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Emergency Travel Documents Explained (UK)

Last Updated on November 22, 2023 by MyBritishPassport

Emergency Travel Documents Explained (UK) |

Unexpected situations like losing your passport or encountering delays in its renewal while you’re overseas can be quite challenging. However, as a British citizen, you have a fallback – the Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This article breaks down what an ETD is, when you might need one, and how to go about securing it.

Why Might You Need An Emergency Travel Document (UK)?

There are certain circumstances where an Emergency Travel Document becomes a necessity:

• Your passport has expired, and there’s insufficient time to renew it before your journey.
• You’ve lost or had your passport stolen, and getting a replacement in time is impossible.
• Your passport has sustained damage, and your departure date is approaching.

Remember, an ETD is specifically for such emergencies and is valid for a single journey, expiring within a year. If you foresee more travel within that year, you’ll need a standard British passport renewal.

Securing an ETD from Abroad

The ETD is designed for those unplanned moments when you’re stuck without a valid passport. But before seeking one, you should begin the UK passport renewal process . While this is underway and you haven’t yet received your new passport, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document .

You will need to apply online. Currently, it costs £100 to apply for an emergency travel document.

You might need to attend an appointment at your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate after you apply online. You’ll be told after you’ve submitted your application whether you need an appointment.

You’ll need to give a contact telephone number and email address as part of your application.

Click here to apply:   https://www.apply-emergency-travel-document.service.gov.uk/

Important Points about the Emergency Travel Document

• An ETD permits you to travel to a maximum of 5 countries.
• Depending on the specifics of your application, you might receive the ETD the same day or after a few days.
• The document is only valid for the exact travel details you’ve given during the application.
• The ETD allows transit through up to five countries, but the specifics will be printed on the document itself. Altering your travel route after receiving the ETD will necessitate another application.
• While an ETD facilitates your journey, remember that it doesn’t override visa requirements. You’ll still need to check visa stipulations for countries you plan to visit.

Renewing Your British Passport with MyBritishPassport

An Emergency Travel Document is a stop-gap solution. For any subsequent travel, ensure you have your renewed British passport.  MyBritishPassport makes this process seamless:

• Complete the online application form. Click here to apply online.
• Pay the appropriate fees using a debit or credit card.
• MyBritishPassport will thoroughly check your documents, ensuring they’re in order, and then finalize the application for you.
• We ensure the secure and prompt dispatch of your documents to the relevant UK government office.
• You’ll receive your new British passport at the address of your choice in a few weeks.

Amazing simplicity from start to finish in the completion of my application for Passport Renewal. Excellent communication and responsiveness throughout the entire process. Was amazed at the short turnaround time in receiving my new passport. Thank you for exceeding my expectations and for providing exceptional service. Graham Sore via Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get an emergency travel document uk.

Click here to apply: https://www.apply-emergency-travel-document.service.gov.uk/

What is the difference between UK passport and UK travel document?

Conclusion: being prepared with etd knowledge.

Emergencies can happen. If you’re caught overseas without a valid passport, the ETD can be a lifesaver. Always remember, an ETD is a temporary solution. For unrestricted, stress-free travel, ensure your British passport is always up-to-date. Should you have further questions, MyBritishPassport is here to help, with seasoned professionals ready to assist.

Contact MyBritishPassport

Topic: Emergency Travel Documents Explained (UK)

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ABOUT MYBRITISHPASSPORT

A member of the U.K.PASSPORTS™ group, MyBritishPassport is the leading international British Passport Service Provider catering to British citizens residing outside of the UK. Since its establishment in 2008, the company has been offering efficient and hassle-free online services for British Passport renewals, replacements, and applications from abroad.

The company has gained a reputation as a leading service provider in the industry, with countless verified five-star reviews from satisfied clients worldwide. This speaks volumes about their excellent service quality.

MyBritishPassport has a highly knowledgeable team of British Passport Consultants who are well-versed in all the requirements of the HM Passport Office. They are continuously updated with the latest rules and regulations governing passport issuance, ensuring that their clients receive the most up-to-date advice and guidance.

Step-by-Step Guide: Emergency UK Passport from Abroad

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.

Table of Contents

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.

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What Is An Emergency Travel Document In The UK?

Published: November 1, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Doll Velasco

• Safety & Insurance
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but sometimes unexpected circumstances arise that may hinder our plans. In such situations, having the necessary documents to travel becomes crucial. One such document is an Emergency Travel Document (ETD), which is provided by the UK government to its citizens when their regular passport is lost, stolen, expired, or unavailable.

An ETD serves as a temporary travel document, allowing individuals to return to the UK or travel to a specific destination in urgent situations. While it may not be a long-term solution, it plays a vital role in assisting those who find themselves without a valid passport when they need to travel.

In this article, we will delve into the details of what an Emergency Travel Document entails, who is eligible to apply for it, the application process, required documents, processing time, cost, and the validity and usage of this document.

So, whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or find yourself in an unforeseen travel predicament, understanding the ins and outs of an Emergency Travel Document will prove to be essential information.

Definition of an Emergency Travel Document

An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is a temporary document issued by the UK government to British citizens who are unable to obtain a regular passport. It serves as an official identification document and allows individuals to travel under emergency circumstances when their regular passport is lost, stolen, expired, or otherwise unavailable.

The ETD is not a substitute for a full-validity passport but is rather a provisional travel document issued on an exceptional basis. It is typically valid for a single journey and a specific length of time, depending on the issuing authority and the purpose of travel. ETDs often come in the form of a one-page document, similar to a passport, containing the traveler’s personal information, photograph, and relevant travel details.

Emergency Travel Documents are recognized by various countries, airlines, and immigration authorities, enabling the bearer to return to the UK or reach their intended destination. However, it’s important to note that not all countries accept ETDs, and travelers may face restrictions or additional scrutiny at immigration checkpoints.

The issuance of an ETD is strictly regulated to prevent misuse or fraudulent activities. The UK government ensures that individuals who are genuinely in need of travel documents are able to obtain them quickly and efficiently while maintaining the integrity of the process.

Next, we will explore who is eligible to apply for an Emergency Travel Document in the UK.

Eligibility for an Emergency Travel Document

To be eligible to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) in the UK, you must fulfill certain criteria outlined by the government. These criteria ensure that ETDs are issued to individuals facing genuine emergency situations where a regular passport is not available. Below are the key eligibility requirements for obtaining an ETD:

• British citizenship: You must be a British citizen to be eligible for an ETD. This includes individuals who hold British nationality, British Overseas Territories citizenship, or British Overseas citizenship.
• Unavailability of a regular passport: You must provide evidence that your regular passport has been lost, stolen, expired, or is otherwise unavailable. It is essential to report a lost or stolen passport to the relevant authorities before applying for an ETD.
• Urgent travel requirement: You must have an urgent need to travel due to unforeseen circumstances, such as family emergencies, medical emergencies, or essential business or government-related travel.
• Proof of scheduled travel: You will need to provide documentation, such as flight tickets or a confirmed travel itinerary, indicating your planned departure from or return to the UK. This demonstrates the necessity and urgency of your travel.
• Age requirements: For applicants under the age of 16, a parent or legal guardian must always apply on their behalf. Applicants aged 16 or 17 may apply independently but may require additional documentation, such as parental consent.

It is important to note that meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee the issuance of an ETD. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the issuing authority reserves the right to refuse an application if the circumstances are not deemed to be a genuine emergency or if the application is incomplete or inaccurate.

Now that we understand who is eligible to apply for an ETD, let’s explore the application process in the next section.

