Passport Return (EEA4)

[Gcabride]

Hi all,

I hope someone can help, I have search through all the forums and can't find anything talking about what's happening to me.

I have applied to EEA4 and they have received all documents on the 11th July. I have received the COA letter at the end of July.

On the 10th August I called the European Enquiries to request for mine and my wife's passport back as we need to travel urgently on the 2nd of September (Next Friday).

It is the 25th now, 15 days after my first request and 11 working days after, and nothing, no passports have arrived. I called the Home office again on Tuesday when they put an urgent request through.

I have enclosed special delivery envelopes with my application so I can't understand what is taking them so long.

I have also sent a fax to 0151 213 2909 which according to the HO is a fax number directly in the department where my documents are.

I heard nothing from anyone, no one seems to care and I don't know what else to do.

Can anyone help? Is there anything anyone can suggest? I'm starting to get desperate and check royal mail tracking 3 times a day.

Thanks in advance!

Gui

[seputus]

If you absolutely needed to travel less than 2 months after submitting your passport, you should instead have sent a copy and a letter explaining that you will send your passport when requested due to a need to travel in early September.

I know, that doesn't help you now. :S

[Gcabride]

I appreciate that and I would have done if I knew how long and how unreliable they were.

In the UKBA website and on the phone they do say the document can be returned within 10 working days so it's not crazy that I'm expecting that.

I'm going absolutely insane with the uncertainty that the documents will be back in time for my holidays.

[seputus]

I understand. Yes they do say 10 days but you can't trust them. I do hope you will get it in time though; there's still a chance.

On an unrelated note, can I ask you what nationality you are? Do you have an EEA2 stamp already and it hasn't expired? If not, how do you plan to get back to the UK after your holiday is over?

[Gcabride]

I'm brazilian and married to european national.

I would take our marriage certificate since she's going with me so it'd be ok to come back.

[bobobo]

HO would have returned the application. This has happened to me, they only accept complete applications, so this was never an option

If you absolutely needed to travel less than 2 months after submitting your passport, you should instead have sent a copy and a letter explaining that you will send your passport when requested due to a need to travel in early September.

I know, that doesn't help you now. :S

[seputus]

HO would have returned the application. This has happened to me, they only accept complete applications, so this was never an option

If you absolutely needed to travel less than 2 months after submitting your passport, you should instead have sent a copy and a letter explaining that you will send your passport when requested due to a need to travel in early September.

I know, that doesn't help you now. :S

Hmm, I read somewhere else that people have done this successfully. Then again the HO rules state that if someone requests any document back, that the application should either be considered immediately OR they should inspect the document before sending it back so that it is not required to be sent again - but I know they don't follow that rule either.

Gcabride: I see. Just to forewarn you, I am not aware of the particulars around Brazilian nationals, but depending on your nationality, and even the airline, they may expect you to have a ticket out of the UK since you won't be holding any valid residence documentation. If you are able to get to a UK border agent then you should definitely be allowed in though, but getting to the border agent is the risky bit.

[Gcabride]

Brazilian nationals don't need visa to visit the UK so it wouldn't be a big deal anyway.

Also, I would be accompanied by my european wife which, by the european law, makes me eligible to entry.

[seputus]

Brazilian nationals don't need visa to visit the UK so it wouldn't be a big deal anyway.

Also, I would be accompanied by my european wife which, by the european law, makes me eligible to entry.

They don't need a pre-arranged visa -- but neither do I, however I've read lots of information from people that have had problems with this. Yes, if you reach the UK Border Agent you're going to be fine. But airline employees aren't always going to care about EEA regulations unfortunately.

Anyway I wish you the best of luck! Someone just posted that they received PR just 6 weeks after applying.

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

Have you got back your passports? If not contact your MP.

If you can get multiple copies of your marriage certificate. There are lots of government processes that swallow them and never spit them out again...