Apply for British citizenship as a person of Chagossian descent

You can apply to become a British overseas territories citizen and a British citizen if you meet both of these conditions:

  • you’ve never previously been a British overseas territories citizen, British dependent territories citizen, or British citizen
  • you’re the direct descendant of someone born in British Indian Ocean Territory

Direct descendant means you’re someone’s child, grandchild, great grandchild or similar. You’re not a direct descendant of uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters or cousins.

You can only apply for one person at a time.

There are no fees to apply.

Apply online

You can apply for both British citizenship and British overseas territories citizenship at the same time.

If you’re already a British citizen or British overseas territories citizen, you can just apply for the citizenship you do not have.

Start now

Before you start

You’ll need a passport or national identity card and any documents that prove you’re a direct descendant.

These could include:

  • your birth certificate
  • birth certificates of parents, grandparents or others you’re directly descended from
  • medical or dental records
  • marriage or civil partnership certificates
  • change of name deed polls
  • other records, for example from court cases

If you’re missing documents for a relative, send what you have. UK Visas and Immigration can look for more detail in their records.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK.

Types of British citizenship

Find out more about the rights you get as a:

When you must apply by

If you’re 18 or older on 23 November 2022, you need to apply by 23 November 2027.

Otherwise you need to apply before the date of your 23rd birthday.

Apply by post

If you cannot apply online, you can apply by post.

Fill in the form and send it to:

Dept 163 BIOT – Registration for direct descendants of Chagossians
4th Floor Capital Building
New Hall Place
Liverpool
L3 9PP
UK

If you’re applying by post and you live in the UK, send your supporting documents with the form.

After you apply

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will ask you to make an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo. You’ll need to bring supporting documents unless you already posted them.

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take longer. If yours will take longer you’ll be told before 6 months have passed.

You’ll be told if you need to provide more information.

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