My experience was awful. Explained to the receptionist downstairs what I needed and they couldn't understand . She phoned upstairs and explained u need to go online to get the paper I asked for and no u can't get that paper online . Lol I went from bilbao to Madrid and nobody could be arsed to see me just for five minutes. Stuck up .. Why do we bother paying for passports if we get such treatment at consulates . Waste of money and time . Won't be using their service again that's for sure
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I had to come here to collect my emergency passport, having had my passport stolen.
From the process of filling out the form online, to the (fantastic) FCO emergency help desk in London, the process was extremely straightforward. I was the only person in the waiting area, was seen in two minutes by a really pleasant lady, and left with my passport a couple of minutes later. All in, I would say I was in the building less than ten minutes.
This contrasts with my American partner who needed to go to the US Embassy (same situation) on the same day. It took him about two hours, which still isn t bad.
A few tips on getting there:
2) you can not bring luggage / suitcases, but small bags (eg a rucksack) were ok, subject to airport style security
3) the downstairs receptionist serves the entire building, which includes other embassies and offices. She/he will ask if you have an appointment. If you don t, you will ideally need to have some email / paperwork / passport / photo of passport or police report so they can confirm you are a UK National and that you have business at the embassy.
I have read the website info doesn t address my question. Telephoned the Consulate in Alicante automated service and every option cuts off, similarly the Embassy in Madrid. Surely as British citizens that pay for this service we deserve a person to speak with. Disappointed
Stuck up. Total unwillingness to help. I got the distinct impression that they were annoyed that someone was "bothering" them and that they would prefer to be left in peace to enjoy their over-inflated (taxpayer-paid) wages.
Good service. It seems like they were kitted out to deal with lots of people but we were the only people there. The reception calls up to the embassy to check you are expected. I am not sure what you would do if you couldn't get an appointment online first which was straightforward.
