What to do if you lose your passport

Many of us have experienced that dreaded moment when your bags are packed but you cannot find your passport. Whether you are at home or on holiday it’s a stressful situation. Read on for some practical tips on what to do if this happens to you.

What to do first

1. If you have looked everywhere and really cannot find it, you need to report and cancel a lost passport as soon as you can.
2. If you are unable to access the internet, someone else can report your passport as missing for you.
3. Once a passport is reported as lost or stolen, it’s cancelled and within 24 hours the National Crime Agency is informed. This is to stop any fraudulent activity involving the passport holder’s identity.

Replacing a lost passport

How much does it cost to replace a passport?

• £88.50 if you replace it online
• £100 if you apply by post (via the Post Office)

How do I report a lost passport?

You can report a lost passport on the government website and it will be cancelled immediately. You’ll need a UK mobile number or an email address and landline number. If you need any help, contact the Passport Adviceline.

How long will it take to get a new passport?

It usually takes up to 3 weeks to get your passport, but it can take 6 weeks or longer during busier months.

I need a passport in a week

• you can apply for a 1 week fast track replacement
• it costs £166.50 for an adult passport (or £178.50 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport) and £135.50 for a child passport (or £147.50for a 50 page frequent traveller passport)
• you need to get an application form from a Post Office, then book an appointment online
• you will need the completed application form, 2 identical passport photos and any necessary supporting documents for the appointment
• if you cannot make the appointment, someone can go in your place with the required documents
• appointments get booked up quickly so do not assume you will get one at the last minute

What if I lose my passport when I am abroad?

If you have lost your passport abroad and don’t have time to replace it before you need to travel again, you can apply for an emergency travel document which is sometimes known as an 'emergency passport'.

Emergency passport

• you can use this to travel through a maximum of 5 countries
• it costs £100 and will normally be ready 2 days after you apply
• you may need to collect the emergency travel document from the nearest British Consulate, which is usually in the nation’s capital city
• the online application requires supporting documentation, including proof of your travel plans and a photo

I have found my passport after reporting it lost. What should I do?

Unfortunately, once you’ve reported your passport as lost, you won’t be able to use it again. As the details of your lost passport are passed on to the National Crime Agency. If you attempt to travel with it, you will be stopped at the border and it will be confiscated.

Instead, cut off the top right-hand corner and send it to the Passport Office along with a Recovered British Passport Form.

Does travel insurance cover a lost passport?

Most travel insurance policies offer some cover for the costs of getting emergency travel documents while abroad. If your passport has been stolen, you’ll need a police report for the claim. You most likely won’t be covered for the cost of replacing your passport once back in the UK.

These are our policy documents – levels of cover depends on which policy you take out.

Information correct as of May 2024.