Whether you're in the middle of a dream holiday or a business trip, knowing what to do if your passport goes missing can save you a lot of stress.
It can happen to the best of us – passports get lost, stolen, damaged, or even held up at a foreign embassy.
Since 2009, these emergency documents have come to the rescue. They're about the size of a postcard, with a smart blue cover and "emergency passport" stamped on it. Perfect for getting you back on track and where you need to be!
How do I get an emergency passport?
Stuck abroad without your passport? Here's your action plan to get an emergency travel document and get back on track.
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Report your lost or stolen passport. Head to the local police station and file a report. You’ll need this for your application.
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Apply online for an emergency passport. Simply fill out the online application and pay a non-refundable fee of £100. You can do this online or over the phone. Easy-peasy!
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Provide contact details. Make sure to include a contact number and email address.
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Prepare for fees. Be ready to pay for the emergency travel document application. The cost can vary, so check with the embassy for up-to-date pricing.
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Locate your nearest British Embassy or Consulate. You might need to book an appointment and visit in person, but don’t worry about that right away. They’ll let you know if it's necessary after you apply.
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Gather your documents. Bring any ID you have, like a driver's licence, along with details of your travel plans.
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Consider travel costs. You’ll need to cover travel expenses to the embassy, but keep those receipts! Your travel insurance might help you reclaim them.
Countries where you can get an emergency travel document
Here's where you can pick up an emergency travel document. These are usually issued by British Embassies, High Commissions, and Consulates worldwide. It’s wise to call ahead and make sure they offer emergency travel document services.
World Embassies in popular travel locations
Europe
| Country | City/location |
|---|---|
|
Spain
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Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca
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France
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Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille
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Greece
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Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos
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Italy
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Rome, Milan,
|
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Portugal
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Lisbon, Portimão
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Cyprus
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Nicosia
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Netherlands
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The Hague
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|
Germany
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Berlin, Dusseldorf, Munich
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United Kingdom
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London
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Norway
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Oslo
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|
Poland
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Warsaw
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Croatia
|
Zagreb
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America
| Country | City/location |
|---|---|
|
United States
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Washington, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Houston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Cambridge
|
Asia
| Country | City/location |
|---|---|
|
United Arab Emirates
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Abu Dhabi, Dubai
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Thailand
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Bangkok
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India
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New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad
|
Africa
| Country | City/location |
|---|---|
|
Egypt
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Cairo
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|
Morocco
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Rabat
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Oceania
| Country | City/location |
|---|---|
|
Australia
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Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
|
What are the requirements to get an emergency passport?
Before you get started on an emergency travel document, check that you tick these boxes:
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Recent passport: The person needing the emergency passport must have had a valid UK passport issued within the last 10 years. No dusty old passports, please!
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Travel plans: You need to have travel booked or at least planned.
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Not in the UK: Sorry, but you can’t apply if you’re currently in the UK.
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Prove residency: You’ll need to prove residency in the country you’re heading to. Just show that you belong where you’re going! For UK residents this could be a bank statement or a council tax bill.
How do I apply for an emergency passport online?
The process is fairly straightforward and usually takes around 15 minutes. You should be able to apply using the web browser on your mobile phone. But if you’re using a shared computer, make sure you close the browser and clear recent history before you leave:
- Visit GOV.UK's emergency passport page
- Complete application details
- Cancel your current passport
- Add supporting documents, for example your proof of residency and a recent photograph to name a few
- Arrange to collect your emergency document - on some occasions it can be arranged so that the document is waiting for you at the security gate.
- Payment
- Attend an interview (if required)
How long does it take to receive an emergency passport?
The processing time for an emergency passport can vary depending on your location and circumstances. Here's what to expect:
- Standard processing: Usually, it takes a few days for an emergency travel document to be issued. Contact the embassy for specifics about your case.
- Urgent cases: In some urgent situations, the emergency travel document can be issued within 24 hours.
Can my application for an emergency travel document be declined?
Yes, it can. If you fail to provide the satisfactory information or aren’t deemed eligible.
Also, if the authorities think that you could apply for a UK passport instead of an emergency one your application might be declined
How long does an emergency travel document last?
It usually lets you travel to your destination through a maximum of 5 countries. Your travel plans, including countries and dates, should be printed on the emergency travel document.
Therefore, if your plans change, you need to apply for a new one in order to proceed on your journey. This includes paying another £100 processing fee. So you need to make sure you know your route back to the UK before applying, otherwise you could be out of pocket.
Is an emergency travel document the same as a passport?
No, an emergency travel document is not the same as a regular passport. Here are the key differences:
| Passport | Emergency travel document | |
|---|---|---|
| Validity |
Up to 10 years
|
Single journey or limited time
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| Appearance |
Booklet
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Single-page document
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| Usage |
All international travel
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Specific journey only
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| Acceptance |
Globally accepted
|
Limited acceptance
|
Countries you can’t travel to on an emergency passport
While an Emergency Travel Document can get you out of a jam, some countries might not accept it.
It’s vital that you double check with the embassy or consulate of each country in order to ensure you have everything that’s required.
The emergency travel document is non-biometric, and some countries won’t accept these. For example, you can’t travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program without a biometric passport.
It’s worth checking the entry requirements of the county you’re visiting, just in case.
How can I get a passport urgently?
Need a passport in a hurry? There are 2 options for getting an urgent passport renewal.
- The premium passport service - you'll get your new passport at your appointment. This costs £193.50 at the time of writing (or £204.50 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport)
- The 1 week fast track service - your new passport should be delivered to your home within a week of your appointment. The current costs are £155 for an adult passport and £126 for a child passport. The price for 50 page frequent traveller passports are £166 and £137, respectively.
It's always a good idea to check your passport before you travel, as you won't be allowed to travel if your passport has expired.
If you need to travel urgently for medical treatment you can call the passport advice line.
This service is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and on weekends and Bank Holidays from 9am to 5.30pm.
Telephone: 0300 222 0000
From outside the UK: +44 (0)300 222 0000
Can I claim on my travel insurance for a missing passport?
Yes, you can usually claim on your travel insurance for a lost or stolen passport. Here’s how it works:
1. Check your policy. Make sure your travel insurance covers lost or stolen passports.
2. Keep receipts. You’ll need these for expenses related to replacing your passport or obtaining an emergency travel document.
3. File a claim. Contact your insurance provider and submit a claim for reimbursement.
Compare travel insurance
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