Can I travel after ceremony on existing BRP Card

[2017Freedom]

Hi

Is it OK to travel on existing BRP card after ceremony and then when I come back will apply for British passport?

Many Thanks

[meself2]

You're expected to return it in 5 days after the ceremony.
You can technically try it, if there's an urgent need to travel and your passport doesn't allow for visa free access, but they might take it off you when you return.

[alterhase58]

Might be an idea to take your naturalisation certificate with you to show at the UK border.

[Zara23]

Isn't there a fine payable for not returning the card?

I didn't return it within 5 working days because I thought I could travel with it to meet a family member before getting a passport, but after reading about it on here, I think it might be an issue when entering the UK again.

[alterhase58]

If anything they could confiscate the card, if they have a record of your naturalisation. Or they’ll keep it if you show your certificate.

[meself2]

There was only one report about a fine asked for a member, but they didn't elaborate - I assume risk is rather low (but they still can make you pay).

@Zara23, you don't even need a BRP in this case - take your naturalization certificate and show it at the border, as your passport (according to the flag) allows visa free travel.

[Zara23]

Thank you. I was under the impression that after naturalisation, a person is expected to use the UK passport to enter and exit.

[alterhase58]

That's the recommendation, and of course convenient if you have one.

[Zigzagz]

Hi there, @zara23 did you end up travelling, and how did it go at the border on your return?

My wife is in exactly the same position. Due to the exact time her naturalisation application was approved, she didn’t have enough time before our trip abroad to get a passport (and couldn’t do the citizenship ceremony after returning, as it would have been longer than 3mths after approval).

Was it ok returning with your foreign passport plus naturalisation certificate?

[vinny]

Thank you. I was under the impression that after naturalisation, a person is expected to use the UK passport to enter and exit.

There’s no such requirement, unlike with US citizens entering/leaving the USA.

[vinny]

Hi

Is it OK to travel on existing BRP card after ceremony and then when I come back will apply for British passport?

Many Thanks

A member managed for at least two years.