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Travel and passports

The UK Government can help you prepare for safe and healthy travel abroad, and can help if you’ve lost your passport, been arrested or involved in an accident.

The UK has a world class passport and registration operation through HM Passport Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides worldwide help and services when you’re abroad.

Preparing for safe and healthy travel abroad

Requiring assistance is never an ideal end to a trip abroad.  The Travel Aware website, provided by the UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gives you advice and precautions you can take.  It covers a wide range of issues including country-specific travel advice for 225 countries

Apply online for a UK passport

Planning to go abroad this year?  It is important you do not book your travel until you are sure you have a valid passport.  Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy process for renewing or replacing your passport, so you can focus on making your holiday plans.

Customers using HM Passport Office’s digital passport application service can complete the application process online, including uploading a digital photograph from their tablet or smartphone, and make payment. It’s also cheaper than applying using the paper form.

Apply online for a UK passport - external link

How long will it take?

You should allow up to ten weeks.

It can take longer if more information is needed or your application hasn’t been filled out correctly.

Taking your passport photo

Your passport photo is an important element of your ID credentials, and getting the photo right when you’re taking it at home might seem quite difficult.  Here are some tips on how you can ensure you get it right first time.

Reporting your passport lost or stolen

If your passport is lost or stolen, it is important that you report it immediately to help you protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity crime.

All lost and stolen passports can be reported online at gov.uk. The process is quick and simple to use.

Report your passport lost or stolen - external link

Choosing the right travel insurance

Before travelling abroad it is important to take out comprehensive travel insurance, and to make sure you buy the right travel insurance for your specific requirements and circumstances.  Our guidance aims to help travellers choose the right travel insurance to meet their needs.

How to choose the right travel insurance.

Country-specific travel advice

Foreign Office travel advice is available for 225 countries.

Sign up for email alerts for the latest travel updates.

Foreign travel checklist

Advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is available to help you prepare for foreign travel and stay safe abroad.

Further information

Visit the Travel Aware website - external link

Find out more about UK Government support for households.