What to do if you lose your British passport in Australia
If you lose your British passport in Australia, the first thing you must do is cancel your passport. You can do this online on the UK government’s website, following their steps to ensure the passport is cancelled. Your passport must be cancelled before you do anything else to prevent someone else from using it as their ID. You can also use this service to report a lost or stolen passport for someone else if they are unable to, like a child.
In cases where your passport has been stolen, you will want to report it to the local police and ask for a written report. These reports can be helpful when claiming the cost on your travel insurance and also show that you have reported the loss. Not all local police will give you a report, but you should still report your passport as stolen.
Next, you can turn your attention to applying for a new passport. Doing so in Australia can take several weeks, and it is not recommended that you apply overseas if you need a new passport quickly. An emergency travel document can be generated by the UK Passport Office, allowing you to travel home, or you can use our express service to have a new passport within two weeks.
Can I apply for a new British passport if I lose or have my passport stolen in Australia?
You can apply for a new British passport if you lose or have your passport stolen in Australia. You can only do so after you have cancelled your lost passport, so do this first. You can then apply for a new British passport using our service, or you can apply for an emergency travel document if you need to travel before your new passport arrives. An emergency travel document acts as an emergency passport and allows you to travel through a maximum of five countries to reach your destination.
While you are in Australia, you can apply for one of these or for a replacement passport if you have two weeks before you need to travel. You can apply for your new passport with ASAP Passports, using our contact details to learn more about our replacement passport service and begin the process of getting a new passport.
What is the fastest way to replace a lost or stolen UK passport in Australia?
The fastest way to replace a lost or stolen UK passport in Australia is to use our express service. We can have your new passport delivered to you in two weeks, ensuring that you can travel as planned. The service is much slower if you apply for the passport yourself, and you can be waiting at least six weeks before your new passport is delivered.
If you need to travel within two weeks, an emergency travel document can be used instead, but you will need to apply and pay for this separately from your new passport.
Our fast-track process for a lost British passport in Australia
To apply for a lost British passport in Australia, there are a few steps that you need to follow, including cancelling your lost passport and completing an online application. We have outlined the steps you need to follow below to help you replace your UK passport with ASAP Passports:
1. Report your passport as missing
Before we can do our work, you need to report your passport as missing or stolen. You can do this by visiting your nearest British embassy or reporting it as lost or stolen online. Once your passport is cancelled, we can begin the process.
2. Contact us directly
We recommend that you contact us directly to help with your lost passport. We will walk you through the steps you need to take and help you complete your application for a new passport.
3. Send additional documentation
Unlike renewing your passport, replacing a lost passport requires additional documentation that we need to validate your identity. Normally, you would have a current passport to send us to prove you are who you say, but when your passport is lost, you don’t have this. We ask that you send new passport photos, another form of photographic ID and proof of your citizenship.
4. Fast-track application
After we have your documentation, we will personally deliver your application to the UK Passport Office. We will then visit the office in person to accelerate your application, ensuring that it is treated as a priority. We will provide you with updates while this is happening, too.
5. The passport is sent to you
When your new passport is ready, we will collect it and post it to you in Australia using our global couriers. We only use the best couriers, who will ensure your new passport and your documentation arrive safely. We offer full tracking, too, so you can follow your passport’s journey.
What additional supporting documentation will I need to replace a lost or stolen passport?
To replace your lost or stolen passport, you will need to include additional supporting documentation with your application. You will need the following:
Proof of UK citizenship can take many forms, including a birth certificate or a photocopy of your lost passport. Taking a photocopy of your passport with you is a good idea, as it can be helpful should you lose your passport while in Australia.
The proof of travel is only needed when you are applying for an emergency travel document, as your travel information, like flight times, will be listed on your document. The proof of travel you can use includes train or plane tickets, or proof of hotel stays.
How much will it cost to replace a lost or stolen British passport in Australia?
The price of replacing your lost or stolen British passport will depend on the service you choose when replacing it with ASAP Passports. We offer several replacement packages at different costs depending on the level of support and speed that you need for your passport. We recommend checking out our packages to see which one is right for you and your passport needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel within Australia without my British passport?
You should be able to travel within Australia using your driver’s license or other valid identification if you have lost your British passport. You should be able to fly on domestic flights, but you might require a passport when flying on domestic flights departing from international terminals. Before travelling, we recommend checking if a passport is essential to avoid disappointment at the airport.
What happens if my visa is in my lost passport? How do I prove my legal status in Australia?
If your visa is lost with your passport, you will need to report your visa as lost to the Home Office. You can report your lost visa online, and you should also report it to the local police, as a report might be needed to make a claim with your insurance provider.
To avoid any issues with your legal status in Australia, make sure you have an online account set up where you can access your eVisa. A UKVI account is easy to set up and allows you to access your visa even if you have lost your paper copy.
Will my existing UK passport be cancelled once it is reported lost or stolen?
You will need to cancel your UK passport directly with the Home Office to ensure it is cancelled. This must be done before you apply for your new passport. Reporting it as lost or stolen to the Home Office will cancel the passport and allow you to apply for a new one.
Do I need to report a lost or stolen British passport to the British Consulate General?
It is best to report your lost or stolen British passport to the British consulate or embassy. Reporting it in person will allow your passport to be cancelled if you are not able to cancel your passport online.
If I find my passport after reporting it lost or stolen, can I use it again?
No, after you have reported your passport as lost or stolen, it is no longer a valid form of ID and cannot be used. If you find your passport after reporting it as lost or stolen, you will need to destroy it. Should you try to use your cancelled passport, it will be confiscated as the number on your passport will no longer be valid.
Can I expedite my passport replacement application?
If you need to travel immediately, it is better to apply for an emergency travel document to ensure that you can travel without any issues. You can also use us to expedite your replacement application and have your new UK passport delivered within two weeks.
