What to do if…
your passport is stolen while you are abroad and you still need to travel onward

What to do now

1. Get to a safer pause and secure what you still have.

   • Move somewhere calm and staffed (hotel reception, a police station lobby).
   • Check bags carefully and ask your accommodation/transport provider to check lost property.
   • If bank cards/phone were also taken, freeze accounts and lock your SIM as soon as you can.

2. Cancel your stolen UK passport as soon as you can.

   • Use the UK “cancel a lost or stolen passport” service so it can’t be misused.
   • If you later find the passport, you still cannot use it for travel once it’s been cancelled.

3. Write down a quick record (2 minutes).

   • Date/time/place, what happened, what was taken, and any reference numbers you’re given.
   • If you have a photo/scan of your passport details page, save it offline on your phone too.

4. Report the theft locally (when practical).

   • Ask local police how to report stolen ID and request a written report or reference number if they issue one.
   • This often helps with travel insurance and explaining circumstances to carriers or authorities (even if not always required).

5. Check whether an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) fits your situation.

   • An ETD is typically used when you’re outside the UK, don’t have a valid British passport, and need to travel urgently.
   • You can only apply online for an ETD if you’ve previously had a UK passport issued on or after 1 January 2006.
   • If you do not meet that condition, you’ll usually need to apply for a UK passport instead (which may affect your onward travel plans).

6. Apply for the ETD (and plan your route before you submit).

   • The ETD is issued for a specific journey (including intended transit points), so write down a realistic route and dates before applying.
   • Practical constraint: the ETD application fee is £125 and is not refundable, so only apply once your route is as settled as you can make it.

7. Contact the nearest British embassy/high commission/consulate for handling and collection.

   • You may need an appointment and/or to collect the ETD in person.
   • If you must travel onward through multiple countries, say this clearly so you can confirm what’s possible for your route.

8. Confirm acceptance with your carrier and next border before you move.

   • Ask your airline/train/bus/ferry operator what they will accept for check-in and boarding for your next leg.
   • Check whether each transit/destination country will accept an ETD for entry/transit (acceptance can vary).
   • If your visa/residence permit was in the stolen passport, contact the issuing authority about replacement before you attempt onward travel.

9. Get your basics ready for the appointment/application.

   • A valid digital passport photo and a backup way to take one locally.
   • Any evidence of identity/nationality you have (copy/photo of passport, driving licence, previous passport details, etc.).
   • Payment method for fees (and a backup method if possible).

10. Tell your travel insurer early (even if you’re not sure you’ll claim).

• Ask what evidence they require (often a police report/reference, proof of travel changes, and receipts for document and travel costs).
• Keep all receipts and emails.