The online application method is brilliant. The digital photo is a great option. For the proof of address I printed out a bank statement and blacked out any info apart from the address.
I submitted mine 9/11/22, they received my documents 15/11/22, new passport printed 22/11/22 and ETA HK 28/11/22
UK Passport office on strike for 5 weeks.
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/secti...s-crisis-bites
I know this is an old thread, but just to share an update of my own experiences and to shower HM's government with rare praise. Two caveats:
1. I applied from within the U.K. and understand the process / timings would differ from HK.
2. I applied for a newborn's first passport, so maybe this is handled differently.
Application made online including upload of self-taken photo. Let's say this was a Thursday. That same evening a nominated friend also completed his bit of verifying the photo, after which I was prompted to mail in supporting documents.
Original birth certificate posted out by Royal Mail on Friday. Signed receipt on Monday morning; official acknowledgement received same evening.
Tuesday evening (barely 24 hours) I received email notifying of application approval.
Wednesday morning (5am) I received email confirming that passport has been printed and handing to Royal Mail.
Tracking number received later that afternoon. Passport delivered and in-hand by Friday.
That's 8 days since submitting online application; 4 days since HMPO actually received the necessary original documents.
I paid for regular service (HMPO official estimate is 20 days). Glad I didn't fork out the extra £100+ for expedited service: which ironically may have taken longer, since that requires an offline appointment.
All in all, it sounds like whatever issues the Home Office had before have now been fully resolved.