UK Emergency Travel Document Guidelines

Emergencies can strike at any time, especially while travelling. An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) will help you return to the UK or your country of residence if you can't use your passport, for example, if it's lost or stolen. In essence, it's a way to get home without your passport.

This guide offers a detailed overview of how to get an emergency passport of the UK, providing valuable insights and tips to help you streamline the process in urgent situations.

Table of contents

• UK Emergency Travel Document VS Regular Passport: the Difference
• How to Apply for an Emergency Passport in the UK?
• How to Apply for an Emergency Passport Abroad?
• How Quickly Can You Get a UK Emergency Passport?
• UK Emergency Travel Document Checklist
• UK Emergency Travel Document Photo Requirements
• Get a UK Passport-Sized Photo Online
• UK Passport-sized Photo App
• UK Emergency Travel Document Cost
• How Long is a UK Emergency Passport Valid For?

UK Emergency Travel Document VS Regular Passport: the Difference

A regular UK passport is an official document that proves your identity and nationality, allowing you to travel to other countries. An ETD, on the other hand, is a temporary document that lets you return to the UK or your home country if your passport isn't available. The ETD has fewer security features and may not be accepted by all countries.

In addition, the UK Emergency passport colour is sky-blue, as opposed to the burgundy-red cover of a regular UK passport.

Note:You cannot get an emergency travel document while in the UK — it is only issued by British embassies or consulates overseas in urgent situations.

In What Cases Can you Get an Emergency Travel Document

You may be eligible for a UK ETD if you meet the following emergency passport criteria:

• You are a British national currently outside the UK;
• You have an urgent need to travel within the next six weeks;
• Your UK passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, is full, has recently expired, or is currently held by the HM Passport Office or a foreign embassy;
• You are unable to renew or replace your UK passport from abroad before your travel date;
• You have been issued a valid UK passport on or after January 1, 2006.

Can You Use an Emergency Travel Document to Go on Holiday?

If you do not have a UK passport issued on or after January 1, 2006, you typically cannot obtain an ETD for regular travel, such as holidays or family events. Nonetheless, you might qualify for an ETD in exceptional and urgent cases like:

• The unexpected birth of a child overseas;
• The necessity for urgent medical treatment that isn’t available where you are;
• Attending the funeral of a close family member.

In these cases, you must provide proof and explain the urgency and importance of your travel. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis.

Which Countries Do Not Accept Emergency Passports?

Most countries accept UK Emergency Travel Documents for urgent travel, but some may have restrictions—particularly where visas or exit permits are needed, or if the ETD lacks sufficient security features. Before applying, verify whether you can leave, transit through, or enter a country by visiting the Country-Lookup page on the Gov.uk website.

How to Apply for a UK Emergency Passport Online

• Collect the necessary documents.
• Go to the official UK government website for emergency travel documents.
• Click on 'Apply online' and fill out the form carefully, providing accurate personal and travel details.
• Upload a digital passport photo along with any supporting documents.
• Provide your contact phone number and email address.
• Pay the application fee using a debit or credit card. Someone else can pay on your behalf if necessary.

After you apply, you'll receive email updates about your application's progress. You might be required to visit a British embassy, high commission, or consulate nearby to confirm your identity and explain the urgent need for travel.

If you're applying for a child under 16, both parents or legal guardians should attend the appointment, or alternatively, provide a signed consent letter.

You will be informed how and when to collect your ETD, typically within two working days after approval. In some cases, it can be arranged for pickup at the airport security gate.

Please note: Do not book your travel until you receive an email confirmation about when and how you can collect your emergency travel document.

Can you get an UK Emergency passport for a child? – Yes, you can. The process for applying for a child’s ETD is the same as for an adult.

How Quickly Can You Get a UK Emergency Passport?

Most ETD applications are processed within 1 to 2 business days after submission and verification, depending on your location and specific situation.

Can You Get an Emergency Passport in One Day?

Yes, in some cases, arrangements can be made for the ETD to be picked up at the airport on your travel day.

“I’ve Lost My UK Passport and Am Travelling Tomorrow — What Should I Do?”

To start the emergency replacement process for a stolen passport:

• Report the theft immediately.
• Provide identification details.
• Submit your online ETD application right away via the official UK government website.
• Contact the nearest British embassy or consulate to request an urgent appointment.

In some cases, you may receive your ETD the same day.

How Long Does an Emergency Travel Document Take for Children?

Processing times for children’s ETDs can be longer than for adults and often depend on the individual circumstances and submitted documentation. It may take several weeks.

UK Emergency Travel Document Checklist

To apply for your Emergency travel document, you'll need the following:

• A completed UK Emergency passport application form.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Proof of your travel plans, such as booking confirmations.
• A photocopy of your previous UK passport, if you have it.
• Proof of residency in the country you're traveling to.
• If the applicant is under 16, both parents' passports and letters of consent are required.

