Losing your passport can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re travelling abroad. Whether it’s been lost or stolen, reacting fast is crucial to protecting your identity and getting a replacement as quick as possible. By following this guide, you can try and limit the damage and stress a lost passport can cause. Here’s the steps to take if your passport is lost or stolen:

1. Report the Loss or Theft Immediately

If you’ve lost your passport or suspect it has been stolen, you must report it to HM Passport Office as soon as possible. You can do this online via the UK government’s official website. If you’re in the UK, you can also call the Passport Adviceline at 0300 222 0000. Reporting it quickly will help prevent identity fraud.

If your passport was stolen, report it to the local police, especially if you’re abroad. You may need a police report for insurance purposes or when applying for an emergency travel document.

What do criminals do with a stolen passport?

If criminals steal your passport, they might use it for illegal activities such as:

• Identity Theft – They may use your details to open bank accounts, take out loans, or commit fraud.
• Illegal Travel – Criminals could sell or use your passport for unauthorised border crossings or human trafficking.
• Forgery and Fraud – Your passport could be altered to create fake identities or bypass security checks.
• Black Market Sales – Criminals may trade or sell stolen passports for profit.

This is why it’s essential to get the passport marked as lost or stolen as soon as possible.

2. Apply for a Replacement Passport

Once you’ve reported your lost or stolen passport, you need to apply for a replacement. If you are in the UK, you can apply online or by using a paper form available at certain Post Offices. The standard processing time for a new passport is around 3 to 10 weeks. If you need a passport urgently, consider using the fast track service. This will come at a higher cost but it means you can get the passport in just a week.

You can find out more about applying for your passport in our blog.

3. Get Some Emergency Travel Documents (If You’re Abroad)

If you’re overseas and need to travel soon, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This document allows you to travel to a limited number of destinations and return to the UK. You can apply for a ETDs online through the UK government website or by visiting the nearest British embassy, high commission, or consulate. You can find your nearest one here. Be prepared to provide your proof of travel and identification.

4. Check Your Travel Insurance

If your passport is lost or stolen while travelling, check your travel insurance policy. Lots of travel insurance policies can cover the costs related to your passport being stolen or lost, including fees for emergency travel documents and additional accommodation expenses if your trip is delayed. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to see what assistance they can offer.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before leaving the UK, otherwise you may not be covered. Get a Travel Insurance quote today with GoSkippy.

5. Once You Get a New Passport: Keep a Copy

To avoid unnecessary delays in replacing a lost passport, it’s a good idea to keep photocopies or digital scans of your passport in a safe place. Having these can really help speed up the application process and prove who you are if you ever need a replacement.

6. Protect Your Passport in the Future

To reduce the risk of losing your passport:

• Use a money belt or something else attached to you when carrying it rather than have it in a pocket or loose in your bag where it can be easily snatched.
• Leave it in your hotel room’s safe if you don’t need it with you.
• Be cautious when you’re out and about, especially in crowded areas. Check you still have it regularly.
• Don’t flash it around or take it out unnecessarily, so thieves can’t follow and target you.

Losing your passport is stressful, but by following our steps to take if your passport is lost or stolen, you can minimise disruption and get back on track.

Enjoy this blog? Check out our article on ‘Is Your Passport Valid?’

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