The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has found that more than 60,000 Britons have reported their passports lost or stolen over the past year.
Identity theft can be damaging and costly so here is some advice should this happen to you:
- If your passport is lost or stolen in the UK, you need to report it as soon as possible. You will need to obtain a LS01 form from the IPS, a regional passport office, local police station or from a post office branch if it offers the passport check & send service.
- The theft of a passport must be reported to the police, crime reference details will be needed for the LS01 form.
- If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, you should report it to the local police and again you will need the crime reference details. You must also report this to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) embassy, consulate or high commission of the country you are in. Details of these can be obtained by contacting the FCO on +44 (0)20 7008 1500 or by visiting the FCO website.
- If you are abroad, the FCO will provide replacement travel documents for your journey home. Your passport will then be replaced once you are home.
The IPS recommends that travellers follow a few simple steps to ensure that their passport is kept safe:
- Get two photocopies of your passport and keep one at home and another with you in your luggage, separate from your passport while you are away.
- Find a safe place to keep your passport while at home and abroad.
- If you are ever asked for your passport, be cautious about handing it over.
A good travel insurance policy can contribute towards any expenses incurred for extra travel or accommodation to get your replacement passport. Check the terms and conditions of any policy to ensure you will be covered when you need it the most!