Application Process for an Emergency Travel Document

Applying for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) in the UK involves a straightforward process that can be completed either online or in person. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:

• Fill out the application form: Start by completing the application form for an ETD. This can be done online through the official government website or by obtaining a paper form from a nearby passport customer service center.
• Provide necessary information: The application form will require you to provide details such as your full name, date of birth, contact information, reason for travel, and any supporting documentation, such as proof of scheduled travel.
• Upload a suitable photograph: You will need to submit a recent passport-sized photograph that meets the UK passport photo requirements. This photo should be clear, in color, and taken against a plain background.
• Pay the application fee: There is a fee associated with applying for an ETD, which can be paid online using a credit or debit card. The fee may vary depending on factors such as the urgency of travel and the location where the application is submitted.
• Schedule an appointment (if required): If you are applying in person at a passport customer service center, you may need to schedule an appointment in advance. This ensures that your application is processed efficiently and allows for any additional documentation or verification if needed.
• Submit your application: Once you have filled out the form, attached the necessary documents, and paid the fee, you will need to submit your application. This can be done online or in person, depending on the method you chose.

After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the UK Passport Office. If everything is in order and your application is approved, you will receive your Emergency Travel Document within a specified processing time. However, in some cases, additional documentation or verification may be required, which may extend the processing time.

Now that we have covered the application process, let’s move on to the required documents for an ETD application.

Required Documents for an Emergency Travel Document Application

When applying for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) in the UK, you will need to provide certain documents to support your application. These documents are necessary to verify your identity, confirm the urgency of your travel, and ensure the accuracy of information provided. Here are the key documents typically required for an ETD application:

• Proof of identity: You will need to submit documents that establish your identity, such as a valid driver’s license, national identity card, or expired passport. These documents should include your full name, date of birth, and a recognizable photograph.
• Proof of UK citizenship: To confirm your British citizenship, you will need to provide evidence such as a previously issued passport, a UK birth certificate, or a certificate of registration/naturalization.
• Police report (if applicable): If your regular passport was lost or stolen, it is advisable to include a copy of the police report as proof of the incident.
• Proof of scheduled travel: To demonstrate the urgency of your travel, you should provide supporting documentation such as flight tickets, hotel bookings, or official invitations from a foreign country. These documents should clearly indicate your travel dates and the purpose of your trip.
• Photograph: You will be required to provide a recent, passport-sized photograph that meets the UK passport photo requirements. The photograph should show your full face, with no hats, sunglasses, or heavy accessories obstructing your face.
• Completed application form: Ensure that you have filled out the ETD application form accurately and completely. Any missing or incorrect information may lead to delays or the rejection of your application.

It’s important to note that additional documents may be requested depending on the specific circumstances of your application. If you are unsure about which documents to provide, it is recommended to consult the UK Passport Office or seek guidance from a passport customer service center.

Now that we have covered the required documents, let’s move on to the processing time for an ETD application.

Processing Time for an Emergency Travel Document

The processing time for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) in the UK can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications, the urgency of travel, and the location where the application is submitted. It is essential to allow enough time for the processing of your ETD, taking into account any potential delays that may occur. Here is an overview of the processing time for an ETD application:

Standard Processing Time:

The standard processing time for an ETD application is usually around 4 to 6 working days from the date of submission. This timeframe may vary depending on the workload at the UK Passport Office and the completeness of your application. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance to ensure you receive your ETD in a timely manner.

Urgent Processing:

If you have an immediate need to travel due to a genuine emergency, you may be eligible for expedited processing of your ETD application. Urgent processing may be available at certain passport customer service centers or through online applications. The processing time for urgent applications can range from 24 hours to 48 hours, depending on the circumstances. However, it’s important to note that urgent processing is subject to additional fees.

Delays and Exceptions:

In some cases, there may be delays in the processing of ETD applications. This can happen if additional documentation or verifications are required, or if there is a high volume of applications during peak travel seasons. It is always recommended to allow a sufficient buffer time to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances.

To track the progress of your ETD application or inquire about the status, you can use the online tracking system provided by the UK Passport Office.

Now that we have covered the processing time, let’s move on to the cost associated with obtaining an ETD.

Cost of an Emergency Travel Document

Obtaining an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) in the UK incurs a cost, which varies depending on several factors. The fees associated with an ETD cover the processing and issuance of the document, as well as any additional services that may be required. Here is an overview of the cost of obtaining an ETD:

Standard Application Fee:

The standard application fee for an ETD is currently £100. This fee is applicable for both adult and child applicants and covers the processing and issuing of the document. It is essential to note that this fee is subject to change, and it is recommended to check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information.

Urgent Application Fee:

If you require expedited processing of your ETD due to an urgent travel need, you may be eligible for an urgent application. The fee for urgent processing is higher than the standard fee and is currently £142 for adult applicants. This fee covers the additional costs associated with the expedited processing and issuance of the document.

Additional Services:

In some cases, you may require additional services when applying for an ETD. For example, if you need to provide biometric information (such as fingerprints) during the application process, there may be an additional fee associated with this service. Additionally, if you choose to have your ETD delivered through a secure courier service instead of regular mail, there may be an extra fee for this service.

Payment Options:

The application fees for an ETD can be paid using a credit or debit card during the online application process. If you are applying in person at a passport customer service center, you may have the option to pay by card or through other accepted payment methods as specified by the center.

It’s important to note that the fees mentioned here are for guidance purposes, and they may change over time. Therefore, it is advisable to check the official UK government website or contact the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on the cost of obtaining an ETD.

Now that we have covered the cost associated with an ETD, let’s move on to discussing the validity and usage of an ETD.

Validity and Usage of an Emergency Travel Document

An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is a temporary travel document that serves as a substitute for a regular passport in emergency situations. Understanding the validity and usage of an ETD is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Here is a breakdown of the validity and usage of an ETD:

Validity Period:

The validity period of an ETD can vary depending on the issuing authority and the purpose of travel. Generally, an ETD is valid for a single journey and for a specific duration. This duration is typically determined based on the urgency of travel and may range from a few days to a few months. It is crucial to check the validity period mentioned on your ETD and ensure that it covers the entire duration of your intended travel.

Accepted by Countries and Airlines:

An ETD is recognized by various countries and airlines as a valid travel document. However, it is important to note that not all countries accept ETDs, and some countries may impose additional entry requirements or conditions. Before traveling, it is advisable to check the specific entry requirements of your destination country and consult the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Restrictions and Additional Scrutiny:

While an ETD allows individuals to travel in emergency situations, it is essential to be aware that certain restrictions and additional scrutiny may apply. Immigration authorities in some countries may subject ETD holders to further checks and questioning upon arrival. It is important to remain cooperative and provide any additional information or documentation requested by immigration officials to ensure a smooth entry process.

Limitations on Multiple Destinations:

One important aspect to note is that an ETD is generally issued for a specific destination mentioned in the application. If you intend to visit multiple countries or have a layover in a different country, it is crucial to ensure that your ETD covers all the necessary destinations. In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain visas or transit permits for countries not covered by your ETD.

Return to the UK:

An ETD can also be used to return to the UK in emergency situations when a regular passport is not available. It allows British citizens to re-enter their home country, provided they meet the immigration requirements for entry. It is advisable to contact the nearest UK embassy or consulate if you encounter any difficulties when trying to return to the UK using an ETD.

As the ETD is a temporary travel document, it is important to consider obtaining a regular passport as soon as possible once you return to the UK or after resolving the circumstances that led to the need for an ETD.

Finally, let’s wrap up this article.

In situations where unexpected circumstances arise and a regular passport is lost, stolen, expired, or unavailable, an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) serves as a temporary solution for British citizens to travel under urgent circumstances. While it is not a substitute for a full-validity passport, an ETD plays a crucial role in assisting individuals who find themselves in emergency travel situations.

We have covered various aspects of an ETD, including its definition, eligibility criteria, the application process, required documents, processing time, cost, and validity and usage. It is important to note that each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee the issuance of an ETD.

When applying for an ETD, it is crucial to provide accurate and complete information, along with the necessary supporting documents. Allowing sufficient time for processing and being aware of any additional requirements or restrictions is essential to ensure a smooth travel experience.

While an ETD is recognized by many countries and airlines, it is important to check the specific entry requirements of your destination before traveling. Some countries may impose additional conditions or restrictions on ETD holders, and failure to comply with these requirements may result in denied entry.

