the application process.

Please Note: Customers should not make any travel arrangements until their new passport is received. The British Embassy Panama cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred as a result of disrupted travel plans.

If you have any questions please contact:

Ana Jones
Vice Consul
British Embassy Panama
* email: http://thepanamanetwork.com ( telephone: (507) 269-0866 extn.2009 ( fax: (507) 263-5138  )  ftn: 8458-2000
Visit our website: http://ukinpanama.fco.gov.uk/en/