I am very ignorant I know but -

[starone]

Do I need a passport to go on holiday to France? I haven't got one so I may have to do a quick application.

[coccinelle]

Getting into France from UK isn't a problem (by car) but you need a passport to get back in as the UK isn't in the Schengen zone. Also air companies need to see passports.

[ichkeria]

I'm sure you are right coccinelle, but I don't see the logic. The UK is not in the Schengen zone whether you are travelling from or to France. So how come you can get away with travelling into France without having to show a passport on demand (I can understand that one might not automatically be asked)?

[coccinelle]

Hi ichkirea, because France is in the Schengen zone so just waves cars through their ports. However, the UK could ask for identity leaving the country if they're checking up on criminals etc

[ichkeria]

But the UK isn't in the Schengen zone. So if cars are waved through, as I'm sure they probably are, it can't be for that reason surely?
You are likely to be subject to security, including passport checks, I'd have thought, whether leaving the UK for France or vice versa, and when entering France from the UK and vice versa.

[coccinelle]

That is why you need a passport in order to get back into the UK. Saying this British cars are over just waved through at Dover etc but foreign cars aren't. There aren't controls on the French side.

[humbersloop]

starby, you said you've had passports in the past - were they the old one year ones or ten year jobs? If you've had a full passport before, any subsequent passport is a renewal.

[jomifl]

Whilst have travelled to France without having my passport checked in either direction I have also had it checked in both directions and either one. I have also travelled to and from France without a passport. I think it was my London Accent that swung it on the return trip.
If you are travelling by air you will need a passport.

[starone]

It was ten year ones humbersloop but I have no idea what the number was and of course I look a bit different now. Think I shall have a try at a renewal because I see from the site someone advised that because I am 85 it is likely to be free (my favourite price). Wish I hadn't got rid of it now, but no-one can foresee the future can they?

[joko]

you can fill in the form online and they print it and send it to you to sign and return

[EDDIE51]

If you have lost your old passport things are going to be more complicated.
You have to send the old passport off with the application for the new one, you are going to have to report the old passport as lost and fill in a form about it. A passport even an out of date one is a valuable document you are supposed to take care of it. A renewal of a passport costs around £75 by the way.

[EDDIE51]

It is free if you were born before 2nd September 1929 .
http://www.direct.gov...ourpassport/DG_174097
Other wise £72. You still need to report your old passport as lost though.