Once your travel has been completed or the circumstances that led to the need for an ETD have been resolved, it is recommended to obtain a regular passport as soon as possible to avoid any future travel difficulties.

Understanding the ins and outs of an Emergency Travel Document is vital for anyone who may find themselves in an urgent travel situation. By familiarizing yourself with the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and other aspects of an ETD, you can navigate through emergency travel scenarios with greater ease and confidence.

Remember to always stay informed, plan ahead, and seek guidance from official sources if you have any questions or concerns regarding an ETD or any other travel-related matters.

Safe travels!

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Getting an Emergency Travel Document

Table of Contents

Firstly only apply for an travel document if you need to to travel as a matter of urgency. Secondly mainly as you cannot wait for a replacement or renewal if you passport has expired. Lastly the FCO had made this a major issue of abuse. Not that there is no emergency travel document UK contact number. You can call the Embassy or High Commission in the country where you are but the passport is done online.

An emergency travel document doesn’t guarantee entry to every country. You may also need a visa. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country or countries you’re intending to travel to or through.

How to apply

You need to apply in person for an travel document. Contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate in the country you are in to check if you need to make an appointment.

You must bring with you:

• a completed emergency travel document application form
• a recent photograph of yourself
• proof of your travel plans – eg, booking confirmations
• a local police report if your passport has been stolen in the country

You will have to pay a fee in local currency, equivalent to £100.

Getting your emergency travel document

Likewise the British Embassy or British consulate staff in the country where you are will check to see that you are eligible for an emergency document. If you are not eligible then they will give you a reason for this.

If your circumstances are straightforward you can get an travel document the same day you applied for it. It may however take longer if your circumstances are more complex. You may need to change your travel plans.

Apply online (This will take you to the government website)

Using your emergency travel document

Additionally note that the document will only be valid for the journey that you specified when you applied and for a specific period of time. The emergency document cannot be used like a passport. This will be shown on the document.

Firstly your existing British passport in most cases will be cancelled. Secondly note that if you do find you lost passport which has been cancelled you need to return this to the Embassy or Consulate. Finally immigration authorities may also keep your document when you arrive at your destination.

Incoming search terms:

• emergency travel document
• lost passport
• emergency travel document uk
• uk emergency travel document
• uk emergency travel documents
• Emergency passport
• emergency travel documents
• applying for an emergency travel document

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How to Get an Emergency Passport

Picture this. You’ve flown abroad, and you’re enjoying your trip. Suddenly, you are searching for your British passport, and discover it’s gone. You’ve got your next stage of travel booked. You need to get a new passport and fast. Specifically, you need an Emergency Travel Document, or emergency passport, a document issued to British nationals by embassies, high commissions or consulates of the United Kingdom, should they need a new passport urgently, and will be unable to replace it soon enough through using the regular channels.

To discover how to get an emergency passport, read on.

Can I get an emergency passport?

How to get an emergency uk passport, photos for emergency passports, passport photo in 3s.

Take a photo with your smartphone, upload it to the website, we will convert it to an official passport photo and send you a digital or printed version. Simple? You can’t get more convenient than that!

While holding a UK emergency passport, their holders are entitled to travel to their planned destination, provided they do so by only travelling through a maximum of 5 countries. In most cases, an emergency passport will also allow its holder to return to the country they are staying in if it is where they are currently living regularly.

Such a powerful document, therefore, cannot be issued lightly. If you want to know if you are eligible to get a UK emergency passport, you need to check to make sure you meet the following criteria:

• You are currently based outside the UK.
• You have British national status (if you are a British national, but not a British citizen, check with your local embassy to see if you are eligible for an emergency passport). 
• If not going to the UK, you will need to prove residency in your destination country, for example using a birth certificate.
• You can provide the Passport Office with sufficient proof of your travel plans. This would ideally include some form of confirmation of your hotel reservation for flight bookings, as well as financial information or written travel plans that outline your whole journey in detail. It could even be plans for medical treatment where you are staying.
• Your current, valid passport is, for whatever reason, unusable (e.g., it has been lost, stolen, filled or damaged). Normally, you need to submit a previous passport to apply for a new one, so you must explain why you can’t.
• You will not be able to apply for, and receive, a new valid UK passport in time for the next international stage of your journey.

Emergency travel documents can be a lifeline for stranded travellers. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever need one, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the process, because you never know when disaster might strike. If you need to know how to get an emergency UK passport, here’s the process to follow:

• You will need to apply online, so your first step is to go to the UK Government website, and search “emergency travel document”.
• There is a dedicated application form for getting an emergency passport, which you will be able to fill out directly from your computer. Make sure you fill out the form correctly and provide all the relevant supporting documents when required, or your application may be delayed .
• There is a nonrefundable charge for applying for an emergency passport, of £100, which can be paid by credit or debit card on the website while filling out the application. You also have the option to pay over the phone if you prefer.
• Once your application form has been sent off, you should wait to hear back from the relevant government department. In some cases, it may be necessary for you to attend a Passport Office appointment, usually held at the embassy, high commission or consulate nearest to where you are staying, to verify your identity and your motives for applying. As part of the application, you will give an email address and a contact telephone number, so you will be informed promptly if this is necessary.
• Once the application form is complete, you will need to wait around 2 (two) working days for your application to be processed and your emergency passport to be prepared. Depending on your situation, particularly as a result of the ongoing delays with the Passport Office, or if you’re applying for a child aged under 16, the process of getting an emergency passport can take longer.

Unlike a traditional blue cover British passport, your emergency passport will have a distinctive cream colour, marking its purpose. The emergency passport will carry the names of all the countries the holder needs to travel through to complete their journey. Once printed, this can’t be changed without needing to apply for a new emergency passport, so, once you have your document, try and keep your plans as set in stone as possible.

It’s also important to bear in mind that, depending on which countries you are planning to travel through, you may require some form of visa. You will need to do your research in advance to clarify this before you go, to make sure you aren’t turned away at the borders. Each country’s embassy, high commission or consulate will carry up-to-date information on the subject, so they should be your first port of call.

Once you return home, you will need to apply again to get a full UK passport that you can use in future (to replace the one that was damaged, lost or stolen or that has all its visa pages filled out), as your emergency passport will expire once you’ve completed your journey. In some cases, you will need to hand your emergency passport into the final border control checkpoint you pass through on your journey. This is certainly true of the United Kingdom, and may also be true of certain other countries, so prior research may be a good idea.

Getting an emergency passport for someone else

It is possible for you to apply for an emergency passport on someone else’s behalf, for example for a family member, provided that they are a British national or citizen. However, while you can fill out the form for them, the recipient of the emergency passport may still need to attend an appointment and will need to collect their passport in person.

Can you get an emergency passport for a baby?

Emergency passport applications can also be prepared for babies and children. As they are not old enough to complete their own applications, you need to go through the steps for getting an emergency passport for someone else. If possible, both of the child’s parents should go with them to their interview. If neither parent is able to attend, then they will need to prepare and sign a consent letter, to be given to the Passport Office.

There are a number of crucial supporting documents and materials you will need to submit to the Passport as part of your emergency passport application. The most important, though, is a British passport-sized photo , which will be added to your emergency passport to help verify your identity. Luckily, there’s an easy way to get a passport photo taken quickly and simply while you’re abroad – by using Passport Photo Online !

Passport Photo Online is a handy site that will turn your photos into inch-perfect biometric photos in a matter of seconds using AI software that resizes and reformats your images with the official requirements in mind. All you need to do is follow our simple, three-step process:

• Find and prepare an appropriate setting. Make sure there’s even lighting, natural light if possible and ensure there’s no glare or shadow. If this isn’t possible, remember Passport Photo Online can edit your photo to remove unsuitable backgrounds, as well as shadows and glare!
• Get a friend or family member to take the picture, then upload it to our website or mobile app.
• Wait just 3 seconds and your perfect passport photo will be ready to be uploaded to your emergency passport application. If you want a do-over, no problem! You can simply repeat the process until you’re happy with your photo.

