HM Passport Office (HMPO) has issued travel advice for anyone heading abroad, warning that using a passport previously reported lost or stolen could disrupt their trip.
Don't travel with a reported passport
In a post shared on social media, HMPO urged people not to travel with a passport they had previously reported lost or stolen. The X alert said: "Found a passport you previously reported lost or stolen? Don’t travel with it. Once reported, it’s cancelled and using it could disrupt your trip."
Instead, travellers will need to apply for a replacement. HM Passport Office says it considers passports damaged if any of your details cannot be read, any of the pages are ripped or cut, there are holes in the cover, the cover is coming away, or there are stains on the pages. For instance, ink or water damage is not allowed.
Cancel lost or stolen passports quickly
HM Passport Office says it is important to cancel a lost or stolen passport as soon as you can. "This will reduce the risk of anyone else using your passport or your identity." You can report a lost or stolen passport for someone else if they cannot do it themselves. If you have a photo of the lost passport, you can use this to answer the necessary questions.
The advice continues: "You might be able to apply for an emergency travel document. You’ll need to pay a fee. If you apply for an emergency travel document, you do not need to cancel your passport now. You’ll cancel it as part of your application for the emergency travel document."
Renewal costs and photo tips
When renewing your passport online, you will need a credit or debit card and a digital photo. It costs £102. If you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, you also need someone to confirm your identity online. More details are available on GOV.UK.
You can also follow @HM_Passport on X for general updates and tips. For instance, another recent post shares tips for taking your passport photos. The advice said: "A suitable passport photo can help avoid delays. Make sure your photo is in focus, against a plain background and meets all requirements."
GOV.UK says: "In your photo you must: be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera, have a plain expression and your mouth closed, have your eyes open and visible, not have hair in front of your eyes, not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)." "Do not have anything covering your face, not have any shadows on your face or behind you."
