A guide to lost and stolen passports
We know that losing your passport is a stressful experience, but by acting quickly and in the right way you could minimise the disruption it might cause. To help you get your travel plans back on track, read our guide on what you should do if you need to replace your passport abroad...
We know that losing your passport is a stressful experience, but by acting quickly and in the right way you could minimise the disruption it might cause. To help you get your travel plans back on track, read our guide on what you should do if you need to replace your passport abroad...
If you lose your British passport or have it stolen, you must report it straight away. Firstly, you’ll need to report it missing to the Home Office. This is to reduce the risk of someone using your passport or identity. All lost and stolen passports can be reported online.
Secondly, find the local police station and file a police report. This will be essential for travel insurance purposes, and you may need a case number to give to the local British embassy or consulate.
Once a passport is reported as lost or stolen, HM Passport Office will cancel it and notify the Crime Agency within 24 hours. HM Passport Office advises people to treat a lost passport with the same urgency as they would a lost credit card, to avoid being a victim of identity theft.
Losing a passport is a stressful experience, especially when you’re on holiday or out of the UK for another reason, but the best way to get back on track is to act quickly.
There’s no point in delaying this process and the sooner you alert the relevant authorities, the closer you’ll be to getting a replacement.
How do I replace my passport if I’m abroad?
If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, you can apply for an emergency travel document. This acts as an emergency passport and allows you to travel to your destination through a maximum of five countries. The countries and dates you’re travelling to will be printed on your emergency travel document. If your travel plans change, then you’ll need to apply for a new one.
To be eligible to apply you must be a British national. You must also be abroad with proof of your travel plans and unable to get a replacement passport before you travel.
Although no one wants to be in this situation, at least you can continue your trip once you have the documentation.
Does travel insurance cover a lost or stolen passport?
Most travel insurance policies offer cover for lost and stolen passports. This could include the cost of a replacement passport, an emergency travel document, new flights and extra accommodation if you have to extend your stay.
Some insurance providers have a 24-hour helpline that can guide you through getting an emergency travel document and help you with the forms for a replacement passport.
Typically, for a claim to be successful, you'll need to have kept you passport safe. You're unlikely to be covered if your passport was stolen because you left it unattended, for example.
The exact details of what you’re covered for will be included in your policy document. Some providers waive the excess fee if you claim for a lost or stolen passport. Again, check your policy to confirm.
How do I apply for an emergency travel document?
You can apply for an emergency travel document online after you’ve reported your passport as stolen or lost. This will cost £100 and is non-refundable.
It’s likely you’ll need to visit the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. If you’ve applied online you’ll be notified of where your appointment will be. If you can’t apply online, then go straight to the British Embassy or Consulate with your relevant documents.
An emergency travel document will normally be ready for you to collect two working days after your appointment.
What documents do I need to replace a lost or stolen passport?
If you’re applying for an emergency travel document or urgent passport, you’ll need the following supporting documents:
- Two identical passport photos – you’ll need to bring these with you to the British Embassy or Consulate.
- Identification – this can be a driver’s licence.
- Evidence of UK citizenship – this can be a birth certificate or photocopy of your passport. It’s a good idea to carry a photocopy with you in case of an emergency.
- Proof of travel – this can include a train or plane ticket (this is only applicable for an emergency travel document).
It’s well worth keeping documents – such as a photo of your passport – in email form just in case the worst happens and you lose the original document. Putting other important items, such as an emergency credit card, separate to your main wallet is another good idea. If your wallet then gets stolen or you lose it, you have a backup.
How do I replace my passport in the UK?
If you’re in the United Kingdom and you urgently need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport, you’ll need to use the one-week Fast Track service. If you’re outside the UK, you can’t get a new passport quickly.
You’ll need to complete a passport application form from the Post Office. Then you’ll have to book an appointment with the passport office online and pay a fee of £155 for your passport online.
The urgent passport service is only for those looking to travel within three weeks.
If you need additional support, you can call the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000.
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Most travel insurance policies will provide some cover for the costs of getting an emergency travel document. Travel insurance can also provide financial protection against the cost of medical care, theft and other potential losses. That’s why it’s a vital for any trip abroad and not to be overlooked. If you get it sorted as soon as you book your trip, you’re also covered against the holiday getting cancelled too.
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