Lost or Stolen Passport: What to Do (At Home or Abroad)
Losing your passport can feel stressful — but it’s usually manageable if you act quickly. The key is to report it, protect yourself from identity misuse, and start the replacement process as soon as possible.
Quick checklist:
- Confirm it’s missing (check bags, hotel safe, recent locations).
- If it was stolen, file a police report (especially abroad).
- Report the loss to the right authority (passport office at home, embassy/consulate abroad).
- Apply for a replacement passport or an emergency travel document if you must travel soon.
- Watch for identity fraud if your passport was stolen.
What happens if you lose your passport or it gets stolen?
A lost passport can disrupt travel plans. In most cases, you won’t be able to travel internationally — and if you’re abroad, you may not be able to return home until you obtain a replacement passport or an emergency travel document.
It’s also important to act quickly because a passport is a high-value identity document. If it falls into the wrong hands, it may be used for identity fraud or other misuse.
If you lose your passport at home
If you are in your home country, start with your passport issuing authority (for example, your national passport agency or designated application center). If the passport was stolen, also contact the local police.
What to do:
- Report the loss or theft following your government’s instructions.
- File a police report if it was stolen (recommended and sometimes required).
- Gather what you’ll typically need:
- 1–2 passport photos (format requirements vary)
- Any supporting documents requested by your passport authority
- Apply for a replacement passport and pay the applicable fees.
- If you have travel soon, ask whether expedited processing is available.
If you lose your passport abroad
If you’re outside your home country, contact your embassy or consulate as soon as possible. They can guide you through the process and, in urgent situations, issue an emergency travel document so you can return home.
What to do:
- Contact your embassy or consulate immediately.
- If it was stolen, get a police report (this can be important for the replacement process and for insurance claims).
- Prepare:
- Another form of identification (if you have it)
- 1–2 passport photos (requirements vary)
- Travel details (flight itinerary, proof of urgent travel if applicable)
- Apply for a replacement passport or an emergency travel document.
- Emergency documents are usually valid for a limited time and often for a specific trip.
- Once you’re home, follow your country’s process to obtain a full replacement passport if you received a temporary document.
What’s the fastest way to replace a lost passport?
The fastest option is usually an expedited replacement through your passport authority (availability and rules vary by country). Expedited services typically cost more and may require an in-person appointment and proof of urgent travel.
Some travelers also use third-party expediting services where they are legal and reputable. If you consider this route, make sure the provider is legitimate and follow your government’s guidance to avoid scams.
How long does it take to get a new passport?
Processing times depend on your country’s passport authority, the time of year, and your situation. Timelines can range from a few days to several weeks. If you need to travel urgently, check whether expedited or emergency options exist in your case.
What happens to visas or travel authorizations linked to your lost passport?
In many cases, visas and electronic travel authorizations are linked to your passport number, so losing your passport may require you to update the details or apply again. This depends on the destination and the type of authorization.
If you have upcoming travel, check the official website of the destination country or contact the issuing authority to confirm what you must do.
Tips to protect your passport while traveling
A few simple habits can reduce the risk of losing your passport or having it stolen:
- Make digital copies of your passport and key documents and store them securely (for example, in encrypted cloud storage).
- Keep your passport in a secure place (money belt or locked luggage), and avoid carrying it unless needed.
- Use your hotel safe when appropriate — and keep a backup plan if you can’t access it.
- Be careful in crowded areas (airports, train stations, tourist zones), where pickpocketing is more common.
- Don’t share passport photos or personal details unless necessary.
