Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Tracey Roberts
Losing your passport or having it stolen while traveling can be incredibly stressful. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve the situation. This article outlines everything you need to know about replacing your lost or stolen UK passport while abroad.
Click here to renew your British Passport online from abroad.
Key Takeaways:
- If you find yourself overseas and your UK passport has been stolen or lost, the good news is that you can apply for an emergency passport.
- If you lose your passport, go immediately to the nearest police station and report it. You may need the police report later on in order to get a new passport.
- By using the services of a company like U.K.ABROAD, you can ensure that the process of getting a new passport is straightforward and stress-free.
According to government figures, nearly 400,000 UK passports are reported lost or stolen each year.
FAQs: Lost Passport UK
Below, our team of British Passport experts will answer your most frequently asked questions about lost UK passports. We have significant expertise in the field and are happy to assist you if you find yourself in this predicament.
Can I get a new UK passport abroad?
If you find yourself overseas and your UK passport has been stolen or lost, the good news is that you can apply for an emergency passport (otherwise known as an emergency travel document).
If you need to travel and do not have time to apply for a new passport, the emergency travel document will be issued. If you can wait over a month, you can apply for a new passport.
To apply for a new emergency travel document whilst abroad, you will need to ensure that the following eligibility criteria apply:
- You are a British citizen.
- You currently find yourself outside of the United Kingdom.
- Your current UK passport has either been stolen, misplaced, or damaged. If your passport has recently expired, is full (you don’t have any empty stamp pages left), or is with a foreign embassy or HM Passport Office, you can apply for an emergency travel document as well.
- You do not have enough time to apply for a new passport before travelling.
- You can provide proof of your travel plans in the form of airline tickets and accommodation confirmations. If not, you must provide a complete, written itinerary detailing your travel plans.
What to do if I have lost my passport (UK)?
If you lose your passport, go immediately to the nearest police station and report it. You may need the police report later on in order to get a new passport. Once this is done, you can apply for an emergency travel document (if the situation calls for it), but first, you will need to apply for a British Passport renewal. You can do so through U.K.ABROAD, by clicking here.
How long does it take to replace a lost UK passport abroad?
After you apply for your emergency travel document, it normally takes 2 working days for it to be ready.
The travel document will take longer to be processed if you are applying for one for a child under the age of 16, you have not paid or provided the correct supporting documentation, or you have not provided sufficient information in the application.
Once you’ve applied, you will be advised when you can expect to receive your emergency travel document.
Applying for your emergency travel document can be done online, and it will cost you £100 in application fees, which can also be paid online. Whether or not your application is successful, this is a non-refundable fee. It is important to ensure that your application has been completed accurately and to the best of your ability.
Remember to provide your full contact details (including your phone number, email address, and physical address) when submitting your application so that you can receive updates.
After completing your online application for your emergency travel document, you may need to make an appointment at the closest British high commission, consulate or embassy, but this is not always the case. You will be advised if you need to make an appointment after you have submitted your online application.
Can I still travel if I have lost my passport?
You can still travel if you have lost your passport as long as you have an emergency travel document.
Your emergency travel document will allow you to travel to another country (although you can only visit a maximum of 5 countries). You can also use it to gain entry back into the country from which you applied, as long as you are normally resident there. You can also use it to gain entry back into the country you applied for it from, as long as you are normally resident there.
Depending on the country you are located in, you might need to re-apply for a visa to leave the country or re-apply to enter another country on your itinerary. We recommend checking with your local consulate or embassy for more visa information.
If the final destination on your itinerary is the United Kingdom, the border official will keep your emergency travel document upon arrival. It is also possible that the immigration officials at your final destination (if not the UK) will retain your emergency travel document.
You cannot apply for an emergency travel document if you have never held a UK passport. If this is the case, you must wait while applying for an actual passport.
What is the fastest way to replace a lost passport UK?
Once you have lost your UK passport, the fastest way to travel is to apply for an emergency travel document. To replace your lost UK passport, you will need to apply for a standard UK passport renewal. Click here to apply online. The team at U.K.ABROAD will guide you through this process step-by-step.
How long does a lost passport take to replace UK?
The standard renewal process from abroad takes approximately three to four weeks. This time frame depends on how busy the HM Passport Office is at any given time, and it should be used as a guideline.
Renew A Lost UK Passport
An emergency travel document is an excellent solution for lost or stolen passports that must be replaced quickly. However, they are only valid for a year (maximum). You will have to replace your passport with a new one as soon as possible.
U.K.ABROAD specialises in replacements of lost, stolen or damaged British passports. Click here to get your easy online application started today.
For help with British passport replacements, contact our team at U.K.ABROAD, below.
Lost Passport Replacement UK
As an emergency travel document is temporary, replacing your lost UK passport as soon as possible is important. By using the services of a company like U.K.ABROAD, you can ensure that the process of getting a new passport is straightforward and stress-free.
With their expertise and experience in the British passport industry, they can help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. They can assist with the application process, including gathering the necessary documentation and ensuring everything is completed accurately. With their assistance, you can quickly obtain a new British passport, allowing you to resume your international travel plans. Additionally, by having a valid passport, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have proper documentation for any international travel you may undertake in the future.
About U.K.ABROAD
Operating independently since 2008, U.K.ABROAD specialises in assisting British citizens living abroad with their British passport renewals, applications, and replacements.
We operate in South Africa, Australia, Europe, the USA, South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, and New Zealand.
Our all-inclusive British passport service includes the following:
- Expert advice and guidance throughout the process
- Delivery to your doorstep
- Full support until you have your new passport in hand.
For more information on how to apply for a UK passport, feel free to contact our team of friendly British Passport consultants at U.K.ABROAD.
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