Urgent Passport for a Funeral or Medical Emergency Abroad — What Are Your Options?

When a loved one passes away or a family member needs urgent medical care abroad, every hour counts. The last thing you want is to be delayed by passport issues. Fortunately, in the UK there are legal urgent passport options designed for these critical situations. This guide explains the fastest services available in 2025, what documents you’ll need, and how to get help.

Why Urgent Situations Require Special Consideration

The UK Passport Office recognises that emergencies like funerals and medical travel cannot wait. That’s why urgent appointment-based services exist. However, many people are unaware of the exact process, and misinformation online can cause unnecessary stress. Let’s break it down clearly.

Option 1: The 2-Day Premium Service

• Processing time: Passport is printed 4 hours after your appointment.
• Eligibility: Adults renewing passports only (not first-time applicants or children).
• Proof of travel: Not always required, but in an emergency, bring supporting evidence (e.g. death certificate, hospital letter, flight booking).
• Booking: Appointment must be booked 2 days in advance — you cannot walk in same-day.

With our NextDay Passport service, we can attend the appointment on your behalf, handle all paperwork, and deliver your new passport directly to you.

Option 2: The 7-Day Fast Track Service

• Processing time: Passport is sent to you within 7 days of your appointment.
• Eligibility: Available for adults, children, and first-time renewals.
• Proof of urgency: Funeral travel documents or a medical letter can help support your case.

This service is ideal if you need a child’s passport urgently for family travel to attend a funeral or be present for a medical emergency.

Option 3: Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

If you’re outside the UK and your passport has expired or been lost, you may be eligible for an Emergency Travel Document. This allows you to travel for a specific journey, such as to attend a funeral. However, ETDs are issued by British Embassies abroad, not within the UK.

What Documents Should You Prepare?

• Current or expired passport (if available).
• Two recent passport photos.
• Proof of travel (flight booking confirmation).
• Supporting evidence (funeral notice, death certificate, hospital letter, or doctor’s note).

Can You Really Get a Passport in 24 Hours?

There is no true same-day walk-in service. The fastest legal option is the Premium 2-Day Service, where your appointment is booked 2 days ahead and the passport is printed 4 hours after the appointment. Don’t be misled by unofficial claims — this is the official UK process.

How NextDay Passport Can Help

In an emergency, paperwork and appointment rules can feel overwhelming. At NextDay Passport, we:

• Book and attend the appointment on your behalf.
• Handle all forms and required documents.
• Re-attend 4 hours later to collect the passport.
• Offer same-day delivery of your passport to your home, office, or directly to the airport.

If you’re facing a funeral or medical emergency and need urgent support, contact us today or message us directly on WhatsApp at +44 7443 165140. We’ll take the stress out of the process so you can focus on what matters most.