There are lots of benefits of using Passport Photo Online:

• You can have your photo verified professionally. When you upload your photo to our website or our app, it will be processed twice. First time by our AI software, and then second time by our human inspectors. We have all of the different government requirements for every official document you can think of, so we can quickly check your image out to make sure it meets all the requirements. If alterations are necessary, we’ll inform you what you need to change to get your photo accepted by the authorities.
• We can guarantee that you’ll be satisfied. Our service allows you to take as many photos as you want, all free of charge. You’ll only need to pay for the photo that you end up using in your application. This way, you will always be sure of a photo where you look your best. In the rare event that the final product is rejected by the passport authorities, we promise to refund you 200% of what you paid.
• You will spend a lot less. Passport Photo Online can save you up to 53% on your passport photos. Now that’s a great deal!
• It’s easy to fit around you. The system is internet-based, meaning it’s always there when you need it, where you need it. Our smartphone app is also available on Android and iOS, making it even easier to get your perfect passport photo.

Looking for more tips for your passport application? Look no further:

• How to Get a Passport Urgently: All Options
• Italian Passport Renewal in the UK: A How-to Guide
• Current Passport Waiting Times in the UK [2024 Version]
• Post Office: Passport Applications and Renewals [Full Guide]
• UK Passport Renewal: Australia Guide
• How to Renew Your UK Passport in Canada?
• Children’s Passport Renewal – UK

How do I get an emergency British passport—FAQ

To finish off, we’re going to take you through every burning question you might have regarding the process of getting an emergency passport.

Can you travel with an emergency passport?

Yes, you can. An emergency passport entitles you to finish your journey by travelling through a maximum of 5 countries to reach your final destination.

Who qualifies for an emergency passport?

You qualify for an emergency passport if you are a British national, who is currently staying outside the UK and can provide evidence to verify your travel plans, and who needs to get a new passport sooner than standard processing times will allow.

Where do you go to get an emergency passport?

Emergency passports are issued by embassies or consulates, who distribute them on behalf of the UK Passport Office. You apply for them on the UK Government’s website, and collect them from the appropriate centre, which you will receive guidance on once your application has been processed.

How long will it take to get an emergency passport?

There’s no one answer to this question, as it depends on your situation. Broadly speaking, it takes 2 (two) days to get an emergency passport, but if you’ve filled out your application form incorrectly, have not yet paid your fees or are applying on behalf of a child who is aged under 16 (sixteen), it can take longer than this. The effects of continued delays in the Passport Office  may continue to cause delays in getting emergency passports, so it’s important that you apply for an emergency passport as soon as you realise you need one to travel urgently.

Can I get an emergency passport for my child?

Yes, it is possible to get an emergency travel document to replace a lost, stolen or damaged child passport. However, if your child is under 16 (sixteen), you will need to apply on their behalf, and they will be required to attend an interview in person. Both parents should accompany them if possible but, if not, they can provide a consent letter that they have both signed.

How do you get an emergency British passport? Summing up

There we go! Now you’ve got all the information you need regarding emergency passports and how to get one. The Emergency Travel Document is a life saver if you lose your passport abroad, so it’s very important to stay familiar with the process of acquiring one. With help from our guide, you’ll be able to travel abroad with confidence, knowing that not even losing your passport can stop you from enjoying your holiday, with the sea breeze in your hair and the sand between your toes. With help from Passport Photo Online, you’ll even be able to take a new photo from your holiday accommodation, quickly, easily and cheaply. 📸

Looking to get your passport application ready? Learn how to do it the right way by checking out our other articles:

• Urgent Passport Renewal
• Apply for UK Passport and Renew Passport Online [Tutorial]
• [1] https://www.gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently

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Having graduated with a History degree from the University of Birmingham, Sam has proven writing experience in biometric photography articles, marketing and events. Born in the UK, he has travelled extensively both nationally and internationally. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, cycling and skateboarding.

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https://dataingovernment.blog.gov.uk/emergency-travel-documents-service-service-assessment/

Emergency Travel Documents Service - Service Assessment

An emergency travel document (ETD) enables you to get back to the UK or your country of residence from wherever you are if your passport is not available for one reason or another. It is only usable for a defined journey which is written into the document: when you get back, the document is withheld by Border Force and later destroyed by the Passport Office (HMPO). It is more expensive than a passport and so is usually for emergencies. The service has a very wide user base, including:

• people who have lost their passport when travelling
• expatriates who have to return home urgently and find their passport has expired
• children of expatriates who have never had a British passport but need to travel urgently to the UK
• prisoners about to be expelled from a country
• people involved in a crisis situation abroad

Department / Agency: FCO

Date of Original Assessment: 21/07/2015

Date of Reassessment: 21/09/2015

Assessment Stage: alpha

Result of Original Assessment: Not Pass

Result of Reassessment: Pass

Lead Assessor: L.Scott (Original) / M. Knight (Reassessment)

Service Manager: R. Sayce

Digital Leader: A. Daniels

Reassessment Report

21st September 2015

The Emergency Travel Documents Service has been reviewed against points 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 14 of the Service Standard which were not passed at the original assessment.

After consideration the assessment panel has concluded that the Emergency Travel Documents should proceed to private beta.

The service does not yet meet point 3 of the standard because some key roles were missing from the team currently delivering the service. The panel believes that the service is now ready to proceed to gather more feedback from a limited private beta, in line with the conditions set out below.

The service team presented the details of the recent assisted digital user research done with the Age Concern centre close to Alicante in Spain. The panel were impressed with the efforts that the team has made to identify user needs for support, and to test the service with users who are, by the nature of the service, not UK based at the time of use. The team are participating in a cross-government group to share findings and identify best practice for researching assisted digital users overseas, which will contribute towards greater consistency for British users needing government support from abroad. It was noticeable that the assisted digital work done had delivered a better service for all users, not just assisted digital users, and the panel would like to encourage the team to continue this good work in the next phase.

Some concerns remain over the way the team had approached the alpha. The aim in alpha stage should be to prototype and explore approaches to meeting user needs, rather than to produce production ready code and functionality. The panel were also concerned at the balance of the team. In particular, the panel was concerned about the way that development resource was prioritised, and other important skill sets were not present throughout the alpha (for example, content design, design and user research).

The panel looks forward to seeing some of the improvements mentioned in the assessment (for example, the removal of the need to enter duplicate information to book an appointment at the end of the flow). As the team move forward into beta, the panel would encourage the team to continue to test and iterate the current journey in addition to adding new features, as well as balancing the skills available to the team.

Recommendations

The service should address the following recommendations ahead of the beta assessment.

Private beta

• The private beta must be limited in scope by users and time, with an overall plan to be agreed with GDS before entering the private beta.

User research

• The team should create a plan for future user research, including assisted digital research. This should include face to face research in the UK with potential users to compliment the existing WhatUsersDo work. Participants must include less experienced travellers, people with low and no digital skills who are likely to need assistance, and people with a range of disabilities and access needs. The research must cover finding the new service, and test the service on the device the potential user is likely to have access to while travelling.
• The team must carefully test any support for ‘proxy’ applications before including it in the private or public beta. This could introduce significant confusion into an otherwise simple service.
• In addition to completing and acting on the planned research with Age Concern in Alicante, we recommend the team does research in countries where access to digital services can be more problematic, for example by continuing with the plans for sessions in Addis Ababa and Islamabad.
• At this early stage, the team is considering different design options for assisted digital support, largely based on existing support through consulates and contact centres. As the service develops, the team must demonstrate how support is being designed and iterated to meet user needs.
• The Service Manager should prioritise the recruitment of design and content design resource for the team for private beta and future phases. Borrowing patterns from other services or having a designer ‘look in’ on the service are not substitutes for these necessary skill sets, and this will become more important in future phases. These designers should actively participate in user research.

