Sending a Passport by Courier: Everything You Need to Know

Sending your passport via courier should never be a stressful experience, and it need not be. Believe it or not, couriering a passport is totally safe and secure. Whether you need to send a passport domestically or internationally, a reliable courier service can offer secure convenience on short notice. Especially in the case of a passport where time is critical, there are speciality couriers (such as ourselves) that offer same-day delivery within the UK and Europe. 

We wanted to use our experience to answer common questions about sending passports by courier, provide useful packing and tracking tips, and other considerations.

Can I Send My Passport by Courier?

Yes, you can send your passport by courier! It’s a common practice, though there are typically two reasons why you may want to send a passport:

• Sending documents to embassies, visa offices, or any other institution, usually as part of an application, for example when applying for a new passport or a visa.
• A misplaced passport that needs to be sent back to the owner, whether this is time sensitive or not.

Clearly, passports are important documents. It’s therefore critical to make sure that you’re using a reputable courier service, especially for those all important time sensitive requirements.

Is It legal to Courier a Passport?

This is an understandable concern for such an important document! In most countries, it is perfectly legal to send a passport by courier, as long as the courier service complies with local laws and regulations. Always check the rules of the destination country to ensure there are no specific restrictions. A good courier can ensure (and advise on) all legal requirements are met, so you can rest assured that your passport will be handled in compliance with the law.

How safe is it to Courier your Passport?

Safety is a significant concern, both in terms of the document itself but also with regards to potential issues with a lost document. The good news is that technology provides fail safes to increase security. Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that the courier has relevant expertise and are well-equipped to handle sensitive items. For example, secure packaging, GPS tracking, signature requirements and delivery confirmation are all elements that work together to increase security. 

For further peace of mind, some couriers will have specific expertise and a track record in transporting sensitive documents and will often have comprehensive tracking options as standard. 

Packing Tips

Whilst not necessarily complex, packing your passport correctly is essential to ensure it arrives safely. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Place the passport in a plastic sleeve to protect it from moisture or damage.
2. Use a sturdy envelope or padded bag to provide extra protection.
3. Seal the package securely with tape, and make sure it’s clearly labelled with the recipient’s address. 

Tracking your Passport

As we’ve already mentioned, tracking is an essential element in the security of your passport. Furthermore, there are many instances where the passport needs to be delivered within a specific timeframe, perhaps in time for that individual to catch a flight. 

In both circumstances, the ability to track your passport’s journey through the various stages (and often in real time) will no doubt make the whole process that little bit less stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask your courier the level of tracking that they offer. Luckily, this technology is now widespread in the industry and should come as standard. Make sure that you are sent your tracking number so that you can reference the correct package on the system. 

Need to courier a passport?

At SpeedLink we pride ourselves on our extensive network and ability to meet almost any need. Our same-day courier service utilises this network across both the UK, Europe and even globally. We pick the best shipping options based on your requirements so that your passport arrives safely and on time. 

Of course, all of the safety measures such as tracking and signature requirements are incorporated into our process. This, coupled with our years of experience handling sensitive or important documents means that we’re the perfect fit for you.