Traveling with a UK passport is relatively easy, considering that it’s rated as the 3rd best passport in the world. If you’re a citizen of the UK, you can travel to 110 countries without a visa and many more countries provide a quick e-visa to UK passport holders.
However, mishaps happen when traveling abroad and you may lose your passport when abroad. This may leave you unable to return back to the UK or even move around in the country where you’re stranded. Fortunately, the UK offers the facility of getting an emergency passport for traveling under exceptional circumstances.
How to Get an Emergency UK Passport from Abroad?
Let’s look at the requirements for being eligible for an emergency UK passport, how to apply for it, and whether you can get emergency UK travel documents as a non-citizen.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining an Emergency UK Passport
To prevent misuse, the UK government will only allow you to apply for an emergency passport under exceptional circumstances. Here are some possible scenarios when you may need an emergency British passport:
Lost or Stolen Passport
If your passport has been lost or stolen while you are traveling outside of the UK, you will need to get an emergency UK passport to continue your journey or return home. It is recommended to report the loss or theft of your passport to the local police and the UK embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
Expired Passport
If your passport has expired and you need to travel urgently, you will need to get an emergency UK passport. It is important to check the entry requirements of your destination country to ensure that an emergency passport is accepted for entry.
Damaged Passport
If your passport has been damaged, for example, if it has been torn, has water damage or the chip is damaged, it may not be accepted for travel. In this case, you will be eligible to apply for an emergency UK passport.
Name Change
If you’ve changed your name and your passport is in your old name, you will need to get an emergency UK passport in your new name.
Urgent Travel
If you need to travel urgently, for example, due to a family emergency or for business reasons, and you do not have a valid passport, you will need to apply for an emergency UK passport.
It’s important to note that an emergency UK passport is only valid for a limited period of time, typically six months. Therefore, you should apply for a full-validity passport as soon as possible after returning to the UK.
Related: Visa-Free Travel: A Comparison of the Most Powerful Passports
Documents Required for an Emergency UK Passport
To obtain an emergency UK passport from abroad, you will need to meet certain requirements and pay a fee. Here are the requirements you need to fulfill and an approximate cost range:
- British Citizenship: To be eligible for an emergency UK passport, you must be a British citizen. If you are a dual citizen, you should check with the embassy or consulate of the other country to see if you need to obtain any additional documentation.
- Proof of Identity: You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or a national identity card. If you do not have any form of identification, you can provide a witness statement from someone who knows you and can confirm your identity.
- Proof of Travel: You will need to provide proof of your travel plans, such as a flight itinerary or hotel booking. If you are traveling for business, you may need to provide a letter from your employer.
- 2 Passport Photos: You will need to provide two passport photos that meet the UK government’s passport photo requirements. The photos should be taken within the last month.
- Payment: You will need to pay a fee for an emergency UK passport and attach the invoice with your application. The fee varies depending on the country where you are applying, but it is generally more expensive than a standard passport fee. The cost of an emergency passport ranges from around £100 to £500.
- Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as a police report if your passport was stolen, or a marriage certificate if your name has changed.
Processing times vary, but you should expect to receive your emergency UK passport within a few days. If you need your passport urgently, you can request a same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, which can be up to £200.
The Application Process: Emergency UK Passport From Abroad
Once you have everything you need to apply for an emergency UK passport from abroad, there are several steps you must follow to ensure a successful application:
1. Contact the Nearest British Embassy or Consulate
Once you have reviewed the information on the UK government website, the first step is to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate. They will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions on how to proceed.
You can find a list of British embassies and consulates worldwide on the UK government’s website.
2. Complete the Application Form
Once you’ve obtained the necessary forms, you will need to provide personal details, travel plans, and other relevant information. You will also need to provide two passport-sized photos that meet the UK government’s passport photo requirements.
3. Provide Supporting Documents
Depending on your situation, you may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as a police report if your passport was stolen, or a marriage certificate if your name has changed. Make sure to check with the embassy or consulate for any additional requirements.
4. Pay the Fee
You will need to pay a fee for an emergency UK passport, which is generally more expensive than a standard passport fee. The fee varies depending on the country where you are applying but is typically between £100 to £500.
You can pay the fee by credit card, cash, or bank transfer depending on the embassy or consulate. Check with the embassy or consulate for specific payment instructions.
