Travelling after getting citizenship certificate

[Ali_Raza_2244]

Hi,

I received my citizenship certificate last week and have an urgent travel commitment so planning to apply for the passport after my return. Can I travel using my existing ilr (BRP) ?

[vinny]

If they don't know that you are British, then they would treat you as a returning resident. Else, your BRP is invalid. But they cannot refuse a British citizen entry.

[fielddrive]

Hi,

I received my citizenship certificate last week and have an urgent travel commitment so planning to apply for the passport after my return. Can I travel using my existing ilr (BRP) ?

If you leave too many days (stay out of the UK for too long) before you return you may find your biometrics have been removed from the system (due to the law) and you may have some explaining to do at the port of entry, however, you will be able to enter the UK no question about that.

I have many friends who have travelled in a similar situation and never had any issues. You will be surprised how many people don't bother getting passports for a considerable time after citizenship

[Ali_Raza_2244]

Thanks Vinny and fielddrive.

I got my certificate on 16th Oct and flew to US on 28th Oct and will be coming back to the UK on Monday 9th November, ill use my ilr biometric and existing passport hoping it will be ok at the port


Regards
Ali

[CR001]

And carry your naturalisation certificate with you as well.

[Sswb2]

Hi all,

This is the most recent discussion I could find on this topic, and just want to confirm that there are no changes to any immigration laws which would prevent me entering the UK with my foreign passport, ILR card (old) and Naturalisation Certificate.

I have tried contacting UKVI, but can't get through their automated system to speak to an actual person, and have no response to my email query.

I have my Citizenship Ceremony scheduled for 19/01/2016 and will be travelling on 12/02/2016. I don't believe I will get my British Passport in time.

Regards,
sswb2

[Casa]

Yes there has been a recent and significant change. You are now required to return your BRP within 5 days of the citizenship ceremony, or face a £1,000 fine. The airline is likely to deny you boarding.

[Sswb2]

Thanks for the quick response. That is not good news at all.

It would seem I'm best off postponing my ceremony until I return from the trip. I travel for work very often, and this is going to cause a big headache.

Are you aware of any other options that I may have? Applying for ROA takes 6 months, so that is not an option for me.

[CR001]

Passport applications are currently taking around 2 weeks.

[Sswb2]

Thanks CR001. Are these for First Time applications? It might be worth trying to get my application in on 19/01 then!

[CR001]

Thanks CR001. Are these for First Time applications? It might be worth trying to get my application in on 19/01 then!

Yes, it is the only type I would be referring to. This is based on the timelines posted by forum members.