Applying for a passport is actually very easy and is cheaper to do online than by post. You can upload photos from a smartphone following the government guidance. It will take around 3 weeks to come through. Whilst passports have an expiry date it’s important to remember that most countries don’t accept passports with less than 6 months until the expiry date on them.

 

Good Practice:

• Always keep your passports in a waterproof bag which can be sealed

• If a safe is available in your resort, use it

• Make sure you have a list of your passport numbers for reference or better still get a copy of the information page and keep it somewhere safe

• Some countries will require additional visas so check the government website on your destinations travel requirement https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

 

What if I lose my passport overseas?

If you lose your passport whilst you are overseas firstly don’t panic! The UK Government can issue you an emergency travel document often called an ‘emergency passport’. This will cover you to return via up to 5 countries, helpful if you are driving across Europe, but note the countries will be printed on the emergency document along with the dates so if your return plans change you will have to reapply for a new one. 

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To apply it will cost a non-refundable £100 and you may need to attend a British Embassy in some cases. During the application process you will be told if this is necessary. Apply here https://www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document