Can you get a British passport without citizenship?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 16, 2026
You must have British nationality to apply for or hold a British passport. Having British nationality does not guarantee you a passport. For example, you may not get a new passport (or your existing passport may be taken from you) if: you're suspected of a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued.
Does British passport mean citizenship?
Having a British passport doesn't mean you're a citizen either. British citizens, overseas territories citizens, overseas citizens, subjects, nationals (overseas) and protected persons can all apply for a passport. British citizenship is a complicated process and relies on a number of multilayered factors.
What can stop you from getting a British passport?
You've been convicted of an offence where serious harm was caused to the victim(s) You have been convicted of a sexual offence and are currently under notification requirements and/or subject to a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) and/or a foreign travel order and/or a risk of sexual harm order (RSHO).
Do I need to apply for British citizenship before applying for passport?
British citizenship gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently, without any immigration restrictions. You need British citizenship before you can apply for a UK passport.
Who qualifies for a British passport?
You can apply for a British passport if you're a: British citizen. British overseas territories citizen. British overseas citizen.
15 related questions foundHow can I get a UK passport fast?
You need to book a passport office appointment and pay online. You can book an appointment up to 3 weeks in advance. If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the 'Passport Adviceline' instead.
Can you buy British citizenship?
The investor, his or her spouse and children under 18 years old can apply for UK citizenship by investment one year after receiving permanent residence. During this period, it is important not to travel outside the UK for more than 90 days. Application fee for citizenship by investment for each person is £1330.
Is it easy to get British citizenship?
Becoming British is one of the most arduous and expensive citizenship processes in the world. Many of the tens of thousands of people who are accepted as UK citizens each year will have faced years of preparation and bills of between £5,000 and £10,000.
Is it worth getting a British passport?
The UK passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world with visa-free travel to 139 countries, travel to 7 countries where travel authorization is obtained online, and travel to 38 counties where you will be granted a visa upon arrival.
Can you get passport without citizenship?
You must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national.
This is not possible unless they go through the process of becoming naturalized citizens of the United States first. U.S. citizenship must be proved in order to get a United States passport unless the person is a non-citizen national.
Can I live in the UK if I have a British passport?
You can live and work in the UK free of any immigration controls if you're a British citizen. You can also get a UK passport.
What is the difference between British citizen and British national?
A British national, or United Kingdom national, is a person who possesses a type of British nationality. This includes anyone who is a: British citizen. British Overseas Territories citizen.
What is the strongest passport?
Here's a list of the most powerful ones. A new index ranks Luxembourg as the top passport in the world for aspiring global citizens. The small European country ranked No. 1 out of 199 places in the “Nomad Passport Index 2022” published by the tax and immigration consultancy Nomad Capitalist.
Does UK allow dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK. This means you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries. You do not need to apply for dual citizenship. You can apply for foreign citizenship and keep your British citizenship.
Which passport is the strongest in the world?
For the third year in a row, Singapore and Japan have the most powerful passports in the world. According to data from the International Air Transport Association, analyzed by immigration consultants Henley& Partners, citizens of those two nations can travel to 192 of 227 destinations without having to secure a visa.
How can a foreigner become a British citizen?
There are 5 basic requirements to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation that most candidates must meet.
- Be over 18 years old.
- Be of “good character”. ...
- Be currently living in the UK.
- Meet the English language requirements.
- Pass the “Life in the UK” test.
How much does it cost to become a British citizen?
You usually pay £1,330 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,012 for children. If you're applying for citizenship as an adult you'll also have to pay: £50 to do the Life in the UK Test. £19.20 to send your fingerprints and photo to the Home Office.
Do babies born in the UK get citizenship?
You're usually automatically a British citizen if you were both: born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983. born when one of your parents was a British citizen or 'settled' in the UK.
What is golden visa UK?
The United Kingdom's Golden Visa was launched in 2008 as a means to get high net-worth individuals to make substantial investments in the country. It is often seen as a fast-track route for wealthy investors to migrate to the UK.
Which country gives fastest citizenship?
5 fastest countries to get citizenship in 2021 + instant...
- Argentina. In Argentina, you could get citizenship in as short as 2 years! ...
- Peru. Similarly to Argentina, in Peru, you can get citizenship in 2 years. ...
- Dominican Republic. ...
- Uruguay. ...
- Canada.
What documents do you need for a passport UK?
You'll need all of the following:
- your full birth certificate showing your parents' details.
- your father's birth certificate.
- your parents' marriage certificate.
- the passport you used to come into the UK or foreign passport you're included on.
What is the current wait time for a UK passport?
Processing times in the UK
Allow up to 10 weeks to receive your passport. There are different turnaround times if you're applying from another country.
What documents do you need for a passport?
During the Submission you will need the following
- An eCitizen pre-filled passport application form and three receipts.
- Original birth certificate and photocopy.
- Original National ID Card & copy.
- Three Current passport size photos.
- Recommender's ID Card copy.
- Consent letter for minors.
- Old passport for replacement.
How strong is UK passport?
Holders of the United Kingdom passport are eligible to travel to a total of 186 destinations in worldwide countries without being obliged to obtain a visa in order to do so, which ranks Britain in the sixth position in the list of the world's most powerful passports.