Luggage, lost property and taxes
You may need to pay a tourist or visitor's tax in some destinations. This is usually payable on arrival or departure at your hotel or airport.
This isn't paid to us – it's usually paid when you check in at your hotel, but in some cases it may be collected on departure or at the airport. The amount and payment method can vary depending on where you're travelling.
Local taxes can change, so for the most up‑to‑date information we recommend checking the FCDO's website.
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If you’ve lost or left something at your hotel, it’s best to contact them directly to check whether your item has been handed in.
If you're still at the hotel
Go to reception and ask if anything has been found.
If you're already home
Contact the hotel by phone or email. They're best placed to help track down your belongings.
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If you've lost or left an item at the airport, contact the airport's lost property team directly. They handle all items left in the terminal or on the plane.
What you'll need:
Your flight details (date and flight number)
Description of the item
Where you think you lost it (security, gate area, etc.)
Finding contact details: Search online for "[airport name] lost property" or check the airport's website.
Most airports have a dedicated lost property section with contact information.
We can't help with items lost at the airport as they're managed by the airport team, not by us – but we hope this guidance is helpful.
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If your luggage is damaged, here's what to do:
At the airport:
Report the damage to the airline before you leave the airport. They'll give you a damage report with a reference number – keep this safe, as you'll need it to make a claim.
Within seven days:
Contact the airline in writing to make your claim. This is usually done through their website or customer service team. We've provided all the information you'll need on our airline partner page.
You'll need to include:
Photos of the damage.
Your damage report reference number.
Receipts for the luggage (if you have them).
Your luggage tags.
The airline will review your claim and may offer to repair or replace your luggage.
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If your luggage is lost or delayed, you’ll need to report it at the arrival airport
Go to the luggage information desk in the luggage collection area. The desk is usually clearly signposted.
Fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This form starts the tracing process to find your missing or delayed items. The agents at the desk will help you with this.
Keep the PIR form you receive. It contains the contact details of the airport where you reported your luggage missing.
When making enquiries, please contact the airport where you reported your luggage missing. Their contact details can be found on the PIR form you were given.
If you need to speak to your airline, we've provided all the information you'll need on our airline partner page.
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