Hi Breeps!
Brits in LA had a great time at Hemingways Lounge in Hollywood this past week for the release of Dom Hemingway, courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment. We had a nice spread of sandwiches, some free drinks and a photobooth opportunity for those wannabe (pretend) criminals amongst us.
We had giveaways of T-Shirts and DVDs – We are excited about doing more events with Allied LA and Hemingways – we are planning a spectacular end of summer bash – so watch this space.
I’m off to the homeland this week which got me thinking about how many questions we get asked regarding passport renewal. So, with the help of our consulate friends, we put together some handy tips, which can be viewed online here at: www.britsin.la/passport
Britons used to have to send their passport to Washington D.C. However residents overseas must now apply for their passports ONLINE via the uk.gov website as part of a worldwide change to the passport process. The British Consulate also recommends you DO NOT leave it until the last minute to apply for your passport. You can apply up to nine months in advance and any unexpired time will be added to your new passport. (www.gov.uk/overseas-passports) You can also book a same-day appointment in the UK for a renewal passport but if you have lost your passport and go home on an emergency document, it can take a week for an expedited renewal. You will need to visit your nearest Passport Customer Service Centre in the UK and your appointment may be up to two weeks from the day you book it. The UK Passport Advice line is 0300 222 0000, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9am to 5:30pm.
NATIONALITY ENQUIRIES
The Home Office is the lead government department on nationality matters. If you have an enquiry about eligibility for British citizenship or nationality – for instance, if your American spouse is eligible, information can be found at: www.gov.uk/british-passport-eligibility.
Urgent Travel: If you need to travel urgently and your normal passport is not available you should contact your nearest consular office. They may be able to provide you with emergency travel documentation. Please note they will not be able to answer general passport questions or give information on passport applications in progress (as they are no longer involved in this process). You should only contact them if you have a need to travel urgently and you will be asked to supply evidence of your need.
For mailed applications you’ll need to send your old passport to the following address:
Durham Passport Office, Milburngate House, Durham, DH97 1PA. We advise getting a tracking number when you mail; you can send through the USPS for about $16.
Please note that UK passport photos are a different size to the USA so get a photographer who knows the difference. There are several listed locally through a simple google search, but we recommend the Photo Center at 7961 Beverly Boulevard.
And finally… our Breakfast Club is bloomingly busy at the moment – must be the good weather – come join us every Tuesday at Cecconi’s (8764 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood) and our fabulous Pub Quiz at The Pikey every Tuesday night, this week hosted by Marina Paganucci and her American husband, Rob Pait – The True Brits in LA family.
I will be Tweeting and Instagraming from London town – so watch out for those AND I’ll see you when I get back.
Cheers!
Craig
