Because of new security measures that officials say will help prevent fraud, Virgin Islands passports will no longer be printed locally after July 15.
Instead, all passports for British overseas territory citizens will be printed in the United Kingdom.
The change follows the UK’s introduction of passport styles with new security features that are required to meet international quality and security standards, according to Government Information Services.
The features are designed in part to reduce the likelihood of identity theft and passport fraud.
Stephanie Benn, registrar-general with the VI’s Civil Registry and Passport Office, said it is not affordable to have the passports printed here.
“As a British overseas territories citizen, you will still have the ability to apply, pay and collect your passport in the Virgin Islands, whether it is a renewal or a first-time passport,” she said. “However, from July 15 the printing of the passport will take place in the United Kingdom.”
Ms. Benn added that anyone applying for a renewal will need to allow up to four weeks for the passport to be sent to the UK. Applications for a first-time or replacement passport will take longer.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced in March 2011 that the responsibility for producing passports for all British nationals living and working abroad would pass from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to Her Majesty’s Passport Office, which was then the Identity and Passport Service.
The VI and other OTs will retain their status as a passport-issuing authority, and the territory’s emblem will still appear on the front cover of VI passports.
Meanwhile, the CRPO will continue to set the fees, which will include courier charges and passport costs.
For more information call 468-3035.
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