What to do if you lose your passport in Asia

File a police report immediately, obtain a passport photo, and visit the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. You will need to apply for an emergency travel document or a replacement passport to leave the country legally.

  1. File a police report. Go to the nearest local police station and report the passport as lost or stolen. Demand a written report (a 'Police Memo' or 'First Information Report'). You need this document to prove to your embassy and immigration authorities that it was lost.
  2. Get passport-sized photos. Find a local photo shop and ask for 'passport size' photos. Most countries in Asia have specific requirements; standard US passport photos are 2x2 inches, but many Asian countries prefer 35mm x 45mm. Get at least 4 copies.
  3. Contact your embassy. Find the embassy or consulate for your country in the capital city. Check their website for 'Emergency Passport' services. Many require an appointment, but losing a passport is usually considered a priority case.
  4. Submit your application. Bring your police report, your photos, and any secondary ID you have (digital copies of your passport, birth certificate, or driver's license). If you don't have paper copies, access your email or cloud storage at an internet cafe to print them.
  5. Visit local immigration. Once you have your emergency document, you may need to visit the local immigration office to transfer your entry stamp or visa to the new document. Without this, you will be flagged as an overstayer or illegal entrant at the airport.
Can I fly home with just a police report?
No. Airlines will not let you board an international flight without a valid passport or an official emergency travel document issued by your government.
What if I have no ID at all?
The embassy will likely need to verify your identity through your home country's database. This will delay the process, so have a friend or family member at home ready to email copies of your birth certificate or other records.