which is non-bionic, and therefore a lot cheaper and can be issued in a few days. I got one issued in Ulanbator some years ago. I can recall being asked by the Chinese PSB visa clerkess what 'FCO' stands for, of course I told her, 'for crown office', which she couldn't make anything of either! Previously, the place of issuance appeared, eg Ulanbator, but now it's 'FCO'.

Hello Foxy.

I won't laugh at your bionic man part of your posting, I know you meant to type biometric.

The key part is some years ago. In the UK now all new passports are biometric only, and as if you had to apply for your next one, it will definitely be biometric to be in line with the new security measures and passport issuing procedure. No option to get the old style passports anymore I am afraid, biometric only. You are right on the FCO part.

Regards
SMGS