I lost my passport abroad — how do I get home?

Direct answer

Report the loss or theft to the local police — the report is what the consulate and the insurer need — then contact FCDO — consular assistance (020 7008 5000), the consular emergency line of the UK: the nearest embassy or consulate issues an emergency travel document within a day or two, on presentation of the report, a photo, another ID or proof of nationality, and a fee. No embassy nearby? Any other EU country's embassy must help EU citizens. Travel insurance — Financial Ombudsman Service (0800 023 4567) if it refuses — covers the extra costs.

Call firstFCDO — consular assistance

Report toPolice — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency)

If that failsFinancial Ombudsman Service

🗣️ What to say

"I am a citizen of the UK in [city, country]. My passport was [lost / stolen] on [date]; police report [number]. I am travelling on [date] and need an emergency travel document. Which consulate is nearest, what do you need, and can I book an appointment?"

🪜 Step by step

Police reportLocal police station; ask for a copy in English if possible.
Consular line: FCDO — consular assistance24/7 in most countries. They tell you the nearest post and what to bring.
Emergency documentPhotos (any photo shop), the report, a copy of the old passport if you have one, fee. Valid for the trip home only.
No embassy of the UKAny other EU member state's consulate is obliged to help EU citizens on the same terms.
Insurance and airlineKeep receipts; tell the airline you will travel on an emergency document — some routes need a visa check.

📇 All contacts

FCDO — consular assistanceConsular help abroad, 24/7In an emergency abroad📞 020 7008 5000 🔗 www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Police — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency)Local police for any crime that is not fraudBurglary, theft, threats, stalking📞 101 🔗 www.police.uk

Financial Ombudsman ServiceFree, binding complaints against insurersAfter the insurer's final response📞 0800 023 4567 🔗 www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

HMRC — National Insurance number / General Register OfficeNI number, birth/marriage certificates; no address registration in the UKOn arrival and for certificates📞 0800 141 2079 🔗 www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

❓ Frequently asked

Can I fly home with just the police report?

No; you need an emergency document or a temporary passport. Within Schengen a national ID card also works if you have one.

My residence permit was in the passport

Tell FCDO — consular assistance and the immigration authority at home; you may need a return visa. Start the same day.

Children's passports

Same procedure; both parents' consent may be required for a minor's emergency document.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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🛂 I lost my passport abroad — how do I get home?