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What to do if…
you are asked for passport details to reissue a ticket and your passport is not accessible right now

Short answer

Pause and verify the request using an official contact route you choose. If it’s genuine, ask for a secure way to provide the minimum required details and a short extension until you can access your passport.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t send a photo/scan of your passport over a random email thread, WhatsApp, or social media message just because it feels urgent.
  • Don’t use upload links from unexpected messages; instead, open the airline/agent app or type their official website address yourself and use the upload/form inside your account.
  • Don’t share more than asked (for example, don’t send a full passport scan if they only need the passport number and expiry date).
  • Don’t assume a caller is genuine because they know your name/flight details — those can be leaked or guessed.
  • Don’t rush into rebooking elsewhere while you’re unsure whether this is legitimate (it can create duplicate bookings/charges and make the reissue harder).

What to do now

  1. Verify who is asking (before sharing anything).
    Use a contact method you find yourself (airline/agent website or app, the number on your booking confirmation, or the contact details inside your airline account) — not the number/link in the message. Ask them to confirm:
    • your booking reference
    • what exact passport fields they need (e.g., number/expiry/issuing country)
    • why they need it for a reissue (for example, to complete Advance Passenger Information for an international route, or to match traveller details)
  2. Ask for the safest method and the minimum data.
    Say: “My passport isn’t accessible right now. What’s the minimum you need, and can I provide it through your in-app form or secure portal reached from your official site?”
    If they insist on an image: ask exactly what they need visible and whether anything can be safely hidden — only redact non-required parts if they confirm what will still be accepted.
  3. Buy time in a controlled way.
    If it’s legitimate but you can’t access the passport, ask them to:
    • place a short hold on the reissue (or note your file)
    • confirm the deadline and what happens if you miss it
    • send that deadline via an official channel (in-app message, or email from their official domain)
  4. Check whether you already have the passport details safely (without guessing).
    Look only in places you control:
    • your airline account “traveller details” section (if you previously stored it)
    • a secure password manager/encrypted notes vault you control
    • travel documents you created yourself (not something a stranger sent you)
      If you find details, still provide them only via a verified secure route.
  5. If anything feels off, stop and report it.
    Warning signs include pressure (“final chance”), requests for extra data (bank login, payment card photos, selfie/video), mismatched domains, or refusal to use official channels. If suspicious:
    • Email scam: forward to report@phishing.gov.uk
    • Text scam: forward to 7726 (free)
    • If you think you’ve been targeted by fraud: use Report Fraud / Action Fraud reporting routes
      Keep screenshots and sender details for your own records, but don’t forward passport data around.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to switch providers, escalate complaints, or pursue refunds.
  • You don’t need to send a full passport scan “just in case” — you can wait until you know exactly what’s required and how it will be handled.
  • You don’t need to resolve every travel-document detail right now; focus only on verifying legitimacy and meeting the reissue requirement safely.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel rushed when travel is involved — that pressure is exactly what scams exploit. Taking a few minutes to verify and insisting on secure handling is a sensible, protective response.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance for handling a request for passport details during a ticket reissue when you can’t access your passport immediately. If your passport is lost/stolen, or you’re abroad and cannot travel, you may need additional official help beyond this.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Airline and agent processes vary, and some routes require Advance Passenger Information for security/border purposes. If you’re unsure, use verified official contact routes and provide only the minimum information through secure channels.

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