However, you may not qualify if your passport was issued before a certain date
The Foreign Office has urged travellers to act quickly, explaining how certain people may be able to travel abroad without a valid UK passport. You may find yourself in this position if you’ve lost your passport or cannot use it for another reason.
The Foreign Office states that people heading abroad can get an emergency travel document which lets you travel under “urgent” circumstances. This special document is only valid for one single or return journey and you can travel through a maximum of 5 countries.
You can apply for an emergency travel document if all the following apply:
- you’re a British national
- you’re outside the UK
- you need to travel within 6 weeks
- your UK passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, is full, has recently expired or is with HM Passport Office or a foreign embassy
- you cannot renew or replace your UK passport from abroad before you travel
- you have had a valid UK passport that was issued on or after January 1, 2006
If you haven’t had a UK passport that was issued on or after January 1 2006, it adds that you’ll usually need to apply for a UK passport instead of an emergency travel document. While you may be able to get an emergency travel document, exceptional circumstances include if:
- your child was born unexpectedly
- you need urgent medical treatment that you cannot access without travel to another country
- you wish to attend the funeral of a close relative
Foreign Office guidance warns: “If you have not had a UK passport that was issued on or after 1 January 2006, you cannot get emergency travel documents for activities such as holidays, weddings, family events and job interviews.
“You’ll have to explain and provide evidence to show why your journey is urgent and essential. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis.”
How to apply for an emergency UK passport
Before you apply, you should check if an emergency travel document will be accepted in the countries you plan to leave, enter and travel through. This includes whether or not you need a visa.
You can only apply online if you have had a passport that was issued on or after January 1, 2006. The application costs £125 and you cannot get a refund so make sure you are applying for the correct document and you meet the requirements.
To apply for your emergency travel document online, you will need these four items:
- 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
- a debit or credit card for the fee
If you’re in a position where you’ve lost your wallet, it adds that “a relative or friend can pay for you if you’re not able to make a payment using the online service.”
How long will it take me to get my emergency passport?
Your emergency travel document will usually be ready to collect 2 working days after you apply. However it may take up to several weeks if:
- your original British passport has expired
- you’re applying for a child under 16
- you’ve not yet paid the £125 fee
- you need to provide more documents or information
- you need to attend an online or in-person appointment
Your old passport is typically cancelled automatically once you’ve paid for your emergency travel document. You’ll be informed if it won’t be cancelled, for example, if it’s currently with an embassy or if you’ve already submitted an application for a new passport.
You’ll get an email update about your application and if the application is approved, you’ll be told how and when to collect your emergency travel document as well as whether you need to do anything else, like attend an appointment at your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate.