Travel between BC ceremony & applying for BC passport

[ElleW]

Hi everyone

This is my 2nd post but Ii am thankful to you all for this helpful forum. I just added my naturalisation processing timeline which was only 5 weeks from application to approval. Was impressed with how fast the turnaround was, and how - relative to the ILR process - straightforward the BC application was. I'm looking forward to having dual citizenship like the rest of my family!

But now I'm a tad confused. I have my approval letters and an appointment for a private ceremony (first group available was in late December). It's coming up to holiday season and I have work travel booked for mid November, holiday Dec/Jan and work travel in February next year.

I am trying to 'line my ducks up' and would appreciate some clarity if anyone can offer it.

Here's a draft timeline for applying for BC first passport:

• Citizenship ceremony / certificate 15 November,

• Return my BRP 16 November (I understand I can't use this once I have the certificate?)

• *Travel to and from the continent for work for 4 days on Australian passport*

• Submit BC application online 21 November

• Send supporting documents off 22 November

• Cross my fingers for 3-4 weeks

• Xmas travel to continent with Australian and BC passports end Dec/start Jan

• Work Travel start Feb 2020

My worry is how do I travel as a BC without a UK visa/IRL/ BC passport particularly in November between citizenship certificate receipt and passport application. What kind of problems should I consider with travelling on my Australian passport while having BC certificate...?

In all this time I really only have 2 tight windows of approx 4 weeks in the next 3 months where I don't have pre-existing travel commitments. So hoping I have picked the best of a tricky bunch... what do you think?

Many thanks in advance

[zimba]

You can travel back to the UK without having any issues with airlines as Australians are non-visa nationals. Carry your certificate of naturalisation and do not use the eGates. Simply go to immigration desk and explain to border officer that you are a British citizen so that you are admitted as a citizen rather than a visitor. DO NOT apply for British passport until you return from your trip as you need to send your certificate of naturalisation to HMPO for a British passport application.

[ElleW]

Carry your certificate of naturalisation and do not use the eGates. Simply go to immigration desk and explain to border officer that you are a British citizen waiting for your British passport so that you are admitted as a citizen rather than a visitor.

that's super reassuring advice, thank you @Zimba.
And also your point not to apply for a passport before returning from this next trip. noted.

[zimba]

DO NOT apply for British passport until you return from your trip as you need to send your certificate of naturalisation to HMPO for a British passport application.

[ElleW]

DO NOT apply for British passport until you return from your trip as you need to send your certificate of naturalisation to HMPO for a British passport application.

noted, thank you.