British nationals abroad who lose their passports or face urgent travel needs will soon face higher costs to get home. Starting April 9, 2025, the UK government is raising the fee for Emergency Travel Documents and Emergency Passports to a flat rate of £125.
This update affects anyone relying on urgent consular help while overseas. With the new fee also covering courier delivery, travellers will need to act quickly and plan ahead to avoid unnecessary delays or costs. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how to prepare.
What Are Emergency Travel Documents and Emergency Passports?
An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is issued by the UK government to British nationals who are overseas and unable to access their passport in time for travel. These documents are typically used for urgent single journeys, such as returning to the UK or continuing to a final destination.
Common scenarios include lost or stolen passports, passport expiration during travel, or situations where a full passport cannot be issued in time. ETDs are valid for the specific journey and date approved during the application process and cannot be reused for future travel.
An Emergency Passport is a less common option, provided only when an ETD cannot accommodate the traveller’s needs.
This may include travel involving multiple countries, longer itineraries, or cases where a more robust document format is required by the destination country. Emergency Passports are more similar to regular passports in structure but are limited in validity and are not a substitute for standard renewals.
Both ETDs and Emergency Passports are issued through British embassies, high commissions, or consulates. Applicants must submit identity verification, travel details, and payment. These documents do not guarantee entry into another country, so travellers must still check visa requirements and airline policies before relying on them.
Fee Increase Effective April 2025
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that, starting April 9, 2025, both Emergency Travel Documents and Emergency Passports will cost £125.
This is a significant increase from the previous fees of £100 for an ETD and £75 for an Emergency Passport.
The updated fee includes the cost of courier delivery, which was previously charged separately. According to the FCDO, the change is part of a wider review to ensure consular services are financially sustainable and aligned with the Treasury’s public spending standards.
The new flat rate standardizes the cost for both document types, regardless of the applicant’s location or delivery logistics.
| Document Type | Previous Fee | New Fee (from April 9, 2025) |
| Emergency Travel Document | £100 | £125 |
| Emergency Passport | £75 | £125 |
These new charges apply to all applications submitted on or after the effective date and will be collected at the time of application.
Why Are the Fees Increasing?
The UK government stated that the fee adjustment was necessary to reflect the actual cost of delivering emergency consular services overseas.
The last fee review occurred in 2016, and since then, administrative, staffing, and delivery expenses have risen. The new pricing also ensures that services are not subsidized by general taxpayers but paid for by the users of the service.
Aligning with Treasury Guidance
The increase follows the UK Treasury’s “Managing Public Money” guidance, which requires government services to recover costs where possible. By raising the fee to £125, the FCDO ensures that emergency travel services are funded directly by the individuals who use them, rather than by the broader public budget.
Reflecting Operational Costs
Consular support involves more than just printing a document. Processing an application includes verifying identity, coordinating with foreign authorities, and arranging secure courier delivery. The new fee bundles these costs into a single payment, removing previous add-ons for courier services and making the total expense more transparent.
Responding to Inflation
Since the last adjustment nearly a decade ago, operational costs have steadily increased due to inflation and service demands. The updated fee reflects those pressures and is designed to keep emergency document services financially viable across the UK’s global consular network.
What This Means for Travellers
The increase to a £125 flat fee has practical and financial implications for UK nationals who experience emergencies abroad. Understanding these effects can help travellers avoid unexpected setbacks and prepare more effectively.
Higher Out-of-Pocket Costs
The cost of obtaining an emergency document now represents a larger financial burden, especially for travellers who previously relied on the lower £75 Emergency Passport option. The new pricing removes the cost difference between document types, which could impact budget-conscious travellers or families needing multiple documents.
No Refunds for Denied Applications
Applicants should be aware that the £125 fee is non-refundable. If the UK government declines to issue an emergency document, the full amount will still be charged. This policy emphasizes the importance of meeting the eligibility criteria and providing accurate, complete information at the time of application.
Greater Need for Advance Preparation
With higher costs and stricter expectations, UK nationals are encouraged to plan for potential documentation issues before they travel. This includes checking passport expiry dates, securing travel insurance, and storing digital copies of important travel documents.
Proactive planning can reduce the likelihood of needing emergency consular support in the first place.
Application Process and Processing Time
Applying for an Emergency Travel Document or Emergency Passport involves a defined process managed by the UK government. Travellers should act quickly and provide complete information to avoid delays.
- Where to apply:
Applications must be submitted online through the official UK government portal. Some applicants may also be required to visit a British embassy or consulate in person. - Required information:
Applicants need to provide personal identification details, travel plans, a passport-style photo, and payment of the £125 fee. - Eligibility:
ETDs are available for urgent one-way travel to the UK or a few other destinations. Emergency Passports are issued only when an ETD is not suitable. - Processing time:
Most Emergency Travel Documents are issued within 2 working days, depending on the country and local processing capacity. Emergency Passports may take longer and require more administrative handling. - Travel restrictions:
Travellers must confirm that their destination country accepts emergency documents and should check airline policies before booking travel.
Timeline of Changes
The UK government’s fee increase for emergency travel documents follows a multi-year period without adjustments. This timeline provides context for the policy update and its implementation.
- 2016: The last time the UK government adjusted fees for Emergency Travel Documents and Emergency Passports. Rates remained unchanged for nearly a decade.
- April 3, 2025: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office published its official announcement about the upcoming fee increase.
- April 9, 2025: The new £125 fee for both document types comes into effect. All applications received on or after this date are subject to the updated rate.
Conclusion
The new £125 fee for UK emergency travel documents adds cost pressure to already stressful situations. Travellers facing lost, stolen, or expired passports abroad must now plan for higher expenses and stricter application expectations.
DocuEntry provides clear guidance for navigating urgent travel needs. While we do not issue passports, we help customers understand the process, prepare necessary documents, and communicate effectively with UK embassies and consulates.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-fees-for-emergency-travel-documents-and-emergency-passports