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Official-source guide

Lost UK passport in Spain

Last checked: 19 October 2026 · Destination guides

Short answer
Cancel the lost British passport through the UK Passport Office and make a Spanish police report for theft or where needed for local records 1,2. If you must travel before a replacement passport is available, apply online for a UK emergency travel document. The UK says the document normally covers one specified journey and can include up to five transit countries 3,4.
Cancellation
UK Passport Office online route 1
Spain report
Local police for theft or required evidence
Urgent travel
UK emergency travel document application 3,4
Route
Normally one specified journey with listed transits 3
Recovered passport
Cannot be used after cancellation 1

Cancel and report

Report the passport through the official UK cancellation service. Once cancelled, it cannot be used 1.

Report theft to Spanish police and keep the report. Spain's foreign ministry explains that a passport loss or theft report and identity checks support consular document action 2.

Apply for an emergency travel document

Apply through the UK emergency travel document service if urgent travel cannot wait for a full replacement. Give the destination, transit countries, travel dates, and identity evidence 3,4.

The decision, document validity, and collection arrangement are case-specific. Watch the application contact route for requests from the British consular team.

Check the journey

A UK emergency travel document is normally issued for one stated journey and can list up to five transit countries 3. Do not change the route without checking.

Confirm acceptance with the airline and every transit or destination authority. A visa or Spanish residence record may require a separate update.

If the passport is found

Do not use it after cancellation. Follow the UK Passport Office or British consular instruction for surrender or destruction 1.

Keep the Spanish police report and ETD records until the journey and any residence update are complete.

Common questions

Where do I cancel it?

Through the UK Passport Office's official online report 1.

Do I need a Spanish police report?

Make one for theft and when required as local evidence.

Can an ETD include transit?

The UK says it can list up to five transit countries on the specified journey 3.

Can I use the passport if found?

No, not after cancellation 1.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Sources

  1. UK Passport Office: report a lost or stolen passport
  2. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: passport theft or loss
  3. UK government: emergency travel document
  4. UK government: how to apply for an emergency travel document

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