Dubai: The British Embassy on Monday announced that the procedure for renewing or applying for a passport has changed for British nationals living overseas.

In a statement, the embassy explained that residents who want to renew their existing British passport can apply for it to be extended for 12 months, at no additional cost. It added: “If you are the parent or guardian of a child living overseas that needs to travel urgently, you can apply for an emergency travel document for your child instead of a new or renewed passport.”

To apply for either service, British nationals should contact the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi on 02-610 1100 or Dubai on 04-309 4444 and select option 2 for Consular Services. Appointments can be made from June 16.

Emergency travel documents are available from the week beginning June 16 in most countries, after checks to confirm nationality and identity.

The measures are to help clear the backlog in passport applications recently reported.

To apply, phone your local British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. For further information, visit: www.gov.uk/overseas-passports