UK Emergency Travel Document Guidelines

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.

In this article, we'll explain how to get Emergency Passport UK and how to speed up the process with professional photo tools.

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.

How to Apply for an Emergency Passport in the UK?

Can I apply for Emergency travel document to leave UK? – No, you can't apply for a UK ETD while you are in the UK. The ETD is only available to British citizens who are outside the UK and need to travel urgently within the next 6 weeks.

How to Apply for an Emergency Passport Abroad?

Before you apply, make sure the countries you plan to visit or pass through accept an ETD. Check if you also need a visa.

Please note, that you can apply for an ETD if you have held a UK passport in the last 10 years. If you haven't had a UK passport in the last 10 years, you can only get an ETD in urgent situations like for medical treatment or a close relative's funeral. You'll need to show proof.

If you are abroad and urgently need to travel, and you had a UK passport issued on or after January 1, 2006, you can apply online. Here is what you need to do:

• Visit the ETD application page on the official Gov.UK website.
• Click “Start now” and answer some simple questions to fill out the form. It takes about 15 minutes.
• Provide your contact telephone number and email address.
• Pay the application fee.
• You may need to attend an appointment at the nearest British embassy, high commission, or consulate after applying online.

Can you get an Emergency passport for a child UK? – 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?

How long does it take to get an Emergency travel document UK? – Normally, it can be issued within two working days of your application being submitted and paid for.

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 Cost

British Emergency passport cost is £100.

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.

With Visafoto.com and the 7ID app, you can get professional passport photos from anywhere in the world in just a few clicks!