Replacing a lost or stolen passport while traveling abroad

Report the loss to local police immediately to get a report, then visit the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. You will need to fill out specific forms, provide passport-sized photos, and pay an emergency processing fee to receive a temporary travel document or replacement passport.

  1. File a police report. Go to the nearest local police station and report the passport as stolen or lost. Obtain a written police report; you will need this document to prove the loss to your embassy and your travel insurance provider.
  2. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate. Look up the contact information for your country's nearest embassy or consulate. Call them immediately to explain your situation. They will provide instructions on current appointment availability for emergency services.
  3. Gather your documentation. You will need: a passport photo (many embassies have a list of nearby shops that take compliant photos), a copy of the police report, proof of your identity (a digital copy of your lost passport or your birth certificate is ideal), and your travel itinerary.
  4. Submit the application. Attend your appointment in person. You must complete the specific DS-11 (for U.S. citizens) or equivalent national forms for your country. Pay the required emergency fee, which is typically the standard passport fee plus a surcharge.
  5. Collect your travel document. In many cases, you will be issued a limited-validity emergency passport that allows you to return home. Once home, you will need to apply for a full-validity replacement passport.
Can I fly home with just a police report?
No. Airlines will not allow you to board international flights without a valid passport or an official emergency travel document issued by your government.
What if I don't have a copy of my old passport?
It makes the process slower. Bring any other ID you have, such as a driver's license, and be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.