Lost documents

If you lose your passport, you should report the loss to the local police as soon as possible and get a police report or a crime reference number.

You will then need to get your passport replaced by contacting your nearest national embassy. Through your embassy you will be able to obtain a temporary/new passport to return to the UK. Embassies have different processes to enable you to travel, so contact your embassy to find out what you need to do.

If your visa was contained in your passport, you will need to apply online for a replacement visa (vignette). Under 'Confirm your visa type', select 'BRP Vignette transfer. Under 'Category of application', you should select, 'To transfer or replace your visa (vignette)'. You will need to provide the police report and/or crime reference number, a confirmation of study letter and a photocopy of your visa (the University can email a copy to you).

If your visa was in a Biometric Resident Permit (BRP), you will need to report the loss of your BRP to the local police and obtain a police report and crime reference number. You also need to report the loss of your BRP on the GOV.UK website. You need to include the following information:

• full name
• date of birth
• nationality
• passport number
• BRP reference number
• crime reference number
• contact details
• details of when, where and how your BRP was lost or stolen

In order to re-enter the UK, you must apply online for a 'replacement BRP visa'. Under 'Category of application', please select 'A replacement biometric residence permit (BRP) visa'.

Once you have used this single-entry visa and are back in the UK, you will need to apply for a replacement BRP. You must do this within three months of reporting it lost or stolen as you can be fined up to £1,000 and made to leave the UK for failing to do so.

Complete guidance on what to do if your BRP is lost or stolen can be found on the Gov.UK and UKCISA webpages.

If your passport is lost/stolen inside the UK, please report it to the local police station. You will get a crime reference number which you may need to apply for a new passport and a new visa.

You will need to apply for a new passport at your Embassy. A list of all foreign embassies' contact details can be found on the Gov.uk website.

You then need to apply to the Home Office for a transfer of conditions. Once you have provided your biometric data, your visa will then be issued in the form of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

If your visa was in a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), please report the loss to the local police station. You will be given a police report and crime reference number. You also need to report the loss of your BRP on the Gov.uk website. You need to include the following information:

• full name
• date of birth
• nationality
• passport number
• BRP reference number
• crime reference number
• contact details
• details of when, where and how your BRP was lost or stolen

You then need to apply for a replacement BRP.

If you fail to apply for a replacement BRP within three months of reporting the loss, this could result in a fine of up to £1,000 or cancellation of your visa. You are advised not to travel until you receive your replacement BRP.

Complete guidance on what to do if your BRP is lost or stolen can be found on the Gov.UK and UKCISA webpages.