UK Emergency Travel Document Photo Requirements

To apply for a British emergency passport, you must provide a valid digital passport photo that hasn't been used in any previous passport applications. The digital photo must meet the following UK passport photo guidelines:

• The photo must be clear, in focus, and in color.
• Dimensions are at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall.
• The file should be between 50 KB and 10 MB.
• A plain, light-colored background with clear contrast.
• No other objects or people in the frame.
• The photo should not have any “red eye” effect.
• Face the camera directly with a plain expression and a closed mouth.
• Keep your eyes open and fully visible.
• No head coverings, unless for religious or medical reasons.
• Ensure your face is completely visible with no shadows.
• Avoid wearing glasses if possible. If you must wear them, ensure they are not sunglasses or tinted glasses, and that your eyes are visible without any glare, reflection, or shadows from the frames.

Get a UK Passport-Sized Photo Online

Need a UK passport-sized photo quickly and easily? Check out Visafoto.com! Since 2013, Visafoto has been assisting individuals in obtaining photos for various documents like visas, passports, and IDs, with an impressive 99.7% approval rate.

Find a well-lit area, stand against a plain white background, and snap a picture of yourself. Upload your photo to Visafoto.com. Visafoto will instantly adjust your photo to meet UK passport requirements, including the background, size, and format.

You'll get both a digital photo and a printable template.

Not satisfied with the outcome? We offer a full refund.

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this:

After resizing, your will get a photo for online submission like this one:

UK Passport-Sized Photo App

For even greater convenience, try the 7ID App by Visafoto.com, available on both iPhone and Android devices.

Using the 7ID App is easy: Upload your photo. Select the document type and the country.

The app will automatically adjust your photo to meet official UK passport requirements, including size, format, and background color. You'll receive a digital file and a printable template.

For the best results, use the 7ID's Expert Tool, which employs advanced algorithms to perfect your photo, regardless of the background. Need help? Our technical support team is available 24/7.

UK Emergency Travel Document Fees

Starting from April 9, 2025, the British emergency passport cost has been raised from GBP 100 to GBP 125. This fee now includes the cost of sending the ETD to you, which used to be charged separately.

How Long is a UK Emergency Passport Valid For?

The maximum UK Emergency travel document validity period is one year. However, it is designed for a single, specific journey and can include transit through up to five countries.

UK Emergency Passport Validity and Restrictions

A UK Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is valid for a single journey or a round trip and typically expires within one year. Note that ETDs cannot be extended. If your travel plans change, you must apply for a new ETD and pay the full fee again.

Travel rules and restrictions

• The ETD allows travel through up to five countries, including any transit countries. These countries will be listed on the document.
• Your travel itinerary — including dates, countries, and routes — provided during the application will be printed on the ETD. You must follow this itinerary strictly.
• If your travel route or dates change, you must apply for a new ETD and pay the application fee again.
• The ETD does not exempt you from visa requirements. You must have the correct visas for each country on your travel route.
• Once you arrive in the UK or at your final destination, the ETD is typically handed over to immigration authorities and destroyed by the Passport Office.

UK Emergency Passport FAQ

“My flight’s tomorrow — how fast can I actually have an Emergency Passport in hand?”

If your flight is happening tomorrow, it's crucial to apply online immediately and contact the nearest British embassy or consulate to schedule an urgent appointment. Depending on the embassy’s capacity and your ability to provide all necessary documents, you may receive your ETD within a few hours.

“Do I need a visa for my layover if I’m travelling on an ETD?”

Holding a UK ETD does not exempt you from needing transit visas. You must check the visa or ETA requirements for each country on your route and obtain any necessary authorizations in advance.

“Can my child travel on an ETD without me?”

While an ETD doesn’t prevent a child from travelling alone, additional requirements may apply depending on:

• The countries of transit or destination;
• The airline’s policies on unaccompanied minors;
• Local border control regulations.

For example, in the EU, minors travelling without both legal guardians may need an official authorization form signed by their parents or guardians.

“Is there any way to speed up the embassy appointment booking?”

There’s no direct way to fast-track the appointment system, but if your travel is urgent, contact the embassy immediately after applying. Explain your situation clearly — while prioritization is not guaranteed, they may accommodate urgent requests at their discretion.

“How do I prove I’m British if all my ID was in my stolen passport?”

If your passport and ID were lost or stolen, you can prove your British nationality by submitting documents such as:

• Your UK birth certificate;
• A certificate of registration as a British citizen;
• Naturalisation documents.

If none of these are available, contact the nearest British embassy for guidance and assistance.

Last Update: June 2025