How to obtain an EU Emergency Travel Document

When an EU citizen loses their passport or national ID card while abroad and needs to travel, they can request an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from an EU embassy or consulate, especially if their country of nationality has no local diplomatic mission. The Czech Honorary Consulate in Malta is authorised to go one step further and issue an Emergency Passport to Czech citizens but cannot issue ETDs to non-Czech citizens. See how to obtain a Czech Emergency Passport.

In the event that the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Malta is not available in Malta to issue the Emergency Passport, Czech citizens can approach other EU Embassies.

Who Can Apply:

  • EU citizens whose passport or ID card was lost, stolen, destroyed, or expired

  • If you are in a country where your home country does not have a consulate or embassy or they are unavailable.

  • The service is also available in non-EU countries under EU consular protection rules

How to Apply:

  1. Locate an EU embassy or consulate

  2. Prepare Documents:

    • Police report of the lost/stolen passport (usually required)

    • Proof of identity/nationality (e.g. a photocopy of your passport, national ID, or driver’s license if available)

    • Passport-sized photos (often 2 required)

    • Travel itinerary or proof of urgent need to travel

  3. Pay the fee

    • Usually around €50, though this varies slightly by country

  4. Wait for the document

    • Typically issued within 1 working day, but this can vary depending on circumstances

      About the Emergency Travel Document:

  • Valid for a single journey only (usually back to the EU or to your country of residence)

  • Issued by an EU consulate, often in coordination with your national authorities

  • Valid for short-term use only (usually a few days)