From 20 August 2010, as part of a global initiative to streamline processes, the Consular departments of the British Deputy High Commissions across India, including in Mumbai, will no longer be accepting passport applications. After this date, British passport holders should submit their applications to the British High Commission in New Delhi.
The new process will also lead to a change in timelines, in line with global standards and service in the UK. Passports for renewal will aim to be returned to customers in four weeks from the receipt of the correct documentation and fee. First time passport applications are expected to take a minimum of 12 weeks in order to complete all required checks and verifications
Within this period if a British passport holder needs to travel urgently, the Consular office at the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai and those in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Goa will be able to issue an emergency travel document, provided that the pending application is for a renewal and is not a first time application.