ezroda wrote: ↑Fri Feb 19, 2021 2:00 pm
After playing cat/mouse with the appointments availability 28 days ago, today completed my biometrics/submission.
My appointment at the Mecca of the Passport Offices : London – Her Majesty’s Passport Office Globe House, 89 Eccleston Square, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1PN was for 12:30.
Was there 12:05. Was told to wait a bit and then invited to enter @12:20.
Couldn't understand what exactly the lady that was supposed to be my guide was trying to tell me through the mask, but as she looked tired and bored already, despite her not doing much to help me, decided not to make fuss about it and take my cues from the directions she dispatched by her hand movements.
After my appointment confirmation printout and passport were reviewed/checked and my hands sanitised, had to go through airport-like scan of my bag (keys, belt et al.)
Up on the second floor there was another airport similarity: there were seats for waiting just like at the airport gates. Those were empty, of course as the number of appointments just trickles steadily due to Covid.
Since I have mentioned the virus - everyone wears masks inside, politely steps 2 m away from you etc. & there are many 'sanitation stations' available too. A person from the cleaning team sanitises each cubicle/seat after the appointee leaves.
Since I have submitted my AN, I have discovered this forum - and reading the info here I have discovered few potential issues with my answers to some of the questions. I have uploaded and submitted my documents roughly 3 weeks ago, but decided to upload a second cover letter (regarding potentially confused answer). The uploading was no longer an option, but after my appointment finished, I saw both cover letters listed as UPLOADED.
There was another omission discovered by the guy at the other side of the booth's perspex: on one of the referee letters I have forgottent to put my name! The Horror!
So the guy asked me to fill that one in, then scanned it again and said there shouldn't be a problem. Phew!
Then a picture (by his own admission, the chap could barely fit my Covid-long beard in the frame) + fingerprints scan + signing on a signature capturing device (until we were both happy with the result) - and I was free to go.
Beginning to end - 15 minutes - so less than a pound a minute for the service.