What to do if you lose your British passport in the USA
The first thing to do if you lose your British passort in the USa is to cancel it. This can be done online using the UK governments website, where in a few simple steps, they help you to report the passport as lost or stolen and cancel it. Cancelling your passport is vital, as it prevents anyone from using it as their ID. The online service can be used to report your passport as lost, or someone else’s if they aren’t able to, like your child.
If your passport was stolen, we recommend reporting it to the local police and obtaining a written report. A report can help you to claim the costs on your travel insurance and show you have reported the theft. Not every local police station will give you a report, but we still recommend reporting it as stolen.
Once you have reported the passport as stolen and cancelled it, you can focus on obtaining a new passport. The process can take several weeks from the USA and it isn’t recommended that you apply for a new passport overseas if you need it quickly. An emergency travel document can allow you to travel urgently and is created by the UK Passport Office, or if you have two weeks before you need to travel, you can use our express service to have a new UK passport delivered to your door.
Can I apply for a new British passport if I lose or have my passport stolen in the USA?
Yes, you can apply for a new British passport if your passport is stolen or lost in the USA. You will need to cancel your passport first, reporting it as lost or stolen to the UK government. Once your passport is cancelled (preventing anyone else from using it), you can apply for a new British passport. You can use our express service to do this, ensuring that you have a new UK passport in just teo weeks. An emergency travel document can also be obtained, which acts as an emergency passport, allowing you to travel to reach your destination.
While in the USA, you can apply for an emergency travel document or a new passport, if you have at least two weeks before you need to travel. A new UK passport can be obtained through ASAP Passports, where we take the stress out of the proces and ensure that you have a new passport before you need to travel. You can contact us directly to learn about our passport replacement services and how we can help you.
What is the fastest way to replace a lost or stolen UK passport in the USA?
The fastest way to replace a stolen or lost UK passport from the USA is to use our express service. We guarantee that your new passport will be delivered to you within two weeks, allowing you to travel as planned. If you were to apply for the passport yourself, directly through the Passport Office, you would be waiting at least six weeks, causing you to miss pre-booked flights and important plans. Using our service also takes the stress out of doing it yourself, as there is an expert who will check your application and provide you with any support that you need.
Another option to consider is an emergency travel document. These can be obtained quickly and are a good option if your travel plans are in less than two weeks. However, the emergency document will only allow you to travel to your destination (through a maximum of five countries) and cannot be used once you have completed your travelling.
Our fast-track process for a lost British passport in the USA
Using our fast-track system, you can have a replacement British passport sent to the USA in just two weeks. Compared to our renewal services though, there ae a few additional steps you need to complete and some additional documentation that we require from you, like photographic ID and proof of citizenship. We have outlined our process before, saving you weeks of waiting time and ensuring you can still make your travel plans!
It is worth noting that if you need to travel within two weeks, an emergency travel document can be arranged, which allows you to travel to your destination only. You would need to apply for this separately and pay the additional charge alongside the application of a new passport. To get your new passport using our fast-track process, we ask that you do the following:
1. Report your passport as missing
Before anything can happen, you need to report your British passport as lost or stolen. This can be done online, using the UK government’s website for your passort or a someone else’s if they are unable to do it themselves. You can also visit your nearest Britsh embassy to report a lost UK passport.
2. Contact us directly
Once your passport is cancelled, reach out to us directly over the phone or online to start the replacement process. Speaking to us directly will remove any confusion you might have and ensures that you get your new passport as soon as possible.
We will walk you through the steps and help you complete your application for a new passport. We can do this for adult or children’s passports, so don’t worry if your entire families passports have disappeared – we can help!
3. Provide additional documents
As part of replacing a lost passport, we need additional documentation from you. This is to prove your identity as we do not have a current or expired passport from you (like you would provide when renewing your passport).
