A single-journey document for British nationals outside the UK who need to travel within 6 weeks and cannot use or replace their passport in time (lost, stolen, damaged, full, recently expired or held by an authority). Applicants usually need a valid UK passport issued on or after 1 January 2006, otherwise only exceptional circumstances qualify.
Where to apply in Australia
Online application; the British High Commission in Canberra and Consulates-General in Sydney, Melbourne (Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania), Brisbane and Perth are the posts listed for Australia.
Public access to all posts is by appointment only, requested via the FCDO contact form for the relevant post: Canberra (ACT), Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (VIC, SA, TAS), Brisbane (QLD, NT), Perth (WA). Non-British people who may be eligible apply via the post's contact form.
Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of the United Kingdom.
How to apply
Check the country lookup tool for the countries you will pass through | apply online if your last UK passport was issued on or after 1 January 2006 (otherwise use the first-time applicant contact form and supply evidence of nationality and exceptional circumstances) | pay by card | wait for the email saying how and when to collect and whether an appointment at a post is needed (do not book travel before this) | for under-16s both parents or guardians attend, or one attends with a signed consent letter
Documents you need
- Valid digital passport photo
- Phone number
- Email address
- Payment card
- Evidence of nationality and urgent travel if passport pre-dates 2006
- For under-16s both parents' attendance or signed consent letter
Fees and processing time
- Official fee: GBP 125 (non-refundable; direct costs may be added)
Processing time: Usually ready to collect 2 working days after applying; can take several weeks if the old passport expired, for under-16s, if more documents are needed or an appointment is required.
Good to know
Fee confirmed on how-to-apply page; consular fees page dated 9 April 2025 (fee 19 updated). Passport application and other pages undated.
Official sources
- gov.uk/emergency-travel-document
- gov.uk/travel-urgently-from-abroad-without-uk-passport/how-to-apply
- gov.uk/guidance/consular-services-fees
- gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-canberra
- gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-sydney
- gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-mel…
- gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-perth
- gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-brisbane
Check before you apply
This page summarises information published by United Kingdom's official channels, last checked on 24 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.
Spotted a change? Let us know.