Don Madge Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 While doing research for a future trip I cams across some disturbing news. In the past if you lost your passport while away you went to the local embassy/high commission/consulate and obtained a new one. It appears that the government has set up British Passport Processing Centres abroad they mainly deal with issuing British passports for expats and such like but if you lose your passport you might have to apply to one for a replacement passport. Most embassies can still issue emergency travel documents if you need to get home quickly. The ones that affect most of us are in Paris http://ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/ Madrid http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/ Dusseldorf http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/duesseldorf-welcome-page/ This link will help you find the country you want and then check on lost passports and that will give details of the processing centre you need. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/find-an-embassy/ I'm off to OZ after Christmas and if I need a replacement passport I will have to apply to Auckland in NZ. I scrambled my brain trying to give as much info as possible but if I've missed something or got something wrong please don't all shout at once. Safe travelling. Don. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duffers Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 a good excuse to delay your return and explore NZ tho Don :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syd Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 When we had ours stolen we didn't bother with getting any replacements we simply travelled back without them, a few extra questions at customs of course but nothing untowards We did have a police crime number though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenny Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 The same as Syd but we had a copy of the passport when it was lost just travelled back got asked a few questions and that was it no problem at all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Madge Posted November 2, 2010 Author Share Posted November 2, 2010 Syd - 2010-11-01 10:29 PM When we had ours stolen we didn't bother with getting any replacements we simply travelled back without them, a few extra questions at customs of course but nothing untowards We did have a police crime number though From the replies it appears one can get back home OK if the lose your passport in the EU, outside the EU it could become a real night mare. If you need a replacement passport in Turkey you have to go to either Ankara or Istanbul and visit the embassy/consulate there and apply for the passport and the application is sent off (at your expense) to Dusseldorf and it can take up to four weeks for the new passport to get back to you. The new passport will be minus the entry visa for Turkey so I suggest in future not only photocopy your passport but also any current visa. This is the reply I received from the passport office when I asked for the limitations of the Emergency travel document. Good Afternoon I believe the document enables you to travel home on one occasion, but is not always guaranteed to be issued. You should contact border control for further information. Kind regards Arwyn Thomas IPS Newport I have contacted the border control and await their reply. Safe travelling. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syd Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Good info Don As usual Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tuckley Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 We Were robbed yesterday in Spain and lost passports, cash etc. Got a crime report and incident no from Spanish police but have been trying today to phone UK Consulate in Barcelona. Will have to travel in tomorrow and see what we can do. Just want to come home now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazooka Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Sorry to hear that geof good luck. Baz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Madge Posted November 3, 2010 Author Share Posted November 3, 2010 Geoff Tuckley - 2010-11-03 3:35 PM We Were robbed yesterday in Spain and lost passports, cash etc. Got a crime report and incident no from Spanish police but have been trying today to phone UK Consulate in Barcelona. Will have to travel in tomorrow and see what we can do. Just want to come home now. Hi Geoff, Very sorry to hear of your misfortune. Could you please let us know how you get on in the consulate. Regards Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Geoff Tuckley - 2010-11-03 3:35 PM We Were robbed yesterday in Spain and lost passports, cash etc. Got a crime report and incident no from Spanish police but have been trying today to phone UK Consulate in Barcelona. Will have to travel in tomorrow and see what we can do. Just want to come home now. Sorry to hear that Geoff. I hope no violence was involved. Hope you get it sorted without too much hassle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randonneur Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 If you are outside the EU and require an emergency passport it will cost you 90 pounds and on your return to the UK border it will be taken off you and you will then have to apply in the UK for another passport for which you will have to pay again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syd Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Geoff Tuckley - 2010-11-03 3:35 PM We Were robbed yesterday in Spain and lost passports, cash etc. Got a crime report and incident no from Spanish police but have been trying today to phone UK Consulate in Barcelona. Will have to travel in tomorrow and see what we can do. Just want to come home now. Sorry to hear of your problem, I know how you are feeling but don't waste your time trying to get a replacement document, just travel home with your crime report and as has been said here by myself and another poster, you will be allowed into the country no problem at all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Brown Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Suggestion, travel to the port