What to do: I lost my passport and I fly tomorrow

Prior to travelling, it’s important to retrieve your passport and check that it’s in date and valid. Don’t leave this until the last minute, as you may then realise that you can’t find your passport. If this is the case, you’ll then need to act quickly to ensure your travel or flight plans will not be disrupted. This article will offer guidance on the fastest way to replace a lost passport, who to contact and the steps to take to secure emergency travel documentation.

1. Retrace your steps

It may seem obvious, but the best thing to do if you think you may have lost your passport is to remain calm and retrace your steps. Calmness during the search will help you search methodically around the house or hotel. If you are looking throughout the house or your holiday home abroad, it will help to search each room individually and compartmentalise the space, in hopes that it will narrow down the location of the missing passport.

2. Seek the assistance of friends

As the old adage goes, two heads are better than one. That’s why if you think you may have  lost your passport, it may be worth recruiting some friends and family to help you look. There’s also the chance that since it’s not their passport, they’ll be able to remain calm. While one person searches for the passport, another can search the internet for articles like this one about how to replace a lost passport.

3. Report the lost or stolen passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, the first thing you should do is contact the police to file a crime report. You should contact the passport office to report and cancel your passport and provide the crime number from the police report.

If you’re abroad, you may have to contact the embassy or consulate. Generally, you will be able to cancel your passport online by completing a simple step-by-step process through the passport office website.

4. Apply for an urgent or emergency passport

Once you’ve reported your passport as missing or stolen, the next step will be to apply for an emergency travel document. If your flight is within six weeks of losing your passport, this is the correct action to take.

In some circumstances, emergency travel documents may not be granted if you haven’t possessed a passport within a certain time period – however, under extenuating circumstances, certain exceptions can be made.

5. Be patient 

It’s understandable that a missing or stolen passport can cause a lot of stress, especially if you’re due to travel soon. However, passport offices are well-equipped and experienced in dealing with these matters. In the UK, approximately 400,000 passports go missing annually, so the passport office will be more than experienced in dealing with your issue.

If you’re replacing a lost, stolen or expired passport, you will need to complete an application form and submit new photographs. If you’re unable to use your expired passport as proof of identity, you may need to provide documentation like a birth certificate.

If applying for emergency travel documents, you may need to outline the urgency of any travel plans and submit the police report of the lost or stolen passport.

If you’re applying for a passport from scratch via an online or postal application, you’ll need countersignatories to sign your photographs. Similarly, if you are applying any changes to your passport, like a name or gender change, you’ll be asked to provide evidence of this.

Losing your passport on holiday or abroad can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure if you’ll be able to return home to your family or work on time. If you are abroad and lose your passport, the first thing you should do is contact the police and report your passport as stolen. The police will then give you a crime number that can be used to support your claim when you contact your national embassy. 

Once at the embassy, the staff will then provide all the instructions, documentation and next steps you need. In some exceptional circumstances, British Citizens may be allowed to return to the UK without a passport – however, this isn’t advised, as you may then face delays at the airport. 

Be mindful

When travelling abroad, it’s important to look after your passport and ensure it's kept in a safe place. Other options may include bringing another form of less valuable ID, like a driver's licence, that you can use on outings and activities. If, for whatever reason, you need to bring your passport with you, make sure to keep it in zipped pockets and don’t leave bags unattended. If you’re looking for extra protection, consider storing your passport in a plastic bag to prevent water damage.

Use a safe 

Many accommodation options will provide in-room safety deposit boxes or allow you to rent a safe for the duration of your stay. This will give you peace of mind that your passport is safe and you can enjoy yourself without worrying about losing it. Alternatively, some hotels may be happy to hold your passport at reception during your stay.

Do you have to report your passport lost or stolen?

It’s not compulsory to report your passport as missing or stolen – however, if you’re applying for an emergency travel document, it can add legitimacy to your claim. If you’re in no rush, you don’t have to report it missing or stolen and can simply renew your passport as usual. However, it’s always worth cancelling your passport to avoid any issues surrounding fraud, counterfeiting or identity theft. 

I found my lost passport: can I still use it?

No. If you’ve already reported your passport as lost or stolen, you can no longer use it. This is why it's important to check thoroughly and make sure that your passport is definitely lost before you report it, so you can avoid the hassle of applying for a new one. If you’ve cancelled your passport, do not attempt to board a flight on the invalid passport, as this will be flagged by border control and may result in delays and further repercussions. As a best practice, you can always contact the passport office to inform them that your passport has been found. 

Can you revalidate a lost or stolen passport?

No. You cannot revalidate an already-cancelled passport. Upon notifying the passport office of a stolen or lost passport, the passport office will automatically invalidate the passport so that it cannot be used for fraudulent purposes. Once you’ve cancelled your passport, the next action to take is to renew it or apply for an emergency passport.