Tools and systems

• The team should reconsider their decision to send personal data by email in the clear; sending this by email poses a risk to the security of the data. The team should instead consider sending a receipt only.
• The team should note that the GOV.UK APIs that they rely on are unsupported, and as a result may break or change without notice. The service should have plans in place to identify if this happens and also consider what the impact on users might be if the APIs change significantly.

Simple and intuitive service

• The team work on the content of the service with a content designer. Particular issues include poor validation messages, content not to GOV.UK style, and long headings.
• The team review the design feedback document that will be sent separately. Particular issues include frustrating summary screen, validation that can be distracting, and handling of approximate information.

This is a complex service and it was great to see the work that has gone into developing it. The panel hope that the pass at alpha and the recommendations above encourage the team on their journey towards a beta assessment. The panel look forward to hearing about the private beta when the team return for the beta assessment.

Summary of Original Report

21st July 2015

After consideration the assessment panel has concluded that the Emergency Travel Documents Service is not yet on track to meet the Digital Service Standard at this early stage of development.

User needs and user research

Point 1 - Understand user needs. Research to develop a deep knowledge of who the service users are and what that means for the design of the service.

Point 2 - Put a plan in place for ongoing user research and usability testing to continuously seek feedback from users to improve the service.

Point 12 - Create a service that is simple and intuitive enough that users succeed first time.

The service team has identified the top user need for the service (I need to travel on a booked journey without a passport) and have identified improvements to be achieved and current pain points e.g. reducing waiting time in the consulate. The vision for the future service (to apply online, be verified remotely, digital photos, pay online, receive an emergency travel document (ETD) at departure destination) is compelling.

However, the panel could not see how the team had used research and discovery to evidence and validate these needs and pain points. We reviewed the report from IFF, which suggested that users feel reassured attending the consulate, and showed little appetite for a digital service. More research is needed to understand the needs of users, and ensure that the service design meets these.

Relying on remote, scenario-based user research means the team aren’t exposed to the needs of their genuine users, and that the users doing the testing are not fully engaged with the service (e.g. where they select a country at random).

The team have also not researched specifically with lower-skilled or lower-confidence users, or those with assisted digital needs. As such the prototype service lacked informed assisted digital support routes to test and iterate, instead relying on users requiring assisted digital support to use the inferior paper service.

The alpha is the time to get a deep understanding of users and their needs, and the landscape for transforming the digital service. The service team has spent much of the alpha building the real service, missing the objective of an alpha. The service team hasn’t used the alpha to explore many of the identified user needs.

The prototype demonstrated seemed to focus on feature completeness rather than building something that would help the team learn about their users. The panel were unclear why many paths of the journey were built if they weren’t being tested at alpha. The panel would recommend the service team investigate using the GOV.UK prototyping kit. This would deliver a more functional prototype that is more realistic than the client-side javascript solution demoed.

The prototype does not yet include the most complex elements, such as payments and photo upload. The team had surveyed previous users and had an understanding that digital confidence decreased when abroad, with particular concerns around the potential data costs of completing a form online.

The team has iterated the prototype frequently, although much of this was addressing smaller content changes. Many identified needs have been left for beta development. The team has identified some user groups to engage with in beta, e.g. farmers in Africa and expats in Spain. We’d encourage far more of a focus on non-scenario based research. A user researcher joining the team is essential.

The team were concerned that the service planned to stop using the prototype and only use production code going forward. Prototyping and testing regularly with users is an important part of the process for the entire development of a service. Whilst testing with production code may appear to save time, it increases the risk of building the wrong thing, and it slows down the time taken to iterate changes for user research.

Significant portions of the service overlap with two existing services - passport renewals and lost and stolen passports. The panel would have liked to have seen more evidence of the team having engaged with these existing services and incorporating their findings from user research. The service team mentioned they had engaged in trying to share code, but at alpha stage learning about existing research and design patterns would be more valuable.

Point 3 - Put in place a sustainable multidisciplinary team that can design, build and operate the service, led by a suitably skilled and senior service manager with decision-making responsibility.

Understandably for a small team, there are many overlapping roles. There are however key roles (including design, content design, user research and data analysis) that are not represented on the team, with responsibility being shared for theses between the product manager (FCO) and the business analyst (supplier side).

A user researcher, working at least 3 days a week, is currently missing, and is a vital role on a service team. This would reduce the reliance on an outsourced user research company and help address some of the concerns the panel had around the research methodologies used. Having a user researcher on the team would have helped the service team better target their research in alpha.

Currently a content editor at FCO reviews the content. A content designer should be working more closely with the service team to design content to ensure the service meets user needs, rather than providing a proof read at the end of the process. The service has particular challenges around supporting applications from people applying on another person’s behalf - we recommend further research in this area.

The service uses the GDS design patterns and toolkit, however there are small inconsistencies that will need to be addressed. The panel will send through design recommendations separately, as well as a review of the service’s content.

Point 6 - Evaluate what tools and systems will be used to build, host, operate and measure the service, and how to procure them.

The panel believes the front-end of this application is over-engineered. The team should reconsider the technology choices used and build for progressive enhancement. For example, the use of an isomorphic front-end complicates the build and will make it more difficult to iterate.

The majority of the journey could be delivered as HTML, with JavaScript used to enhance aspects (e.g. validation). There is no need to deliver the entire journey using JavaScript. No allowance was made for users who have JavaScript enabled but don’t receive it.

The architecture includes a Scala backend. The choice of language itself is not unreasonable in this case, but Scala is a very difficult skill to recruit for and makes it more difficult to move from an incumbent supplier, so the team should weigh this against potential recruitment problems.

There are a number of services that need to be called in order to complete a transaction or submit an application, e.g. create a PDF, send an email, insert into the case management system. There is no plan to keep data consistent between these services or deal with a partial failure. If one of the services fails this has an affect on the whole transaction, e.g. the case management system fails but the email confirmation succeeds. This needs to be addressed.

At the moment there is no data store on the server and it is important to address audit of applications. Mismatches between the case management system and the web front-end will otherwise be very difficult to identify.

Digital take-up

Point 14 - Encourage all users to use the digital service (with assisted digital support if required), alongside an appropriate plan to phase out non-digital channels/services.

The panel did not hear a compelling reason for the lack of a plan to increase digital take-up to 100%. In particular, it was not clear why there shouldn’t be an ambition to remove the paper channel (where anyone needing help accessing the digital service would be supported via the assisted digital channel, and understanding that paper is not an appropriate assisted digital support route).

The panel recommends that the service address the following:

• Hire a user researcher to work alongside the service team.
• Research all user journeys, including the least happy path.
• Using appropriate recruitment methods, carry out research with users with all levels of digital skills and confidence (including those who would seek support from third parties or friends and family) to inform the design of both the on-screen service and any assisted digital support.
• Ensure ongoing research to account for extra service complexity as new features are added.
• Collaborate with the Home Office to learn from the user research carried out for the ‘lost and stolen passport’ service.
• Hire a content designer to work alongside the service team.
• The panel were concerned about mailing large amounts of personal data being sent between the embassy and to the recipient in the clear. The panel recommend sending notifications only and that users log in to get the data. The panel noted that this step is short term until the case management system is in place. It might be better to mock the interface to the case management system for testing and omit the email stage.
• The session caching server will hold very sensitive data, by default the server is designed to exist within a trusted environment. Security around this store needs to be defined.
• Reconsider the technology choices for the front end. Build for progressive enhancement. The team should discuss this further with GDS.
• Consider using the GOV.UK prototyping kit for future prototypes.
• Consider the licence you need to open your source code.
• Establish a plan to achieve 100% digital take-up.

There are positives to the work the team has done so far, for example, the team showed empathy with the distress many users would be experiencing, especially if they were in need of an emergency travel document as a victim of crime, and as mentioned earlier the vision for the future service is compelling.

It was also positive to see the collaboration in the team and to hear how all team members understood the value of their work and how it relates to the overall vision, and were able to contribute ideas and suggest change.

