What can you do if your passport is lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen passport is more common than you might think. This is what to do if it happens to you: how to get a new one and make a claim on your travel insurance
Key takeaways
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the Home Office right away to report it. This helps to prevent identity theft.
You can get an Emergency Travel Document to continue your trip if there isn’t time to get a new passport before you travel.
Depending on your travel insurance policy, it may cover the cost of getting a replacement passport and even some emergency travel expenses to get you home.
What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
You need to cancel it immediately. The moment you realize your passport is missing, contact the Home Office. Reporting a missing passport immediately helps to reduce the risk of someone using it. It's a critical step to prevent someone from stealing your identity. Identity theft can have far-reaching consequences.
Who else should I tell?
If you suspect your passport may have been stolen, then you should also report the incident to the local police. They can give you a crime reference number which may be required for any embassy dealings and insurance claims. It also helps authorities track stolen documents and potentially prevent illegal activities.
Replacing your passport abroad
How do you replace your passport abroad?
This depends on how long there is before you need to travel. If you have enough time to apply for a new passport then you can follow the normal process and it can be delivered overseas.
If you need to travel in the next six weeks then you should apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). An ETD is a temporary solution that allows you to return home or continue your travels through a maximum of five countries, specifying your travel dates and the countries you will visit.
To be eligible for an ETD, you must be a British national outside the UK with a need to travel in the next six weeks. Your passport must be lost, stolen, damaged, full, recently expired, or is with HM Passport Office or a foreign embassy.
You will need to provide proof of your travel plans. If your these change, you need to apply for a new ETD.
How do you apply for an emergency travel document?
Applying for an ETD is relatively straightforward. The process can be initiated online, and there's a fee of £100. After your application, you'll likely need to schedule an appointment at a British embassy or consulate. Typically, an ETD can be ready within two working days, ensuring you're not left stranded for long.
If your travel plans are not immediate, you have the option to apply for a new passport while abroad. It may cost a little more than applying at home, but it avoids the need to pay for an ETD.
What documents do you need?
When applying for an ETD, you'll need several documents:
A recent passport-quality photo.
Information from your original passport, if available. Keeping a scan or photograph of your passport can be incredibly useful in such situations.
Proof of your travel plans, such as flight and hotel booking confirmations.
If your passport was stolen, a police report or crime reference number is necessary.
Will travel insurance cover lost or stolen passports?
Most travel insurance policies cover lost and stolen passports. They may cover the cost of the replacements and sometimes even waive the excess fee for lost passport claims. However, it's crucial to check your policy for the specifics.
Insurance can also be a financial safety net for additional expenses incurred while you wait for your ETD, such as extra nights in a hotel or alternative flight arrangements.
What if my passport goes missing before I travel?
If you're in the UK and need a replacement urgently, you can use the Passport Office’s one-week fast track service. This service requires you to fill out an application form available at the Post Office, followed by an online appointment. The fee for most adult passports is £166.50. This expedited service is designed for those with imminent travel plans within three weeks and can only be accessed from within the UK.
Compare travel insurance
Before you set off on your adventure, remember that travel insurance is not just for peace of mind; it's a practical tool for financial protection. It generally covers lost or stolen passports, medical care, theft, and a host of other unforeseen expenses. Take the time to shop around for the right policy that suits your needs.
Platforms like MoneySuperMarket can help you compare different insurance policies, factoring in elements like medical costs, baggage, cancellation fees, and customer ratings. We work with 51 insurers (travel insurance - number of providers) so we can help you find the policy that’s best for you.
Embarking on international travel comes with its own set of risks and challenges. A lost or stolen passport is certainly a significant hurdle, but with the right steps and preparations, it doesn't have to derail your trip. By understanding the process of obtaining an ETD, knowing what documents you'll need, and ensuring you have comprehensive travel insurance, you can navigate these situations with confidence. Remember, the best way to protect yourself from the unexpected is to plan ahead and stay informed. Safe travels!
