# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

Obtaining an English Passport

If you are a British Citizen or National, you can apply for a U.K. passport that will enable you to jet off to foreign countries. Passports are highly desired among many English tourists, since even nearby destinations like the Netherlands require crossing Britain's borders. The U.K. government recommends applying for your passport at least six weeks in advance of planned International travel. Once you obtain your passport, you should have no trouble booking tickets to nearly any destination in the world.

Passport application
Birth certificate
U.K. national identity card
Application fee

Instructions

- 1
  Request a passport application form from Direct.gov.uk or complete the application online. Some post offices have Passport Check and Send services where you can pick up your application immediately.
- 2
  Complete the application form and sign it. If applying online, submit it and wait. Identity and Passport Service will print it on their end and send it in the post for you to sign.
- 3
  You will be required to provide your birth certificate and U.K. national identity card to prove your British citizenship to Identity and Passport Service. Alternatively, provide your Certificate of Naturalisation. These must be original documents, not copies.
- 4
  Send your completed, signed application and supporting documents along with the application fee to the following address:
  
  Identity and Passport Service
  
  Globe House
  
  89 Eccleston Square
  
  London
  
  SW1V 1PN
- 5
  Copy down your application's barcode. This allows you to track its progress. If you have any questions about your application, you will need to reference this number.