Is it possible to travel While Waiting for First UK Passport?

[crosvenor1234]

I’m attending my UK citizenship ceremony next Wednesday, and I plan to apply for my first UK passport right after receiving my citizenship certificate. However, I need to travel back to home country for 2.5 months around mid-April (in about a month).

I have 2 foreign passports. Both passports allow me to travel to the UK as visitor for 6 months without visa
I can get on the flight withotut visa checking

Here are my questions:

1. Do I need to submit both of my foreign passports when applying for my first UK passport?
2. Is it possible to travel while my UK passport application is being processed? For example, if I submit a photocopy of one of my foreign passports instead of the original, can I still use that passport for travel?
3. If I must provide both foreign passports, can I choose not to apply for the UK passport now and instead travel using my foreign passport and UK citizenship certificate when I return? Would I be able to re-enter the UK that way?

Mnay thanks

[contorted_svy]

I’m attending my UK citizenship ceremony next Wednesday, and I plan to apply for my first UK passport right after receiving my citizenship certificate. However, I need to travel back to home country for 2.5 months around mid-April (in about a month).

I have 2 foreign passports. Both passports allow me to travel to the UK as visitor for 6 months without visa
I can get on the flight withotut visa checking

Here are my questions:

1. Do I need to submit both of my foreign passports when applying for my first UK passport? Yes
2. Is it possible to travel while my UK passport application is being processed? For example, if I submit a photocopy of one of my foreign passports instead of the original, can I still use that passport for travel? No
3. If I must provide both foreign passports, can I choose not to apply for the UK passport now and instead travel using my foreign passport and UK citizenship certificate when I return? Would I be able to re-enter the UK that way? You could, but best not risk it. The main issue would be boarding the flight, border control may pester you but you have a right to enter the UK as a British citizen.

Mnay thanks

If you apply next week you will have plenty of time to get all your passports back by mid April. Standard processing times are 3 weeks. I would recommend you apply straight away, send all your foreign passports in original, and by the end of March likely you will have all your documents sorted.

[crosvenor1234]

Thank you so much! You mentioned it will be tricky to board the flight, is it because of ETA? Thanks!

[contorted_svy]

Yes. You can't get an ETA once you become British. I suggest you apply for your UK passport next week, you will most likely get it by the time you are due to leave.

[crosvenor1234]

Thank you!

[missmarch]

If you need to retain your original passport for travel purposes, you can send a colour photocopy of the passport along with a cover letter explaining your reasons. It was accepted when I did it.