In a report published today, the FCO said emergency travel documents (ETDs) issued because passports had expired or been damaged increased by over 300%.

It said ‘avoidable’ cases increased significantly in 2012-13 and cited examples of passports being used as a beermats, notebooks or put in a washing machine.

Some 6,005 ETDs were issued in popular British holiday destination Spain, 3,180 in the US and 1,618 in Australia.

Obtaining an ETD can take several days and the cost of replacing a passport can rack up to £200, the FCO said. Expenses can spiral if holiday plans need rearranging.

Will Middleton, consular director for Southern Europe, said: “Our staff deal with people every day who require ETDs for a range of reasons. Some are victims of crime, but we also hear of passports being damaged carelessly, like becoming damaged after being hidden in the freezer.

“These are situations that could have been avoided and end up costing holidaymakers valuable time and money. We strongly advise people to look after their passport, keep it safe and check its validity well in advance of travel. Simple steps such as locking your passport in a safe if you have access to one and carrying a photocopy with you can help prevent problems later on.”

Key tips for keeping your passport safe abroad

 Value your passport and look after it carefully

 Your passport is not always safer on you – lock it in a safe if you have access to one

 Make two photocopies of your passport – leave one with friends or family and take the second with you, or store it online using a secure data storage site

 Where possible, use this photocopy as alternative ID, for example when going out at night

 Make sure your passport is valid

 For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check the entry requirements before you go