The panel were pleased to hear that the team have already put a lot of thought into how they will measure success, and are speaking to the Performance Platform to share data in the open.

However, as detailed above there are a number of areas where the team should carry out further work, in the alpha stage, to ensure that the service is well positioned for beta development, and delivers a high quality service which will meet user needs.

Digital Service Standard criteria

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British Passports, A Guide for Expats

If you are wondering what do about your British passport once you make your home in another country, then this guide is for you.

Here, how to apply for a British passport and how to renew a UK passport from overseas are explained.

You can also find out what to do if your British passport is lost or stolen while you are overseas.

Getting A British Passport

British expats can apply for, renew, and update their UK passports online from anywhere in the world.

The service is cheaper online and takes around six weeks to process a first adult passport and three weeks to renew or update a passport.

If you have an urgent need for a passport, such as if a relative has dies overseas, expats can apply for a UK passport or Emergency Travel Documents from the British Embassy or consulate where they are.

Apply for a passport from the UK government web site

A standard adult UK passport costs £75.50 online.

Reporting changes in your personal life

Not every personal change need reporting to the Passport Office.

3 Reasons You Should get a new passport:

• You change your name
• Your gender changes
• You alter your appearance, so you are unrecognisable from your passport photo

When you update your passport, the old one and any time left is cancelled, and you will be sent a new 10-year passport.

7 Reason You do not need to update a passport::

• Move home or change your phone number
• Change your job
• Change your appearance by growing a beard or altering your hairstyle
• Get divorced or married
• Become a doctor or professor or otherwise change title
• Become a dual national with the UK and another country
• Leave the UK as an expat

Passport photo rules

You need a colour digital image that is in focus and measuring 750 pixels high x 600 pixels wide. The file size should be between 50KB and 10MB.

The image should be a head-and-shoulders image in front of a plain background with nothing one else in the frame.

The image of you – from the crown of your head to your chin – must be between 29mm and 34mm high. 

The image should be no more than a month old.

Other do’s and don’ts include:

• Face towards the camera and look down the lens
• Keep a straight face and your mouth closed
• Open your eyes so they are clearly visible
• Do not cover your face, including with your hair
• Do not cover your head except for religious or medical reasons
• Stand away from shadows
• Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. If you wear ordinary glasses make sure your eyes are visible and the lenses are clear of glare or reflections

Good and bad examples of digital photos

Finding the right forms

If you are a  British national applying for a UK passport from overseas , you can check the forms, prices and application details needed that apply to you online.

Reporting A Lost Or Stolen UK Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, then report the incident as soon as you can.

Go online and complete the form  and make an application for a new one or  Emergency Travel Documents  if you need to travel within six weeks.

If you do not need to travel urgently,  apply for a replacement passport  which can take six weeks or more to arrive.

Cancel a lost or stolen British passport

To cancel your passport,  complete the online form

Apply For Emergency Travel Documents

If you are abroad, have lost your passport but need to travel urgently, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document.

You can ask for the document if:

• You are British
• You are not in the UK
• Your passport is lost, damaged, full, has recently expired or is with a foreign embassy
• You have no time to wait for a replacement
• You can show your need is urgent

The application costs £100 is not refundable.

Check with your nearest British Embassy or consulate if you are eligible for Emergency Travel Documents If you are not a British citizen, but  another kind of British national

Apply for an Emergency Travel Document from the UK government web site

What is an Emergency Travel Document?

The Emergency Travel Document lets the holder move between up to five countries.

Travel plans are printed on the document and if they change, you must apply for a new one.

Expats will still need visas to cross borders if they needed one with their passport.

UK Passports For Children

British expats can apply for a UK passport for a child under 16 online from overseas.

The process is the same as for an adult passport.

Apply for a child’s UK passport

Face-to-Face UK Passport Help

If you have a problem with your UK passport that you cannot resolve online, you can try these contacts:

Contact the UK Passport Office

Open Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm

Weekends and public holidays: 9am to 5:30pm

Speak to an adviser now

From outside the UK: +44 (0)300 222 0000

HM Passport Office PO Box 767 Southport PR8 9PW United Kingdom

Online inquiry form  for general advice

Contact a British Embassy or consulate

List of UK Embassies and Consulates worldwide

Related Information

Below is a list of related articles you may find of interest.

• Expat Financial Advice
• Retire in Spain
• Living in Dubai

17 thoughts on “British Passports, A Guide for Expats”

Hello good afternoon I need to renew my children’s passports here in Argentina ,they are UK citizens my question is how do i physically receive the passports here in central Argentina ,the nearest UK embassy is in the capital and i can not travel due to the covid 19 restrictions Thankyou .

I need to get a new British passport. My old one has expired. Can I get advice on how to go about getting this done. I live in USA.

Dear Sir / Madam, I am living in Germany and need to renew my childrens british passports. I had a look on the web site and the requirments for the confirmation of identity state that a preson living in the UK has to confirm the identity. Previously, it was sufficient for a proffensional living in Germany to do this. Is this not the case anymore? Are there any restirictions for the proffesionals confirming the identity (for example, Auntie, Uncle or close relative? ) Thank you for you time.

Yours sincerely

Brion Watson

Hi did u get the reply of ur query as this is the same question I want to ask

How much is a UK passport renewal for someone living in Australia with an online application ?? I cannot get this simple question answered anywhere. On the Government website you have to complete the application to find out. Does anyone know ??

Hi there My son’s british passport has expired and is living in pakistan , can he renew it online on the uk gov website or what’s the procedure for applying

Many thanks

Our passports expire in November this year 2021 do we need to renew now? I was told to travel now I need 6 months on passport? Can I have the link please that’s helps us apply for new passports? We live in Fuerteventura Canary Islands

I live in Jordan and would like to renew my passport.. Is the passport returned to the embassy in Amman for collection thank you

As an expat, went through the UK gov online passport renewal process but my address postcode in the country I now live overseas is not accepted and the process halted. Cannot find an answer in the Gov Website to overcome this hindrance! Any suggestions ?

I need to renew my British passport its not up till February i havent done it online before i live in the USA i used to go through the British embassy in washingtonDC now i believe its all done in London UK. what do i do now to renew my British passport also in dollars what does it cost for a British passport. can i get a passport picture at a pharmacy drugstore a regular picture. I have called your number and then i get cut off.Thank you.

I did my uk passport online. My passport expired 5 years ago… I live in the USA and am duel citizen. I then had to send my old passport and copies of all the pages of my USA passport to the passport office in Durham us. It cost me $140 and it cost a fortune to send via UPS with tracking and signature required at other end. You can also track with the passport office with the reference info they send you. I took my pic on my iPhone and had to do 3 attempts. They let you know when you upload it, if it is acceptable. Now I just wait. And wait. And wait. Lol

Horrible. How long did it take??

How does one get a code for a digital photo. i was told the photo shops here in the US do not have codes for passport photos. Also need inches and dollars equivalent to UK metric measurements and pounds.

I am living in Australia and wish to apply for a new British passport my old one expired a few years ago .My question is can i include my wife on my passport as a family passport

As all previous passports have now expired, all Australian passports are now biometric. The embedded chip stores the owner’s digitised photograph, name, sex, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and the passport expiry date. This is the same information that appears on the printed information page of every

I am a UK resident living and working in the Netherlands , I tried the online application and got to the payment section , I do not have a credit card but a Bank transfer App , I tried to transfer but It would not except , if I send by post do I have to send pound sterling .

Hi, my colleague from UK is looking to apply for a second UK passport while living in Dubai. Can anyone assist to provide advice on how to do it? Any UK agency or provider who can assist with this application. Thank you

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Phil Buckley

Digital Transformation Manager

Part of Digital Diplomacy

26th April 2016 London, UK

Emergency travel documents online: getting people home the complicated way

Last year I wrote a number of ‘Photo casebooks’ talking about what an emergency travel document is , and our plans to digitise the application process for an emergency travel document .

