Passport - Recent Naturalisation, Upcoming Trip

[yoyi3164]

Friend who is a Panamanian national obtained British citizenship on July 11th, 2017. He has an upcoming trip to Spain in mid August and then we're meeting in Moscow in mid September (I live in US). He called PassportAdvice office and was advised that they could not guarantee an interview and/or a British passport prior to the trip to Spain. We did some online research and it appears there is no expedited service for first time applicants, and as required, he sent back his cut up biometric card yesterday. Can anyone advise what would be the best course of action? As the passport office requires that you submit your passport from your non-UK nationality, is there any way to get that passport back prior to an interview or should he wait until he returns from Moscow to apply? My concern is that if he uses his Panamanian passport to re-enter the UK, he will be given the standard 90 days to remain as a tourist but he won't be leaving the UK as he is now a British citizen. This would technically create an overstay situation and we certainly don't want to run afoul of any laws. Can he re-enter the UK with his certificate of naturalisation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

[mulderpf]

The official advice that I received was to make sure not to book any trips outside of the UK after the citizenship ceremony until I have my passport in my hands.

The correct course of action would have been to delay the citizenship ceremony until after this trip.

I do not suggest he leaves the country until he has his passport.

[yoyi3164]

Thank you so much for your quick response. I also think that's the best course of action. Out of curiousity, in the event that he should go on the trip and try to enter with the certificate of naturalisation, what ramifications could that have and what ramifications would there be if he enters the UK with a Panamanian passport as tourist? Thank you again!!

[plabo]

Airlines dont entertain certificates as a valid visa document!