British Embassy

Jan 10th, 2009 by nigel.coombs

MOVE OF BRITISH PASSPORT OPERATIONS FROM GENEVA TO PARIS

By the end of February 2009 all passport services for British residents of Switzerland will move from Geneva to Paris. The British Embassy in Paris will start to accept applications from British nationals in Switzerland from 1 January 2009.

This move is part of a global initiative to rationalise passport services and reduce administration costs while ensuring that service levels remain high. Similar mergers have already taken place between Portugal/Spain, and France/Benelux countries and all are working smoothly.

Along with our Embassy in Berne, and our network of Honorary Consuls, the Consulate-General will continue to provide consular assistance in Switzerland to British residents and visitors. This includes provision of emergency travel documents (see below), advice about British nationality and birth and death registrations.

Once the move takes effect, British residents of Switzerland will send their applications direct to Paris. The Embassy in Paris will issue passports within 10 working days of receiving the correct documentation. They will then return the new passport by courier, to be signed for on delivery. So secure, quick, simple and efficient. In emergencies, all consular teams in Switzerland will still be able to issue emergency travel documents for use for a single trip to the UK. And Paris will be able to fast-track full passport applications in emergency situations.

Staff in Switzerland and France are working together to ensure a smooth transition and the continued efficiency and integrity of the service.   For further information please see the passport pages on the website of the British Embassy in Switzerland http://ukinswitzerland.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/

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