Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
28 April 2011 12:38
A report by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) found that nearly 300,000 UK passports need to be replaced every year
Some of the more unusual reasons given by Britons who have lost their passports include an armed robbery in Brazil, a drunk boyfriend and donations to the homeless, officials have revealed.
A report by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) found that more than 10,000 passports a year are thrown out with the rubbish, while a further 10,000 are lost during nights out in bars or clubs.
It said that nearly 300,000 UK passports need to be replaced every year, with 162,500 going to men and 112,000 to women, and each costing at least £77.50.
A study of the reasons given by Britons for the loss of their passport revealed one was taken when a taxi was attacked by a gunman while on its way to the airport in Brazil - highlighting the need for an appropriate level of travel insurance, including adequate cover for theft.
Others British passports have fallen out of bags while snowboarding, been left in the pocket of a coat donated to the homeless, or gone up in flames after being left in old clothes that have been set on fire.
One passport was destroyed by a drunk boyfriend, "now ex", the officials said, while another was put in the bin by an infant daughter.
Sarah Rapson, chief executive, IPS, said: "Your passport is not only increasingly attractive to fraudsters, but it will cost you at least £77.50 to replace, so it's really important that you keep it safe both when you are at home and when you're abroad.
"Remember to put your passport away after use. Don't leave it in a trouser or shirt pocket in the laundry pile."
24 September 2016
Slim people who look physically healthy may still be at increased chance of being diagnosed with bowel cancer if they have raised insulin levels, according new research.
[more...]
23 September 2016
Theresa May is being urged to give the go-ahead for flights to resume between the UK and Sharm el-Sheikh by the head of the cross-party parliamentary group on Egypt.
22 September 2016
Budget airline Jet2.com is to open its first base in the south of England at Stansted.
21 September 2016
Smoking rates have dropped to the lowest level on record in England, new figures show, suggesting messages about the health effects of cigarettes are hitting home.
20 September 2016
Concerns have been raised over flight disruptions caused by heavy drinking among passengers.
17 September 2016
British Airways' decision to launch direct flights from London to Tehran earlier this month positions Iran as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2017, according to experts.
16 September 2016
More than 100 flights have been cancelled as French air traffic controllers go on strike again.
15 September 2016
Two thirds of MPs would support an expansion at Heathrow.
14 September 2016
TripAdvisor is launching a new homepage, making the booking of holiday activities and tours even easier.
13 September 2016
Travellers are to be charged to use fast lanes to get through passport checks in an attempt to cut queues.
09 September 2016
People travelling to regions affected by the Zika virus outbreak should practise safe sex for at least half a year upon their return, health leaders say.
08 September 2016
British Airways is apologising to passengers for delays after an IT glitch hit check-in systems.