and explain you problem and you have a 90 percent chance of getting through. If entry refused then deal with the local office. Travelling into Barcelona is not for the faint hearted. Arthur Brown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Geoff Tuckley - 2010-11-03 3:35 PM We Were robbed yesterday in Spain and lost passports, cash etc. Got a crime report and incident no from Spanish police but have been trying today to phone UK Consulate in Barcelona. Will have to travel in tomorrow and see what we can do. Just want to come home now. I sypathise with your situation Geoff and hope that all goes well. I was robbed in Spain this year so I know how distressing it can be. Fortunately I did not lose my passport, only one credit card and some cash. Incidentally my insurance company refused to pay, although I was still covered at the time, as I have since outstayed the length of the insurance. Howver, by chance I noticed that I can get some recompense from the card insurers, Sentinel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tuckley Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Hello All, Yes, got emergency passports from Barcelona at 108 euros each plus 4 euros for photographs. On the Santander ferry on Monday. No violence in the theft. It is quite common that when you are out and about, you have bird crap fall on you. There happens to be a nice Spanish couple behind you and they help you clean up. You realise your wifes bag has disappeared after they have bolted off. Tried to find them but they just melted into the crowd. The loss of 1,000 Euros was as bad as the loss of the passports. police said it is happening all of the time. Speak soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Momma Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Geoff Tuckley - 2010-11-04 7:05 PM Hello All, Yes, got emergency passports from Barcelona at 108 euros each plus 4 euros for photographs. On the Santander ferry on Monday. No violence in the theft. It is quite common that when you are out and about, you have bird crap fall on you. There happens to be a nice Spanish couple behind you and they help you clean up. You realise your wifes bag has disappeared after they have bolted off. Tried to find them but they just melted into the crowd. The loss of 1,000 Euros was as bad as the loss of the passports. police said it is happening all of the time. Speak soon Another one of the barcelona blaggers schemes is that a young nice female approaches the man with a clipboard and asks if you will sign a petition to do with helping Children. The form has a number of names already on it. if you agree they pass you the board with a pen and then ask if you would give a small donation. The trick here is that whilst you have your wallet in one hand, usually the hand which is underneath the clipboard supporting it whilst you sign your name, they are emptying the contents of your wallet. How do I know this, it nearly happened to me but my keen eyed Oh saw what was happening and challenged the female also grabbing her hand which contained my Euros.I was lucky, next time I stop for no-one no matter what the 'good cause' may be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tuckley Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Yes. It would be easy to say it is a city of beggars and thieves but the arctitecture is wonderful and there must be some nice people there, somewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Madge Posted November 7, 2010 Author Share Posted November 7, 2010 This is the reply from the British Embassy in Damascus with ref to the limitations of an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) issued outside the EU. The cost of the ETD various from country to country, I think something like a £100 minimum per person. This is just a very rough estimate. What is an Emergency Travel Document? Unlike your normal passport, which is valid for 10 years, an Emergency Travel Document is valid for a specific journey within a specified time. It can be issued quickly, to enable you to travel at short notice. How can I obtain an Emergency Travel Document? By September 2010, all but a handful of British Embassies/High Commissions and Consulates (and in some countries Honorary Consuls) will be able to issue Emergency Travel Documents. Where this service is not available, you will still be offered consular assistance or advised to travel to the nearest UK Emergency Travel Document issuing Post. Am I eligible for an Emergency Travel Document? Any British national who needs to travel urgently and does not have access to their full passport can apply for an Emergency Travel Document. Where can I travel to on an Emergency Travel Document? When you apply for an Emergency Travel Document you will be asked to provide an itinerary for your journey. Your Emergency Travel Document will show the countries that you intend to travel to, or through. If you are resident in the country in which you are applying for an Emergency Travel Document, and need to return, the Emergency Travel Document can be issued for a return journey. How long is the Emergency Travel Document valid for? Your Emergency Travel Document will be issued for a specific journey, within a specified time, after which it will become invalid. Some countries require a traveller to have 6 or 9 months validity on their passport in order to enter the country. This will be recorded in your Emergency Travel Document. This does not mean that the document can be used again. It can only be used for the journey shown on the observation page. How many countries can I travel to on an Emergency Travel Document? Are there any countries that will not accept them? You can travel via 5 countries on an Emergency Travel Document. The Emergency Travel Document meets international standards for emergency travel documents and should be acceptable worldwide. We have had extensive consultations with other countries to ensure that the Emergency Travel Document meets their entry requirements. In some countries (including the USA), you may still need to apply for a visa. Can I travel to a country not named on the Emergency Travel Document? No. What do I do if my plans change after I have purchased an Emergency Travel Document? The travel itinerary