Emergency Travel Document Guidance UK

When an emergency travel document may help

An emergency travel document (ETD) is a single-use document issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) (opens in new tab) through British embassies and consulates abroad for one defined journey. ETDs are for British nationals who are already overseas and whose passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, or has expired, and who cannot wait for a standard replacement. It is not a substitute for a full passport, and acceptance depends on the countries on your route.

If you are within the UK and need a passport urgently, use HMPO’s Online Premium or Fast Track service (opens in new tab) rather than an ETD.

If you have time before you travel, a standard or fast-track passport service is often the better path. We can talk through which option fits your situation calmly and without pressure.

How we support your application

We help UK residents prepare and submit an ETD application correctly, so avoidable mistakes do not cause delays. The FCDO assesses every case and makes the decision; our role is to support the process and help you stay organised.

What we help with

Checking whether an ETD or an urgent passport renewal is the more suitable route for your trip
Reviewing your application details and supporting documents before submission
Helping you book and prepare for any required appointment
Explaining what to expect at each stage so there are no surprises
Flagging common pitfalls, such as missing evidence of travel or unclear photo requirements

What to prepare

Details of your journey: destination(s), travel dates, and proof such as tickets or a booking confirmation
Any existing or expired passport, or a police report if your passport was lost or stolen
Recent passport-style photographs that meet the official rules
Your personal details and contact information
Any documents relevant to your circumstances, which can vary case by case

A few things to keep in mind

Requirements, fees, and processing times for emergency travel documents vary and can change, so always confirm the current position on the official GOV.UK passport pages (opens in new tab). An ETD is usually valid for a specific trip only, so plan a full passport renewal once you are back.

If your travel date is approaching and you are unsure which route to take, get in touch early. Visit /contact/ to start your application and we will help you work out the right next step.

Frequently asked questions

What is an emergency travel document?

An emergency travel document (ETD), sometimes called an emergency passport, is a one-trip document issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through British embassies and consulates abroad for a single defined journey when you are already overseas and cannot get a standard passport in time. It is not a replacement for a full passport.

When might I need an ETD instead of a passport renewal?

An ETD is typically considered when a passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or expired and you must travel before a standard or urgent passport service can be completed. Whether one is appropriate depends on your circumstances and the official rules at the time.

Can an ETD be used for any trip?

No. An ETD is issued for a specific journey, often to a limited set of named destinations, and may have other conditions. Not every country accepts them, so your route and dates matter.

Do you decide whether I get an emergency travel document?

No. We provide application support only. The FCDO assesses eligibility and makes all decisions on whether to issue an ETD.

How quickly can an ETD be arranged?

Timescales vary and depend on appointment availability and FCDO processing at the nearest British embassy or consulate. Please check the official guidance on GOV.UK and contact us as early as possible so we can help you prepare.