Lost British Passport in Thailand: What to Do

If you have a lost British passport in Thailand, report it promptly and arrange the travel document you need. You should also check what Thai Immigration requires if your entry stamp or extension of stay was in the missing passport.

1. Report your passport lost or stolen

Use the official GOV.UK reporting service to cancel your passport. This helps protect you against someone else using it.

If you apply for an emergency travel document, cancellation is included in that application.

A cancelled passport cannot be used again, even if you find it later.

2. Get a Thai police report

Report the loss or theft to the local Thai police and request a written report. Keep the original and copies for your passport application, immigration enquiries or insurance claim.

Take a photograph or copy of your missing passport’s identification page if you have one. Explain when and where the loss or theft happened.

3. Choose the right replacement document

Replacement British passport

If you can wait for a full replacement, follow the overseas British passport application process. Select Thailand and your circumstances to see the relevant instructions.

Follow the requirements for photographs, supporting documents and submission. Lost passport applications can involve additional checks, so allow time before arranging travel.

Emergency travel document

If you need to travel within six weeks and cannot obtain a replacement passport in time, you may qualify for an emergency travel document.

It is normally issued for a specific single or return journey. Check the official eligibility and application instructions, including any appointment or collection requirements.

4. Contact Thai Immigration

Your new passport or emergency travel document does not automatically replace missing Thai immigration records. Contact Thai Immigration to confirm what must be recorded or transferred before you leave or make another immigration application.

Prepare any available copies of:

• Your passport identification page.
• Your latest Thai entry stamp.
• Your visa or eVisa confirmation.
• Your extension of stay and re-entry permit.
• Your police report.

Ask what additional evidence is needed for your circumstances. Losing your passport does not extend your permission to stay. Act promptly if your permitted stay is close to expiring.

5. Check before travelling

If using an emergency travel document, confirm acceptance with your airline and the authorities for your destination and any transit countries. Check whether you need additional visas or permissions.

Complete any Thai immigration formalities required before departure.

What if you find your passport?

Do not travel on it if it has been cancelled. Follow HM Passport Office instructions for the recovered document.

If an application is already underway, tell the relevant issuing authority that you have found the passport before changing your plans.

Should you visit the British Embassy?

Full replacement passports are handled through HM Passport Office’s overseas process. Emergency travel documents use a separate government service.

Follow your application instructions and attend only if an appointment is arranged.

Passport support in Thailand

Our separate Thailand office can discuss practical assistance with your British passport application and supporting documents. The relevant British authorities decide passport and emergency travel document applications.

Tell us where you are staying, when you need to travel and whether you have copies of your missing passport and immigration stamps.