What to Do If You Lose Your Passport Abroad

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What to Do If You Lose Your Passport Abroad

Losing your passport while traveling overseas can feel overwhelming—but don’t panic. With the right steps and a little guidance, you can get back on track and keep your trip moving forward.

 

1. Stay Calm & Act Quickly

First things first: take a deep breath and act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to replace your passport in time to continue your trip or return home.
 Visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/replace-a-passport.html for official instructions from the U.S. State Department.

 

2. Report the Loss to Local Authorities

Head to the nearest police station and file a police report.

• This is often required by both the U.S. Embassy and your travel insurance provider.
• Keep a copy for your records—it will be helpful later when filing claims or proving your identity.

 

3. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Get in touch with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible.
They’ll:

• Cancel your lost or stolen passport
• Help you apply for an emergency passport so you can continue your trip or return home
• Require you to complete Form DS-64 (to report the loss) and Form DS-11 (for the new passport)—both must be submitted in person

 

4. Gather What You’ll Need

Here’s what to bring to the embassy or consulate:

• One or two passport-sized photos
• A backup ID (like a driver’s license or a photocopy of your lost passport)
• Proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or a photocopy of your passport)
• Your travel itinerary or airline ticket
• Completed Forms DS-64 and DS-11
• Payment for replacement fees (check the latest rates on the State Department website)

 

5. Apply for an Emergency Passport

U.S. Embassies can typically issue emergency passports within one business day, especially if you have a confirmed departure.

• These temporary passports are valid for short-term travel and can be used to return to the U.S. or reach your next destination.
• Once you’re home, you’ll need to apply for a full-validity passport.

 

6. Handle Lost Money & Logistics

If your wallet was lost or stolen along with your passport:

• Cancel your debit and credit cards immediately
• Request replacements be sent to your hotel or the embassy
• Use services like Western Union for emergency cash
• Don’t hesitate to ask hotel staff, cruise ship crew, or your tour guide for help—they’ve seen this before and can point you in the right direction

 

7. Confirm Travel Arrangements

If your flight is already booked, your reservation is still valid—you just need the emergency passport to check in.

• No need to repurchase tickets unless your travel dates change

 

 

8. Take Preventive Steps for the Future

A little prep goes a long way:

• Carry a photocopy of your passport in a separate location
• Store a digital copy in your email or secure cloud storage
• Travel with a couple extra passport photos
• Register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the nearest embassy knows how to reach you in an emergency
   Enroll here: https://step.state.gov

 

Pro Tip from Jen

Never keep all your important items in the same place. I recommend packing a printed copy of your passport, storing a digital copy in your email, and carrying a backup ID in a separate bag—just in case. A little backup plan can save a big headache.