Coping with an emergency abroad Loss of passports, credit and debit cards

Loss or theft of a passport is one of the most common holiday crises

I’ve lost my passport. What should I do next?

This is by far the most common incident that British consulates overseas have to deal with.

If it should happen to you, go to the local police station to complete a report, then take this – along with two passport-sized photos – to the nearest consulate or embassy. 

Once there, apply for a replacement document (this could be an emergency passport for a one-off journey, or a full replacement lasting either one year or 10 years), get your current one cancelled and pay a non-refundable fee (see your local British embassy website for fees in the local currency). You’ll need to prove your identity (and that you’re a British national) with a photocopy of your passport, or other ID. 

If the emergency is at night or the weekend, and the consulate office is closed, a duty officer can liaise with officials in the UK and help to rearrange flights, but can’t issue the necessary document. If you’re in a country with no British consulate, contact that of another European Union member country, or phone a British consulate in a neighbouring country for advice.

Keep a note of your card details 

I’ve lost my wallet with all of my credit and debit cards. How can I get hold of cash urgently? 

Phone the card issuer(s) or protection scheme immediately with your card details. Usually, emergency cash is available only if you’ve taken out card protection insurance or an inclusive account fee package with your bank. 

If you belong to a bank with worldwide branches or affiliates, consider getting your bank to transfer funds to a local branch. As well as any foreign exchange fee, you will probably be charged a transfer fee - often £20-40. 

If that’s not possible or will take too long, you can get money ‘wired’ through from loved ones back home via money transfer operators, such as MoneyGram and Western Union. This can be arranged quickly online, by phone or through an agent, but for a charge – for example you'd pay a £37 fee for transferring £500 from the UK to Thailand. You’ll need to show picture ID and maybe know the sender’s details to pick up the funds from the agent. 

The local British consulate can give advice on getting funds transferred from home, but don’t expect any handouts from them, or from a tour operator rep. With a police report, your travel insurance company (which could also help with arranging transfers) may reimburse up to £500 of emergency money.