The project is still invitation only, but has now been rolled out worldwide; and at least until our legalisation online project goes live, it is unambiguously the best website the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has ever released 1 . In a series of slightly longer blogs, I’d like to tell you a little more about several aspects of the project: the challenges we have faced, the technical details, our successes, and in at least one case our failures too.

To start with I’d like to write a little about the levels of complexity we have had to deal with. We decided to do the project largely on the belief that we could offer our customers a much better experience, and that the current process was an inefficient use of our staff’s time. Our service owner Rebecca did warn us that issuing a document which allows someone entry into the UK was a complex old business – but armed with our trusty optimism, and the knowledge that the Passport Office were working on digitising the application process for a full passport , we sailed on.

A surprising amount of use cases

One of the first problems we had was that although an emergency travel document has many of its features set very strictly by international agreement, there are at least 6 valid reasons why you might need a document – these include losing your passport or having it stolen but there are more. These different cases need slightly different information to be collected and checked.

Combining these cases with what we are able to offer locally means that we had to cope with a phenomenal number of cases:

• There are 196 consulates, embassies, and high commissions around the world who can issue an emergency travel document
• Most consulates will accept online payments for your emergency travel document but others can’t for one reason or another
• Most consulates offer online appointment booking but a few don’t
• Some consulates were on a new case management system, while others were on the old. Consulates moved from the old to the new during the course of the project.

To begin with then, the website had to deal with 9 408 (6 x 196 x 2 x 2 x 2) different but perfectly valid customer journeys.

Which countries would you like to go through?

Additionally, an emergency travel document is not like a full passport: it is only valid for a single journey which is printed in the document itself, reading for example ‘Issued for a single journey to United Kingdom arriving on 17-04-2016 2 . Many of our users will simply get a direct flight home, but around half go via another country which must itself be written on the document. In fact, you can transit up to 5 countries using your Emergency travel document as long as they are all specified in it.

In order to collect this information, we needed to make a page which was usable both for people simply flying from Spain to the UK, and those who were on a cruise ship travelling home via 5 separate countries.

For a good deal of the application process we were able to look at the good work done by the Passport Office on their transaction to cancel a lost and stolen passport : we knew they had heavily user-tested their work so we had an excellent chance of it being usable for our users too. The Journey Details page was the most complex in our application however, and it had no precedents at all across government – we had to work it out ourselves.

What you see above is about draft 70: we went through several rounds of user testing just on this screen. As we tweaked and tweaked it, the feedback inched from people failing to complete the page entirely, to ‘this page is very confusing!’, to the above version where eventually we had a run of people who simply wrote ‘no problems’.

The mathematics spiral out of control a little here. Not including the UK, there are 228 different countries and territories in the world , and you could theoretically lose your passport in any of them. Therefore, this page needed to cope not only with people planning to travel from 1 of 228 places to the UK; it also needed to deal with people leaving 1 of those 228 places, transiting 1 of the 227 remaining, making a further transit of 1 of the 226 remaining – I could go on. All in all, this page copes with over 10 trillion different possible journeys. And that’s before we even get to the next question:

Yes – many people need to travel and then return to where they are on the same emergency document. They are allowed 5 transit countries on the return journey too.

I hope that gives some flavour of the challenges we faced but also how interesting the project was; I’ll write again shortly on how we dealt with the different local requirements countries have and how we try and keep up to date with countries changing their laws.

1. There isn’t much competition.

2. If you change your plans after you have got your document – too bad my friend, you have to pay for another one.

23 comments on “ Emergency travel documents online: getting people home the complicated way ”

Hi Tracey and Megan –

Apologies, this blog is run by the digital team and we can’t answer these questions.

Tracey, if you haven’t already done so, can I suggest you contact the Embassy or Consulate nearest to where your daughter is and they will be able to help? We have several offices around the USA, their details are at https://www.gov.uk/government/world/usa .

Megan – in your case, your best bet is to speak to the Consulate which issued your Emergency travel document who will be able to advise.

Sorry I can’t help more, best wishes both –

I have a emergency passport and my final travel date will be May 18. Can I fly anytime before this and land in my designated country with my approved visa or do I have to fly on may 18 specifically?

If I fly on the May 18 I will arrive to my designated country on a different date anyways due to time difference?

I need help.. my 15year old daughter is in the USA and has had her passport stolen and I have no idea how to get her home.. when she’s a minor stuck in another country.. and her visa has ran out. What do I do

Hi ThuongDaLat-

It depends on what you mean:

British citizens in Southeast Asia are able to use our system now; Other countries may have their own digital system – though I don’t know of any who do, either in SE Asia or elsewhere: I think the UK is the first.

Very happy to share our experience with anyone who wants to give it a go though!

Best wishes-

Do you think it will expand the idea in Southeast Asia? I find this idea great but it will be difficult to implement in less developed countries like Southeast Asia.

I’m afraid this blog is run by the Emergency travel documents web team – we do our best but I don’t think we can answer your question. You might do best to contact Eurostar directly?

Best wishes and sorry I can’t do more to help –

great insight. I am seeking advice please. I am British citizen with a biometric passport. I have discovered that my passport went though the washing machine and the photo is now 75% washed out.

I have a colour image of the bio page from this passport before the washing incident. I also have a fully filled in application form for replacement passport.

I am traveling to Belgium tomorrow and return on Eurostar. Will the documents above plus valid EU driving licence be acceptable? If not, what will?

John R – thanks very much for your feedback, that’s great to hear!

Tony –

If you are in the UK you can’t get an Emergency travel document – it’s better in any case to get a full validity Passport which will last for 10 years. Try from https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport ?

Best wishes –

hi sir how long will take for emergency travel doucment to issued? I’m resident in uk but fornght passport expired 6 years ago ?

As a recent user of this service I am happy to confirm that it really is good and took much stress out of a horrible situation – I had my passport stolen on New Year’s Eve/early 1 Jan in Istanbul. Not mugged or anything like that – just pick pocketed in crowds in Taksim Square. Alas had to wait until 3 January to see consulate as they were taking the 2nd as holiday in accordance with UK bank hols, but the process was efficient.

I rang the emergency number, they directed me to the site, I filled in the form and received an email the next day inviting me to interview.

The big worry had been trying to deal with local police: they would not let me report the loss of my passport without having a document from the British Consulate proving I was who I said I was!

In fact in filling the form in I had to give a random police case reference number in order to satisfy the system rule and then explain in a text field what happened.

Incidentally I had no other photo ID – I don’t drive – and don’t have a photocopy of the stolen passport or a copy in Dropbox – and not even a note of the number (this is the first time ever in many years of travelling I didn’t make a copy etc – and look what happened!). But because I was able to tell the consulate – who asked in their email for any further info – things like my national insurance number in addition to when the passport had been issued and where, when I entered Turkey, travel itinerary etc., they managed to retrieve a copy of the stolen passport and everything was plain sailing from there on.

Re police report, I explained the situation and the consulate staff said ‘Sometimes the police here are not very helpful’. It was a relief that I did not need to go back to the police to get the ETD – the consulate said they would issue it that afternoon without a report.

If it had not been for the incident taking place on a Sunday, and the following day being treated as a bank holiday, I would have received the EDT within 36 hours. Very impressive.

Hi Confused, thanks for your comment.

This blog is maintained by the web team rather than by consular staff – however, with thanks to them, the best thing to do here is probably to ring the consulate and make sure that they have availability?

The telephone number will depend on whereabouts in Spain you are (we have several consulates in Spain), but if you start at https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-madrid , there is a list of consulates near the top of the page – click on the nearest one to you, and their office number will be at the bottom of the page.

They can normally issue an ETD within 24 hours though it depends on your exact circumstances.

Thanks and best wishes –

Hi, I’m trying to find any info on how long it takes to get an appointment from the day of application. The website won’t show me appointment times until I pay. I’m due to travel in four days time from Spain to the UK for a wedding, but my passport application got delayed. I don’t want to waste the money & then find out that there are no appointments before I am due to travel. I can’t find any details to contact them either. The regular helpline didn’t have any information on ETDs.

