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What to Do If You Lose Your British Passport in Tenerife

Lost your passport in Tenerife? Don’t worry — here’s what to do next. From filing a police report to getting an Emergency Travel Document at the British Consulate in Santa Cruz, you can sort things out and keep your trip on track.

Losing your passport abroad can be stressful, but here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage the situation quickly and safely.

1. Confirm It’s Lost

  • Retrace your steps (hotel, apartment, car, cafés, beach, bags, pockets, laundry).
  • Ask at hotel reception, airline desks, or tourist information.
  • Check with local lost property offices in case it’s been handed in.

2. Report the Loss

  • File a police report with the Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil.
  • Keep the report number safe — you’ll need it for your replacement document.

3. Contact the British Consulate

  • Location: Calle Méndez Núñez 28, Edificio Fred Olsen, 6th floor,
    Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
  • Phone: +34 928 262 508 (connects to the British consular network in Spain).

4. Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

  • Apply online: Emergency Travel Document
  • Requirements:
  • Digital passport photo (can be taken locally)
  • Police report number
  • Proof of travel (flight booking, ferry ticket, etc.)
  • Valid ID (driving licence, copy of lost passport if available)
  • Fee: ~£100 (paid online)
  • Collect from the consulate in Santa Cruz when ready.

5. If You’re Staying Longer

  • You can apply for a full replacement passport abroad,
    but this takes several weeks.
  • Many travellers get an ETD to return to the UK and then apply for a replacement there.

6. Prevent Future Problems

  • Keep digital copies of your passport ID page in secure storage (cloud, email, or with a trusted family member).
  • Store your passport separately from your wallet, phone, and everyday bag.
  • Consider using a hotel safe or a travel document pouch.

✅ Tip: An ETD is usually valid for a single journey — either straight back to the UK or through certain countries if you’re in transit. Always check your travel route before applying.