 |
18 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
|
Being in a foreign country without a passport
In June my passport runs out. I live in France. To renew it I have to send my passport with the forms, paper work etc to the UK passport office who expect to take about six weeks to process a new passport for me. During that Time I will be in France illegally without a passport or the means to return to the UK should any kind of family emergency arise ( like my 90 year old mother currently in a home).
Does anyone have any idea how I can remain legal whilst I await a new passport, Also what happens if it gets lost in the post etc?
|
18 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Kalimantan
Posts: 25
|
|
No major worries, just done my renewal have a read here.... https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
|
18 Feb 2015
|
 |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
|
I don't think you would be "illegal" in France just because your passport is not in your hands. It's still a valid passport and if there is a record of your entry, then you are legal. But as I recall there is NO passport check between UK and France unless arriving by air. I've done a few Ferry runs ... no passport required going either way IIRC. Ride your bike!!!
Dunno about UK, but in USA I was advised by US state dept. to use my expired passport (which I carry when on the road) in case my current passport was stolen or lost.
It's still works as basic I.D. though not valid for passing borders without background checks. If anyone in authority wants to check further, they can.
Just because my passport is stolen does not mean I am not a valid passport holder, I am, and the Us State Dept. can validate that in 10 seconds with a computer check.
I'm sure Brit govt. (and French) have something similar as Passports are lost, stolen and misplaced dozens a month I would think.
Good luck. We have to pay MORE to speed up the re-newal process. Typical.
|
18 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
|
|
Hang on to your expiring passport and apply for a second stating that you need one because you live in France and might have to come back for your mother, it is worth a try.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...sport-my-33725
|
18 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Invercockaleaky.
Posts: 1
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw
In June my passport runs out. I live in France. To renew it I have to send my passport with the forms, paper work etc to the UK passport office
|
I think as a French resident you can send your passport to Paris for renewal.
https://www.gov.uk/government/world/...-embassy-paris.
I have never been asked for my passport whilst in France (15year)
I have been asked for ID. I use my driving licence
It'll also be worth taking a photocopy of your old passport (Just in case)
Bot
|
18 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
But as I recall there is NO passport check between UK and France unless arriving by air. I've done a few Ferry runs ... no passport required going either way IIRC. Ride your bike!!!
|
Sadly that's not the case. Going out by boat from the UK more often than not the French authorities are not bothered and just wave you through. Not always but probably four times out of five. Coming back is a different matter - the UK mob want the whole lot - not only passport presented but helmet etc off if you're on a bike and individual faces peering through the window one at a time if you're in a car to compare you with your photograph.
You'll then get the sniffer dogs growling at you while you're waiting for the ship to turn up and then the contents of your car turned out while they check your steering wheel for dynamite traces or drugs or whatever at the customs post. Welcome to the UK 
|
18 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond
Sadly that's not the case. Going out by boat from the UK more often than not the French authorities are not bothered and just wave you through. Not always but probably four times out of five. Coming back is a different matter - the UK mob want the whole lot - not only passport presented but helmet etc off if you're on a bike and individual faces peering through the window one at a time if you're in a car to compare you with your photograph.
You'll then get the sniffer dogs growling at you while you're waiting for the ship to turn up and then the contents of your car turned out while they check your steering wheel for dynamite traces or drugs or whatever at the customs post. Welcome to the UK |
Broadly true and, unfortunately, totally necessary these days; funny how times change but Mollydog is remembering the good old days when there was a balance of power in the world and everyone toed the line; now there are lots of folks out there who have no experience of that world and who demand their rights to rule the world by whatever means.
__________________
Dave
|
18 Feb 2015
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
|
|
|
I recently applied for and received a new UK passport. The process took 2 weeks, despite the advised 6.
|
18 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 104
|
|
my renewal also took 2 weeks but I used the post office check and send service..
Also ref passport control. I recently rode from UK to France and the passport control just wved me through without checking but on the way back I was stopped and asked to remove helmet to confirm passport tied up with me on the bike 
|
18 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
Broadly true and, unfortunately, totally necessary these days; funny how times change but Mollydog is remembering the good old days when there was a balance of power in the world and everyone toed the line; now there are lots of folks out there who have no experience of that world and who demand their rights to rule the world by whatever means.
|
I'm not convinced it's that necessary tbh. Nobody stops me when I drive from France to Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy or Spain (or any combination thereof). Their societies are not falling apart (any more than ours anyway) because of open borders and it's not as if we don't have any experience of it - you can go from the Republic of Ireland to the UK (Northern Ireland) and all you see is a signpost. If terrorism was the major concern you'd think that would be one border where everyone was strip searched.
