UK travellers spent an estimated £1.1 million replacing passports lost or stolen overseas during the last six months of 2024. That’s according to data requested by a travel insurance comparison site.
Figures collected under the Freedom of Information Act by PayingTooMuch show that 12,684 British passports were reported lost or stolen overseas in that time.
With a standard adult passport costing £88.50, replacing all these passports would total around £1.12 million. However, the actual cost to the individual is likely much higher when additional fees, such as those for an emergency travel document (ETD), are factored in.
The total number of British passports reported lost or stolen overseas was highest during the summer months, with July being the most likely month to lose your passport or have it stolen.
Rising renewal costs
As of April 2025, passport costs have increased to £94.50 for online applications and £107 for postal applications. Before, it started at £88.50 for an adult.
Applications made from overseas have increased £101 to £108 for online applications, and £112.50 to £120.50 for a paper application. This means losing a passport will have a significant financial impact if you’re not covered by travel insurance.
Additional expenses include the cost of your passport photos, the passport fee itself, and postage to your destination (if applicable). When factoring in flight cancellations, emergency travel, and rebooking fees, the total cost can quickly escalate.
Money expert, Hannah Mayfield, working with specialist travel insurance comparison site PayingTooMuch, comments on the findings:
“Losing a passport abroad can be a disruptive and costly experience. However, the financial implications go far beyond this. From missing your flight to worrying about extending your accommodation and the sheer panic of how to get home, losing a passport abroad can cause travellers a lot of stress.
“Compare your travel insurance before you travel to make sure that you’re adequately covered in case you misplace your passport. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring that a lost passport does not lead to major disruption or unexpected expenses.
“Using a travel insurance comparison site can also help you find policies that offer comprehensive protection, including cover for lost or stolen passports.”
Hannah highlights what travellers should do if they lose their passport:
“If you lose your passport abroad, the first thing you should do is report it missing on the UK government website. You’ll then need to apply for an emergency travel document, which has a £100 application fee.
“However, travel insurance can help make sure you’re not out of pocket if anything unexpected happens on your holiday. It’s important to note that travel insurance typically covers specific scenarios, so it’s essential to understand the terms of your policy. A comprehensive travel insurance policy and potentially the additional costs of needing to stay for longer or changing your return dates, ensuring that an unexpected mishap doesn’t turn into a costly ordeal.
Losing a passport abroad is a stressful experience, but taking precautionary steps can help ensure it doesn’t ruin your travels.”
