Losing your passport abroad can feel overwhelming, but it’s more common than you think and entirely manageable if you act fast. Here’s everything you need to do to handle the situation calmly and effectively.
Report the Loss to the Local Police
Reporting your passport loss to the local police is important because it serves as official proof that your passport is missing. Embassies, immigration officers, and travel insurance companies often require this report before issuing a replacement or processing claims.
What to do:
- Go to the nearest police station (ask your hotel or local tourism office for directions).
- Tell them clearly that your passport has been lost or stolen.
- Bring any form of identification you still have: ID card, driver’s license, or even a photo of your passport.
- Ask for a copy of the police report or a reference number and officer’s name if copies aren’t provided.
*Some countries may charge a small administrative fee for the report, keep the receipt for your insurance claim.
Contact Your Embassy or Consulate
Your embassy or consulate is the only authority that can issue a new passport or emergency travel document. They will also guide you through the process and help verify your identity so you can continue your trip or return home.
What to do:
- Find the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country using Google Maps or your government’s 24-hour hotline.
What to bring:
- Police report
- Proof of identity (ID card, driver’s license, or photocopy of passport)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or national ID, if available)
- Travel itinerary or flight booking
- Passport fee (usually in local currency or by card)
Apply for a Replacement or Emergency Passport
Embassies can issue an emergency passport quickly or a full replacement if you have time to wait.
Types of documents:
- Emergency Passport / Travel Document (ETD):
Issued quickly (same day to 3 days) and valid for a short period, usually for one trip. - Full Replacement Passport:
Takes longer (1–4 weeks) but valid for several years.
Steps:
- Fill out the passport replacement form provided by the embassy.
- Submit your police report, ID, photos, and payment.
- Wait for processing, the embassy will inform you when and how to collect your new passport.
- If you have a flight soon, show your ticket; embassies usually prioritize urgent travel cases.
Inform Your Airline and Travel Insurance
Informing your airline and travel insurance company helps prevent further complications with your travel schedule and allows you to recover some of the costs from the loss.
Airline:
- Notify your airline if you can’t fly due to the lost passport.
- They can help you reschedule or hold your ticket until you get your new document.
Travel Insurance:
- Contact your insurer immediately to report the loss.
- They usually cover passport replacement fees and additional expenses caused by travel delays.
- Provide the police report, embassy receipt, and all relevant receipts.
Let Eskimo eSIM Help You in Emergency Situations
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FAQs
Can I still stay in my hotel without a passport?
Yes. Most hotels can temporarily accept a copy of your passport or a police report as proof of identity. If they already scanned your passport at check-in, you’re usually fine. Just explain your situation to the front desk.
Will I have problems at airport security if my passport is lost right before my flight?
You won’t be able to board an international flight without valid travel documents, but airport authorities can assist once you show your police report and embassy contact proof. They may help you reach your embassy or postpone your flight.
How long does it usually take to get an emergency passport?
Processing time depends on your nationality and embassy workload, but most issue emergency passports within 1–3 working days. Some can even provide a same-day document in urgent cases.
What should I do if I lose both my passport and phone?
Visit your embassy or consulate in person. They can help verify your identity through national databases or by contacting someone back home. You can also use hotel computers or internet cafés to access your email or online storage for ID copies.