It's just island mentality. We (They) keep track of everyone's movements and cross reference travel documents (like ferry bookings) with actual movement because they can - it's easy with only half a dozen ferry routes and a few airlines. It wouldn't be so easy if there were a thousand roads over a land border with France.
What Shengen Europeans think when they arrive at Dover God only knows. Not only does the place look like a Borstal as built by Top Gear, they're treated as guilty until proved innocent by a bunch of grim faced prison guards.  For the sake of the tourist industry I can only hope some of it gets lost in translation.
|
18 Feb 2015
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
Broadly true and, unfortunately, totally necessary these days; funny how times change but Mollydog is remembering the good old days when there was a balance of power in the world and everyone toed the line; now there are lots of folks out there who have no experience of that world and who demand their rights to rule the world by whatever means.
|
Right you are Dave. In 2003 no document checks that I recall. "Good Old Days" indeed. Now a different world!
I like the idea of applying for new British passport at the UK embassy in
Paris. Might be faster, dunno?
I've used US embassies twice for similar things ... once in Ecuador, where I got a NEW passport on the spot. One hour. Place was empty!
Another time in El Salvador, had pages added. Leave passport ... pick up next day. No charge back then.
Sadly, those days are LONG GONE. Now they look upon everyone like they are a criminal or ter rorrist ... I'll be foreign tourists arriving in USA now get
the 3rd degree too. Makes you want to turn straight around and go home!
|
19 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond
I'm not convinced it's that necessary tbh. Nobody stops me when I drive from France to Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy or Spain (or any combination thereof). Their societies are not falling apart (any more than ours anyway) because of open borders and it's not as if we don't have any experience of it - you can go from the Republic of Ireland to the UK (Northern Ireland) and all you see is a signpost. If terrorism was the major concern you'd think that would be one border where everyone was strip searched.
It's just island mentality. We (They) keep track of everyone's movements and cross reference travel documents (like ferry bookings) with actual movement because they can - it's easy with only half a dozen ferry routes and a few airlines. It wouldn't be so easy if there were a thousand roads over a land border with France.
What Shengen Europeans think when they arrive at Dover God only knows. Not only does the place look like a Borstal as built by Top Gear, they're treated as guilty until proved innocent by a bunch of grim faced prison guards. For the sake of the tourist industry I can only hope some of it gets lost in translation. |
Well somehow we went way  and the question of the OP has been pretty much answered in any case.
So, there is no point in pursuing this particular line -- if it is of interest, then the BBC iPlayer can bring up a programme called "bitter lake" which, to me, says why nation states are about the best we humans can manage at present; by no means perfect but that's more or less what Churchill said about democracy.
You will need to set aside over two hours of your life for the full bitter lake, but it is worth it.
And yes, the whole of Dover exudes a dismal air;basically it is in decline like many other seaside towns of the UK.
__________________
Dave
|
19 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
I like the idea of applying for new British passport at the UK embassy in
Paris. Might be faster, dunno?
!
|
My last passport I got at an embassy (Bordeaux) but this service is no longer available in embassies
For at least ten years now passports are checked at both ends of a ferry crossing. There were times back before 9/11 when the French would just wave you through.
Point is if I am stopped by gendarmes et al and they ask for my identity I wont have any which is illegal in France.
I have a bloody minded idea to go through the French port entry then post off my passport for renewal and just see how much it costs them when I end up between countries with no way to land on either.
|
19 Feb 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
-- if it is of interest, then the BBC iPlayer can bring up a programme called "bitter lake" which, to me, says why nation states are about the best we humans can manage at present
|
I agree, an excellent feature documentary, although a little slow in places in my opinion. I've now watched it through twice. Superb [read: unusual] background music too.
For those that can't access BBC's iPlayer, then the film can be viewed on YouTube. Here's the link: Adam Curtis - "Bitter Lake"
.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
