Britons heading to Spain have been issued a brand new warning regarding what to do if their passport is stolen.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told holidaymakers: "If your passport is lost or stolen, you must renew your passport or apply for an emergency travel document. You cannot use a police report to leave Spain."
The FCDO advised: "If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement.
"If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it. HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if: you cannot read any of your details, any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing, there are holes, cuts or rips in the cover, the cover is coming away, or there are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage).
"If you need to attend an interview, Video interviews are taking place online. If you need an interview, you’ll be contacted after your application has been processed to book it."
Britons have been issued a warning about travelling to Spain
GETTY IMAGESBritons can replace their passport online for £88.50. The UK Government advised: "You’ll need a digital photo, and a credit or debit card. You’ll need to ask someone to confirm your identity if you’re replacing a lost or stolen passport. This service is also available in Welsh.
Holidaymakers can also replace their passports with a paper application form. Britons were told: "You can get a paper application form by either going to the Post Office, or calling the Passport Adviceline. It costs £100.
"You can pay by either debit or credit card - fill in the form in the application pack - or cheque - made payable to ‘HM Passport Office’. You’ll need two new and identical printed photos of yourself.
"You can use the Post Office Check and Send service if you’re using a paper form. The address to send it to is on the form.
"You need to get your application form and one of your photos signed by someone else to prove your identity."
Alternatively, Britons in Spain can apply for an emergency travel document. The FCDO said: "An emergency travel document lets you travel from abroad if you need to travel urgently and cannot use your UK passport. It is usually only valid for one single or return journey. You can travel through a maximum of five countries."
The FCDO said: "You can apply for an emergency travel document if all the following apply: you’re a British national, you’re outside the UK, you need to travel within six weeks, your UK passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, is full, has recently expired or is with HM Passport Office or a foreign embassy, you cannot renew or replace your UK passport from abroad before you travel, and you have had a valid UK passport in the last 10 years."
Those who have not held a UK passport in the last 10 years or had one that expired more than 10 years ago will usually need to apply for a UK passport instead of an emergency travel document.
The FCDO said: "You might be able to get an emergency travel document if all the following apply: you have, or are eligible for, British nationality, you’re outside the UK, you need to travel within six weeks, and you have an urgent and unplanned reason to travel due to exceptional circumstances.
"Exceptional circumstances may include if your child was born unexpectedly, you need urgent medical treatment that you cannot access without travel to another country, or you wish to attend the funeral of a close relative.
"If you have never held a UK passport, or not held one in the last 10 years, you cannot get emergency travel documents for activities such as holidays, weddings, family events and job interviews.
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If your passport is lost or stolen, you must renew your passport or apply for an emergency travel document
PA IMAGES"You’ll have to explain and provide evidence to show why your journey is urgent and essential. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis."
The FCDO has provided extensive guidance on travelling to Spain. Britons were advised: "No travel can be guaranteed safe."
Holidaymakers were encouraged to consult travel advice, particularly specific travel advice that applies to them. The FCDO provides guidance on women travellers, disabled travellers, LGBT+ travellers, solo and independent travel, volunteering and adventure travel.
Britons were told: "If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the travel advice for France before you start your journey.
"If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey."
When travelling to Spain, ensure you consult the UK Government's information on entry requirements, safety and security, health and getting help in an emergency.