I previously had a 10-year UK visa, but I lost that passport in a house move. I’m applying for a new visa now. On the form, it asks if I’ve ever held a visa before. If I say yes but can’t provide the old visa number, does it look like I’m lying? Has anyone managed to get their old records from the embassy, or should I just attach a police report for the lost passport?
You should answer Yes on the form because you really did have a UK visa. It does not look like you are lying just because you don’t have the old visa number. You should attach a copy of the passport-lost FIR or police report, and if you have it, any photocopy or scan of the old UK visa. The UK Home Office already has your records in their system, so the police report simply explains why you cannot provide the passport. This is a normal situation and does not harm your application.
Realizing this is likely a logic error in how you view the form inputs…
Has anyone actually tried using a Subject Access Request (SAR) to get these specs back from the Home Office?
Say yes. Not having the old visa number is very common and doesn’t look like you’re lying. UKVI has internal records tied to your name, DOB, and biometrics, not just the passport number.
You won’t be able to retrieve old visa details from the embassy — they don’t provide that service. If the passport was officially reported lost, attaching the police report or loss declaration is enough. If not, just explain briefly that it was lost during a house move.
Do not say “no” just because you can’t enter the number. That’s what actually causes problems.
Context: Addressing the concern about appearing dishonest…
Realizing u stressin over the missing digits…