Your passport is one of the most valuable things you will pack this summer. Not only do you need it to travel, but they also have a high street value and it contains a lot of important personal information.

Losing your passport or it being stolen when you’re on holiday sounds like the ultimate holiday nightmare, but taking these steps can prevent further stress if the worst does happen.

Before you travel…

We’d recommend making a copy of your passport (and any other important documents like driving license etc) and taking a hard copy of them with you. It’s also worth emailing them to yourself if you have an email address so you can access them quickly if you need to.

It’s also worth taking a spare passport photo with you just in case you do need to request a new travel document.

Plus, before you go make a note of the nearest British Embassy in the country you’re travelling to (this avoids having to rely on using the internet abroad).

If the worst does happen…

Should the worst happen you’ll have to do this:

1. Cancel it. You can do that here.
2. Contact the British Embassy.
3. Contact the Police to file a report    

Once cancelled and reported stolen/lost the authorities can take steps to prevent someone else from using it illegally.  Until you’re able to get home and replace your actual passport, an emergency travel document will allow you to return home via a maximum of five other countries. 

After you’ve spoken to the Embassy, you’ll need to complete a form (from the Government website) and provide the completed form along with a passport photo, your itinerary and your police report.

Does it cost anything? 

Unfortunately the replacement will cost £100 – but you can claim this back via your travel insurance*. Having the right cover offers the safety net for cancellation too, should your passport be stolen 7 days before you travel.

Remember, you’ll need to renew your passport as soon as you get home as travel documents are only valid for the destinations and dates listed on your travel itinerary. 

What about luggage?

If your luggage is delayed (more than 12 hours) you will usually be covered for the value of replacement for personal possessions – make sure you get a written report from the carrier (the airline, shipping company etc.) 

Wherever you're heading this year, or for any additional information or advice, call our UK call centre free on 0800 294 2969 or get a quote online.

*Based on our Holiday Angel Silver and Gold insurance policies only June 2017 you will be paid up to the amount shown in the schedule cover and limits for the cost of obtaining a replacement passport or travel document.

Further terms and exclusions apply.