contained on your Emergency Travel Document cannot be changed. If your plans change after the document has been issued, you will need to apply, and pay, for a new Emergency Travel Document. Can I make a return journey on the Emergency Travel Document? Yes, but only if you are resident in the country you are travelling from. A return Emergency Travel Document cannot be used by tourists wishing to return overseas to complete a holiday as their re-entry into the country is not guaranteed. You need to provide an exact travel itinerary to the Consular Officer issuing the Emergency Travel Document so that your return journey can be included on the observation page. Once I have finished my journey what should I do with my Emergency Travel Document? If you are making a single trip back to the UK, UK Immigration Staff will retain your Emergency Travel Document on arrival as it is no longer valid. This may also happen in a number of other countries although practice may vary. If you have an Emergency Travel Document valid for a return journey, you will need to keep it until your journey is complete. If Immigration officials do not retain your Emergency Travel Document, you must return it to your nearest British Diplomatic Mission for destruction. Remember your Emergency Travel Document is only valid for the specified journey. It cannot be used again. I've been very happy with the service I've had from the British Embassy in Damascus, they have been very helpful. :D :D Safe travelling. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
art338 Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 It really does amaze me how people can be so naive as to have their passports and CC's stolen. Get yourself a soft flexible cotton money belt and wear it under all your clothing ALL the time, even in bed. It never fails ! art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 Rather than castigating others for their misfortunes, some folk may find this link of use: http://tinyurl.com/2eaxc69The firm makes a range of similarly reinforced back-packs, bags, and handbags, and other items, most of which seem to be available via Amazon UK, and/or a few other outlets. Official UK agent stated to be Burton McCall Ltd www.burton-mccall.co.uk - though I can't see the products listed.Carole had her purse "dipped" from her backpack/bag in Athens (cards, and a little cash). I was momentarily distracted by a stranger asking an idiotic question as we exited a tube station in a crowd, and a few minutes later noticed Carole's bag was unzipped. Immediately stopped cards, after which we had much fun at police stations! :-) When we got back to the campsite an Australian couple had parked next to us. Chatting to them, the experience was recounted, and the lady showed us her "pacsafe" bag, explaining its features. Our's arrived yesterday, courtesy of Amazon!Quality appears good, and there are numerous internal, and two external, zipped pockets. It looks just like any other "sac-a-dos" style bag, and should have just enough tricks up its sleeve to prevent similar incidents in future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 art338 - 2010-11-07 11:13 AM ...Get yourself a soft flexible cotton money belt and wear it under all your clothing ALL the time, even in bed. It never fails ! art ... that must be a passion killer!!! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGD Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 Geoff Tuckley - 2010-11-05 12:53 PM Yes. It would be easy to say it is a city of beggars and thieves but the arctitecture is wonderful and there must be some nice people there, somewhere. IMHO almost all of them are Good People. Barcelona is a wonderful city: the architecture, the people, the food, the wines, the art, the vibe, but...........like any big city, DO NOT wander around with passport, credit cards and hundreds or thousands of pounds/euros in your wallet/handbag. How many times does Tourist info/Rough Guide/ other websites need to repeat this basic, common sense info? Keep everything except some ready cash in your secret stash back in your MH (you do have a secret stash place don't you?); and distribute the ready cash around your front (not rear of jeans) pockets. Then enjoy the city.......it's just fantastic. We were there for a couple of nights yet again only two weeks ago, to get our regular Barca fix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tuckley Posted November 13, 2010 Share Posted November 13, 2010 Yes BGD, I suppose it might seem strange to be carrying lots of euros about but the fact is that where we were staying in Villa Nova we were warned about people being robbed after using ATMs on the street. We decided to draw out money for the next leg of the journey from an ATM which was inside of a bank in Barcelona to hopefully avoid the fiddles that can lie therin. By the way, one of the reasons the police gave us for so much street crime in the city was that "There is a forty percent unemployment rate in Spain and this is a knockon effect." They did not try in anyway to hide the fact that street crime is prevalent. We picked out photos of the robbers from the police database (One of whom had been arrested for the same offence 15 times and is still on the street) and agreed that on receiving a phone call from the police that these people had been arrested, we would attend an identification parade. I gave the police my mobile no. I shall let you guess if I have heard anything from them since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Momma Posted November 13, 2010 Share Posted November 13, 2010 I guess the reason that we re-count unfortunate incidents from our travels abroad is because that is where the event happens. However, as we all know, pick-pockets, street thieves and scammers are also as prolific here in the United Kingdom. Some of these individuals or gangs may be opportunists but the majority are professionals and make a living from these sort of crimes. So wherever we are, Home or Away, apply basic comon sense and stay safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tuckley Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 Well said Big Momma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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