Do you need an emergency passport? Find out how to get one in Spain or abroad

Travel is a true adventure and, sometimes, it surprises you with unexpected events that require immediate action. Imagine having to catch a last-minute flight due to a family emergency, only to discover that your passport has expired. Or being abroad and having your backpack with all your documents stolen. Don’t panic! There are solutions for obtaining a Spanish emergency passport, whether you are in Spain or abroad. In this article, we’ll explain how.

Emergency passport in Spain

Within Spanish territory, you have two alternatives to resolve the situation:

1. Go to a Documentation Unit of the General Directorate of Police

In emergencies, if you can't get a regular appointment through this link:https://www.citapreviadnie.es/citaPreviaDni/Inicio.action, you can show up at the issuing office early in the morning, even before opening hours. Here's what to do:

1. Prepare the basic documents: Bring your valid ID card (DNI), a recent passport photo, and your travel ticket, as this is the main proof of urgency. If it’s due to loss or theft, bring the police report.
2. Prove the urgency: Besides the travel ticket, if travelling for health reasons or another pressing situation, bring a supporting document.
3. Pay the fee: Have €30 ready (or documentation proving you are exempt if you belong to a large family).
4. For minors: Both parents or guardians must be present, along with the birth certificate if it is the minor’s first passport.

This option may involve queuing for hours, but many travellers manage to get their passports on the same day when they justify the urgency properly.

2. Use emergency passport offices at airports.

If your flight is imminent and you can't manage the process at a police station, you can go directly to emergency passport offices located at two main airports:

• Madrid - Barajas Airport: The emergency passport office is located on the 2nd floor of Terminal 4 (T4).
• Barcelona - El Prat Airport: Located on floor 3 of Terminal 1 (T1).

Passports are issued without prior appointment, provided you present a flight ticket for the same day or, at the latest, before 10:00 a.m. the next day. You will need the same documents as for a police station procedure.

Emergency passport abroad

When you're outside Spain, things are a bit more delicate, but Spanish diplomatic missions and consulates are prepared for these emergencies. If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, follow these steps:

1. Contact the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate: If you don't know where it is, check the official embassy and consulate list. (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/EmbajadasConsulados/Paginas/index.aspx)
2. Report the theft or loss to local authorities: This document is essential for the consulate to issue a travel document or provisional passport.
3. Present the required documents: Besides the report, you’ll need to prove your identity (with a DNI or another ID).
4. Travel document or provisional passport: Depending on the urgency, the Consular Office may issue you a free travel document (only valid for returning to Spain) or a provisional passport.

Tips to avoid documentation headaches in the future

• Keep your documents updated: You can renew your passport up to a year before it expires.
• Travel with photocopies: Keep copies of your important documents in a separate place from the originals. Hide official documents securely in your accommodation.
• Check validity and free pages: Some countries require passports to be valid for 3 to 6 months beyond your return date (e.g., Russia, Morocco, China, Thailand, Cambodia) and have at least two free pages for stamps.
• Before traveling, consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the embassy of your destination for updated information.

In emergencies, every minute counts. While you sort out your urgent passport needs, the last thing you should worry about is airport transport or parking. Leave it to us. In these situations, aparca&go is your best ally.