In May 2007, legislation from the Identity & Passport Service was passed stating that first-time passport applications for UK citizens over 16 will be carried out on a face-to-face basis in an effort to combat the threat of passport fraud and identity theft.

The requirement to attend an interview is currently being implemented on a relatively small scale; however, purpose-built offices are currently being constructed throughout the UK to ensure that it becomes the standard procedure for all adult applications by the end of 2007.

Home Office Minister John Ryan said:

"We are currently one of only a few western nations that do not have a face-to-face element to the passport application process. We know that this leads to fraudulent applications and that is why things are going to change this year, starting with first-time adult customers.

"From 2009 countries in the EU and beyond will also be adding fingerprints to their passports. So will we. We will not allow the British passport to become a second-rate travel document, a natural target for criminals.”

According to plans laid out by the Identity & Passport Service, over half the UK’s population will reside within 15 minutes of an interview office and 95% will be within an hour of one. People living in more remote areas will be able to conduct their interviews over a webcam link.

At OE Visas, we advise all of our clients to have a minimum of two years left on their current passports prior to the lodging of their application in order to avoid a transfer fee when their visa is granted.