5. Submit the Application
Once you have completed the application form and provided all the necessary supporting documents, you can submit your application to the British embassy or consulate. There are several options for submitting the application form.
You can submit it in person at the embassy or consulate, send it by mail, or use a courier service. Make sure to check with the embassy or consulate for specific instructions on how to send your documents.
It’s also important to note that you should provide emergency contact details when submitting your application so that the UK government can contact you in case of an emergency.
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Must Read: When You Can’t Apply for an Emergency UK Passport From Abroad
While the UK government has provided the facility of getting an emergency passport when abroad, it’s only for exceptional cases. If you’re not in an emergency or can’t provide proof of citizenship, your application for an emergency passport may get rejected.
You can’t apply for an emergency UK passport from abroad if you have:
- No Proof of UK Citizenship: If you do not have any proof of your UK citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a previous passport, you will not be able to apply for an emergency UK passport from abroad. You will need to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate to discuss your options.
- Non-Urgent Travel Plans: If your travel plans are not urgent, you may not be eligible to apply for an emergency UK passport. Traveling on a holiday isn’t counted as an emergency! In this case, you will need to apply for a standard UK passport and follow the regular application process, which can take several weeks.
- A Lost or Stolen Passport With No Remaining Validity: If your passport has been lost or stolen, and it has no remaining validity, you will not be able to apply for an emergency UK passport from abroad. In this case, you will need to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate to discuss your options.
- Your Previous Passport That Was Revoked: If your previous UK passport was revoked or canceled, you will not be able to apply for an emergency UK passport from abroad. In this case, you will need to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate to discuss your options.
It’s important to note that each situation is unique, and everyone’s circumstances may be different. If you find yourself in one of these situations, it is important to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Other Emergency Travel Documents to Get as a UK Citizen
While an emergency UK passport is the most common emergency travel document for UK citizens traveling abroad, there are other options available in certain situations. Here are some other emergency travel documents you may consider getting as a UK citizen:
Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
If you have lost your passport or it has been stolen, and you are unable to get an emergency passport in time for your travel plans, you may be eligible to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This is a temporary travel document that allows you to travel to your destination and return to the UK.
To apply for an ETD, you will need to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate and fill out an application form. You will also need to provide proof of identity and citizenship, such as a birth certificate or driver’s license. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your travel plans, such as flight or hotel bookings.
Once you’ve submitted your application, it may take up to two working days for your ETD to be issued.
Certificate of Identity
If you are a UK citizen living abroad and do not have a valid passport, you may be able to apply for a Certificate of Identity. This is a document that serves as proof of your identity and citizenship and can be used for travel purposes.
To apply for a Certificate of Identity, you will need to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate and fill out an application form. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your circumstances, such as proof that you are unable to obtain a valid passport.
It can take several weeks to get your Certificate of Identity and you will need to collect it in person from the embassy or consulate.
Consular Birth or Death Registration
If you are traveling abroad and have had a baby or a family member has passed away, you may need to register the birth or death with the nearest British embassy or consulate. This will provide you with an official document that can be used for travel purposes.
The exact requirements and processing times may vary depending on the country and circumstances involved.
It’s important to note that these emergency travel documents are only available in certain situations and should not be relied upon as a substitute for a valid UK passport. If you’re planning to travel abroad, it is always best to ensure that you have a valid passport and any necessary visas well in advance of your travel dates.
Final Thoughts
If you ever lose your passport or get stuck abroad without a valid UK passport, it’s good to know that the UK government allows you to get an emergency passport. While an emergency UK passport is valid and will allow you to travel as you would with a regular passport, it’s best to get your regular passport as soon as possible.
Also, if you are planning your next trip, we recommend transiting via Abu Dhabi. Read through our guide on Abu Dhabi Transit to find out why it is one of the best options for travelers.
How to Get an Emergency UK Passport from Abroad - FAQs
The processing time for an emergency UK passport application from abroad can vary depending on the location and circumstances. In general, it can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few days for the passport to be issued.
An emergency UK passport has a validity period shorter than that of a regular UK passport and can range from a few days to a few months.
You can’t get an emergency UK passport if you aren’t a UK citizen. The UK government provides emergency travel documents only to UK citizens who are in need of urgent travel and cannot obtain a valid passport.
