Any UK citizens living abroad if your passport runs out before September 2011 you will probably want to renew it at your local embassy early.
From April 2011 the Identity & Passport Service (IPS), an agency of the Home Office, will assume responsibility for the provision of all regular British passports. The reason for this change is that, from October 2010, new, more secure passports are being introduced in the United Kingdom, and it is simply not economical for these new documents to be produced overseas.
They aim to turn around your new passport within 4 weeks.
When making your application you will need to allow time for the passport to be returned. In line with the service in the UK, for customers renewing a passport we aim to return your new passport within four weeks from receipt of the correct documentation and fee. If you are applying for a passport for the first time you should allow at least six weeks.
Emergency travel documents can be issues, it's not exactly convenient though as the three offices in Europe are located in Düsseldorf, Paris or Madrid. Bit of a trek if you live in Rome or Athens.
What it doesn't say is if you can keep hold of the old passport while the new one is processed. In some countries you are still required to carry your passport as proof of who you are at all times.
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