Lost your passport before a flight? Who gets the £125 emergency document
A British national abroad with a lost or damaged passport can get an emergency document for £125, ready in about two days, to travel within six weeks.
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A British national abroad who has lost, damaged or run out of passport validity can apply for an emergency travel document for £125, usually ready about two working days after applying, if they need to travel within six weeks. It is valid for one journey, or a return, through up to five countries. The figures come from GOV.UK’s emergency travel document guidance, read 3 October 2026.
- Only for urgent travel. You need to be travelling within six weeks.
- Online only if your passport was issued from 1 January 2006 or later.
- It is one journey. It covers a single trip or a return, through no more than five countries.
- The fee is not refundable. Check your dates before you pay.
Who can get an emergency travel document?
A British national who is outside the UK and needs to travel urgently, because their passport has been lost, stolen, damaged or has run out. GOV.UK’s guidance sets the test as a need to travel within six weeks.
What does it cost, and how fast is it?
£125, and usually ready to collect about two working days after you apply. That is more than a standard online adult passport at £102, but less than the one-week Fast Track passport at £192. The fee cannot be refunded. GOV.UK also says the process can take longer in some cases, such as when the original passport has expired, the applicant is under 16, a fee is unpaid, or an appointment is required.
How do I apply from abroad?
You can apply online only if your lost or damaged passport was issued on or after 1 January 2006. GOV.UK asks for a valid digital passport photo that has not been used in a previous passport, a contact telephone number, an email address and a debit or credit card for the fee. The photo has to meet GOV.UK’s guidelines.
What does it allow me to do?
One journey, or a return, through up to five countries. GOV.UK says it is usually valid for one single or return journey and permits travel through a maximum of five countries.
What should I do before I travel on it?
Check each country on your route, because the document has limits and the destination may need more. Check each country’s entry rules, including transit stops, before you book. Our guide to a lost or stolen passport abroad covers the first steps, and how to renew a passport fast covers the routes for a full replacement.
This page summarises GOV.UK’s emergency travel document guidance as read on 3 October 2026. Confirm the current fee and eligibility on GOV.UK before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an emergency travel document?
£125, according to GOV.UK. The fee cannot be refunded.
How long does it take to get one?
Usually about two working days after you apply, GOV.UK says, though it can take longer in some cases.
How long is it valid?
It is usually only valid for one single or return journey, through a maximum of five countries.
Can I apply online from abroad?
Yes, if your passport was issued on or after 1 January 2006, according to GOV.UK.
Do I need to travel within a set time?
Yes. GOV.UK says you need to travel within six weeks to qualify.
Keep reading
The first 48 hours, step by step.
UK fees, processing times and the six-month rule.
What counts, and whether you can still fly.
Fees, five-year validity and the countersignature.
Sources: GOV.UK, “Emergency travel document” and “How to apply”, read 3 October 2026 (eligibility, six-week test, fee, processing time, validity, online eligibility and documents). Standard and Fast Track fees from GOV.UK passport fees and urgent passport fees, read 3 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Photos via Pexels: Marta Branco (cover and passport photo), Zheng Xia, DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ, Connor Danylenko.
Written by
Bishnu AdhikariPokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. More from this author →
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