UK Foreign Office has warned British nationals abroad that replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport now requires a £125 emergency travel document.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new travel alert warning British citizens overseas that they could face a £125 charge if their passport is lost, stolen, or damaged while abroad.
In an advisory posted on X, the FCDO reminded travelers that anyone who loses their passport must apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to return to the United Kingdom. The document, which costs £125, can typically be collected within two working days from the nearest British embassy or consulate.
The notice, accompanied by a graphic reading “Keep your passport safe,” serves as a caution to British holidaymakers and expatriates to take greater care of their travel documents. The FCDO’s reminder comes amid a rise in passport-related incidents during the busy winter travel season.
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According to detailed guidance on the UK government website, an Emergency Travel Document allows a British national abroad to travel home or to another destination if they cannot use their standard passport. The document is generally valid for a single journey or a round trip and can be used to travel through up to five countries, depending on the route.
To qualify for an ETD, applicants must be British nationals currently outside the UK and must prove that their passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, or is otherwise unavailable — for example, if it is being processed by HM Passport Office or held by a foreign embassy. The FCDO also requires that travelers demonstrate an urgent need to travel within six weeks and that their most recent passport was issued on or after January 1, 2006.
The update is part of the FCDO’s ongoing campaign to improve awareness among British travelers of the rules and costs associated with emergency documentation. Officials have urged citizens to store their passports securely, avoid carrying them unnecessarily, and keep photocopies or digital backups in case of emergencies.
The reminder comes as British consular services worldwide continue to handle thousands of passport emergencies each year. The FCDO maintains that prevention is the best protection, encouraging travelers to register their journeys and stay informed through official channels while abroad.
More information on the application process for Emergency Travel Documents is available on the UK government’s official website, Gov.uk.