To prove your identity, we ask for new passport photos, proof of your British citizenship, and a form of photographic ID. Speak to us directly if you have any issues obtaining this information so that we can discuss your next steps.
4. Fast track your application
When we have your application and supporting documents, we take over the process and ensure that your application is fast-trakced. We will deliver it personally to the UK Passport Office and visit the office in person to accelerate your application. We ensure that your application is treated as a priority and not forgotten about on someone’s desk for weeks on end.
As part of our process, we will update you while your application is processed so that you know what to expect.
5. Passport is sent to you
As soon as your new passport is ready, we collect it from the Passport Office in person and check everything is correct. We then post it to you in the USA, using our network of global couriers. We only work with the best and most reliable couriers, ensuring that your new passport reaches you quickly. Your passport will be packaged securely, along with your documentation you provided us with.
You get full tracking details of your passport, so you can follow its journey and ensure someone is home to receive it.
What additional supporting documentation will I need to replace a lost or stolen passport?
When replacing your lost or stolen passport, you will need to provide the following supporting documentation:
When you are applying for an emergency travel document, you will also need to provide proof of travel. This can be a train or plane ticket and will be needed to verify your travel plans and provide access to the right country to help you return home. We recommend that you also carry a photocopy of your passport with you, as this will be helpful if you lose your passport or you need to provide any proof od ID.
How much will replacing a lost or stolen British passport in the USA cost?
The cost of replacing a lost or stolen passport in the USA will depend on your chosen package. At ASAP Passports, we offer several replacement packages at different prices, depending on the level of support you want and the speed your passport is delivered to you. The more support and faster your passport arrives, the more you will pay. Before moving forward with your passport replacement, check out our packages to see which is right for your budget and passport needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel within the USA without my British passport?
You can still travel within the USA without your British passport. You can move across state lines without showing your passport while you await your new passport, but you might encounter some issues at the airport.
To fly on domestic flights in the USA, you will need your British passport or a valid US government-issued photo ID. If you do not have these, you will need to wait for your new passport or apply for an emergency travel document. An emergency travel document will allow you to reach your destination, travelling through five countries to do so, allowing you to continue travelling while you wait for your passport.
What happens if my visa is in my lost passport? How do I prove my legal status in the USA?
If your visa is lost with your passport, you will need to report it missing immediately. You can do this online, through the UK government’s website, which will notify the Home Office that your visa is lost. We also recommend reporting it to the local police and requesting a police report. A police report can be used with your travel insurance to help you claim any money you spend on replacing it.
You will want to keep digital copies of your visa to ensure your legal status is not challenged in the USA. You can set up an online account before you travel, where your visa will be stored, allowing you to access it whenever you need. A replacement visa can be arranged and sent to you, but these can be expensive, and delays might impact your ability to travel.
Will my UK passport be cancelled once it is reported lost or stolen?
Your passport is cancelled when you report it as lost or stolen to the Home Office. Typically, this is done online, or you can do so at the British Embassy in the USA. Until your passport is reported as missing or lost, it is considered valid and can be used. You must report your passport as missing or stolen as soon as possible to prevent anyone else from using it.
Do I need to report a lost or stolen British passport to the USA consulate General?
You can report a lost or stolen British passport to the USA consulate or embassy. This is not necessary, but you can head there to report it as lost or stolen and gather advice about an emergency travel document if needed. You can also report your passport as lost or stolen online through the UK government website, which can be quicker than going to the embassy.
If I find my passport after reporting it lost or stolen, can I use it again?
No, your passport cannot be used again after it is reported as lost or stolen. All of the necessary authorities will be told that your passport is cancelled, and you cannot use it to board flights or as ID. Attempting to use a lost or stolen passport after it has been cancelled will result in confiscating it.
Can I expedite my passport replacement application?
You can expedite your passport replacement application by using our services. We will handle the process for you, ensuring your passport replacement arrives within two weeks. An emergency travel document might be a better option if you need a replacement passport in less than two weeks.