That’s great, thanks. Going on a very long trip soon, hoping I won’t need your service but just planning for the worst! Thanks

I see that you can use the ETD through 5 countries. If I were on a big trip of say nine countries and I lost my passport in country number one, got an ETD to country number 6, could I then get a second ETD to complete the last three countries and head home?

Also, is there a time limit on how long the document lasts, for example if I were on said trip and it were to take six months and I had lost it in month one, would it be valid for my trip home five months later?

Hi Dan –

Thanks for your comment and for these tricky questions! With thanks to my FCO policy colleagues for their help here:

For your first question, an ETD is designed to allow someone to return to the UK or their country of residence – so our normal advice is that 5 countries is sufficient to get home. If you were on a longer trip, our advice would be to alter your plans or apply for a new passport and wait for it to be issued. If this is really impossible it would probably be best thing to give us a ring, and one of the team will try and work out what’s best.

For the second question, the maximum duration allowed is 9 months. This is because some countries require 6 months validity on entry.

I hope that is of use, best wishes-

Hi Williems – if you are already in the UK, you should get a full passport – there is a premium service to get a passport in 1 day: see https://www.gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently/1-day-or-1-week-service .

Can i get a 7 days fastrack travel document if i leave in the uk and want to travel abroad for burial

as someone who recently had to use this service, i can confirm it is one of the best user interfaces i have had an interaction with. The whole end to end process works (including the people part during the appointment itself) which is such a relief for someone who is completely stressed out as a consequence of losing their passport in the first place! Thanks for this – makes a big difference.

Thank you very much sir.

Hi Andrew –

Thanks for taking the time to comment! Yes- this is a real challenge though also probably the most interesting part of the project.

The next blog will be on how we have attempted to deal with it, but always keen to know when things are and aren’t working – I’ll contact you to make sure we are getting it right for posts in America.

The “different local requirements countries have and how we try and keep up to date with countries changing their laws” will be a challenge and will probably need quite a lot of liaison with posts.

Just as an example; a lot of our customers need to use an ETD to transit through the USA, who (as you know) require a full non-immigrant visa (not an ESTA) which takes at least 3-4 days to obtain and (oddly) while there’s no minimum validity requirement to use either a full validity passport or an ETD for this, the USA visa application online questionnaire asks for 6 months validity (which we provide, as a precaution).

Not easy to include this information in a standardised process without complicating the issue massively. I’m sure there are similar issues at every post. I guess it’s just a matter assessing at which point to tell the customer – “Your issue is complicated – you need to discuss it direct with the Consulate”. The trick is to do this soon enough, so that they leave themselves time. If we don’t provide this information they tend to book an appointment they day before they are due to travel, and come unstuck!

We’re grateful that this piece of work is being done and don’t hesitate to ask us for info on local ‘glitches’ and potential pitfalls. Good luck!

Hi Ed –

Yes, applicants still have to attend an appointment in person and a Consular officer checks their application. However, applicants can now book their appointment online as part of the process, so it should be easier to organise doing this alongside any other things they need to do (getting a police report, for example). There’s another blog coming up in a fortnight or so on how we handle the data if you are interested.

Thanks for taking the time to comment – best wishes-

Excellent work, provided someone sees the customer in person and is satisfied that there is no impersonation of a British Citizen who has provided his passport details to aid unlawful entry. Is the UK Border Force content?

Comments are closed.

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ETDs (Emergency Travel Documents):Save Money, Save Strain

ETD cases can often be avoided if you value your passport, treat it with care, know where it is at all times and check its validity.

Emergency Travel Documents

Every year our staff help British Nationals who need to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) because they can’t find their passport or it has expired. Following these simple suggestions and tips can help you avoid the need to apply for an ETD.

Lost Passports British Nationals can find themselves in need of an ETD because they haven’t kept their passports safe. In Havana, we frequently encounter customers who have accidently left their passport in the back of a taxi or have misplaced it after clearing immigration at the airport. Being careful with your passport can make all the difference in avoiding the need for an ETD.

Stolen Passports Reading travel advice on Gov.UK will provide you with essential information about crime rates, remind you of thefts by gangs targeting tourists’ vehicles and remind you to be vigilant with bags when travelling. Savvy travelers know that the key to a successful trip is to avoid having a passport stolen.

Expired Passports Ex-pats living abroad often need to take an unplanned trip abroad to visit an aging parent, a relative who has fallen ill or for the funeral of a loved one. They are frequently unable to travel because their passport has expired. Others make holiday arrangements only to learn that their passport doesn’t have the necessary validity to enter a certain country. Applying for an ETD can be avoided if you know when your passport expires, renew it in good time and check the requirements for your holiday destination.

Obtaining an ETD can be costly. Not only will you have to pay the £95 GBP fee, you will also have to visit your nearest consulate which could be a flight or long drive away. Following these simple tips can help ensure you avoid the need for an ETD:

FCO Passport Tips for British Visitors and Ex-pats:

• Know where your passport is at all times and keep it in a safe place.

• Know the expiry date of your passport and renew it in good time.

• Value your passport and look after it carefully. A damaged passport cannot be used for travel

• Never leave your passport in a rental car, even for a short period. Rental cars are prime targets for theft

• Your passport is not always safer on you. Lock your passport in a safe if you have access to one and take another form of ID, such as your driving licence, out with you

• Make two photocopies of your passport – leave one with friends or family and take the second with you, or store it online using a secure data storage site

• Use this photocopy as alternative ID, for example when going out at night

• Make sure your passport is valid. For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check the entry requirements before you go

Visit Gov.UK for specific travel advice that will help you stay informed.

Look for us on FCOtwitter where staff will be able to answer your questions and give advice.

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Immigration Corner | How to apply for an emergency travel document

Dear Mr Bassie,

Please advise me on how I would be able to apply for an emergency travel document.

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It is recommended that before applying, persons should check if an emergency travel document will be accepted in the countries that they plan to leave, enter and travel through. This should also include whether they will need a visa.

Persons can apply if they have held a United Kingdom passport in the last 10 years. The application costs £100, and it should be noted that persons will not be able to get a refund.

To apply for an emergency travel document online, persons will need:

• A valid digital passport photo that meets the guidelines and has not been used in a previous passport;

• A contact telephone number;

• An email address; and

• A debit or credit card for the fee.

Please be aware that a relative or friend can pay for the applicant if he/she is not able to make a payment using the online service, for example, because that person may not have a debit or credit card.

APPLYING ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON

Persons can apply for an emergency travel document for someone else if they are a British national. Those persons might have to attend an appointment, and they may need to collect their emergency travel document in person.

If applying for a child under 16 years old, the child will need to go to an appointment with both parents or legal guardians. If a parent or legal guardian cannot attend, they will need to send a signed consent letter instead.

AFTER APPLYING

An old passport will usually be automatically cancelled once someone has paid for their emergency travel document.

A person will be told if their passport will not be cancelled. Possible reasons for this could be, for example, because it is with an embassy or he/she has already applied for a new passport. Please be aware that the applicant will receive email updates.

If the application is approved, persons will be told how and when to collect their emergency travel document or whether they need to do anything else, like attend an appointment at the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate.

Persons should be aware that the emergency travel document will usually be ready to be collected in two working days after applying and their travel plans (countries and dates) will be printed on the emergency travel document.

It is important to note that if travel plans are changed, persons will need to apply for a new emergency travel document and pay £100 again.

If the destination is the United Kingdom, border control will keep the emergency travel document upon arrival. Please note that this could also happen in other countries.

Persons should check that they are eligible for an emergency travel document if they have never had a United Kingdom passport or if they had one that expired more than 10 years ago. They will be required to complete the contact form online. After applying, they will be asked to provide evidence of their British nationality, or eligibility for British nationality. They will also be asked to explain what are the exceptional circumstances that require the application for the emergency travel document.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: [email protected]

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