What if I don't have my passport number?

Check old visa stamps in documents you have, look at bank statements or hotel confirmations from your trip, email your government's passport office with your name and date of birth, or call your embassy—they can look it up. You don't need the exact number to start the process; the embassy can find it in their system.

Can I get a passport replacement by mail?

No. You must apply in person at your embassy or consulate. This is non-negotiable for emergency replacements. If your embassy is far away, check whether a neighboring country has a consulate that can help.

What's the difference between an emergency travel document and a passport?

An emergency travel document is valid for one journey home only. It's not a real passport and won't let you travel elsewhere. A full passport, issued when you get home, is your normal travel document. The emergency document gets you home; the passport gets you traveling again.

Do I have to go home immediately?

Legally, yes. An emergency travel document is valid for one entry into your home country. You cannot use it to visit another country or extend your trip. You must book a flight home as soon as you have the document.

What if my passport was stolen with cash and credit cards?

Handle those separately. Call your bank and credit card companies to cancel the cards (this is faster than the passport process). Contact your country's financial fraud line if needed. For cash, there's nothing to do—it's gone. File a claim with your travel insurance if you have it, though most policies don't cover theft from your person.

What if I'm in a country where my embassy doesn't have a physical office?

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate, which may be in a neighboring country. They can issue an emergency travel document even if it's not in your country of travel. Some embassies provide mail-in support for replacement documents after you get home. Call the embassy for guidance.

Will I have to repay for visas I already got?

Yes. Visas in your stolen passport are invalid. You'll need to reapply and pay again for any countries you still want to visit after you get home. Some countries allow you to reapply quickly if you have proof you already paid (keep receipts), but this varies.

Can I get an emergency passport if I don't have a police report?

Most embassies require a police report. If the police won't help (this is rare), ask your embassy what alternative documentation they'll accept. Start by calling them—don't assume you're stuck without a report.

What to Do When Your Passport Is Stolen Abroad

Report the theft to local police immediately, then contact your embassy or consulate the same day to get an emergency travel document. You'll need to file a police report, provide ID if you have it, pay a fee, and typically wait 1-3 days for a replacement. You cannot leave the country without travel documents.

Report to local police within 24 hours. Go to the nearest police station and file a theft report. Bring any ID you have left (driver's license, credit cards with your name). Get a copy of the police report — you'll need this for your embassy. If you don't speak the language, ask your hotel or hostel to help you or call your embassy's emergency line for guidance on where to go.
Contact your embassy or consulate immediately. Call or visit in person. Most countries have emergency lines staffed 24/7. Have ready: your full legal name, date of birth, passport number if you know it, the police report number, and a photo ID if you have one. The embassy will tell you what documents they need and how quickly they can issue an emergency travel document.
Gather required documents. You'll typically need: the police report, your passport number (check old visas, bank records, or email confirmations if you don't remember it), proof of citizenship (birth certificate if you have a copy, or a certified copy sent to you), one passport photo (get one same-day if needed), and a completed application form from your embassy. Some embassies accept digital photos you take yourself.
Pay the emergency document fee. Emergency passports or travel documents cost more than standard replacements. US emergency passports cost $135 USD (plus execution fee). UK emergency travel documents cost £100. Bring cash or be ready to use a credit card — not all embassies accept all payment methods. Ask about the exact fee when you call.
Get your emergency travel document. Most embassies issue emergency travel documents valid for one entry into your home country only. Processing takes 24 hours to 3 days. Some will do same-day service if you pay extra. Once you have it, you can book a flight home. An emergency travel document looks different from a passport but works for international travel.
Apply for a full replacement passport at home. Once you're back, apply for a replacement passport through your normal government office. This is the standard process and takes 2-8 weeks depending on your country. You don't need the emergency document after you arrive home.

What if I don't have my passport number?: Check old visa stamps in documents you have, look at bank statements or hotel confirmations from your trip, email your government's passport office with your name and date of birth, or call your embassy—they can look it up. You don't need the exact number to start the process; the embassy can find it in their system.
Can I get a passport replacement by mail?: No. You must apply in person at your embassy or consulate. This is non-negotiable for emergency replacements. If your embassy is far away, check whether a neighboring country has a consulate that can help.
What's the difference between an emergency travel document and a passport?: An emergency travel document is valid for one journey home only. It's not a real passport and won't let you travel elsewhere. A full passport, issued when you get home, is your normal travel document. The emergency document gets you home; the passport gets you traveling again.
Do I have to go home immediately?: Legally, yes. An emergency travel document is valid for one entry into your home country. You cannot use it to visit another country or extend your trip. You must book a flight home as soon as you have the document.
What if my passport was stolen with cash and credit cards?: Handle those separately. Call your bank and credit card companies to cancel the cards (this is faster than the passport process). Contact your country's financial fraud line if needed. For cash, there's nothing to do—it's gone. File a claim with your travel insurance if you have it, though most policies don't cover theft from your person.
What if I'm in a country where my embassy doesn't have a physical office?: Contact the nearest embassy or consulate, which may be in a neighboring country. They can issue an emergency travel document even if it's not in your country of travel. Some embassies provide mail-in support for replacement documents after you get home. Call the embassy for guidance.
Will I have to repay for visas I already got?: Yes. Visas in your stolen passport are invalid. You'll need to reapply and pay again for any countries you still want to visit after you get home. Some countries allow you to reapply quickly if you have proof you already paid (keep receipts), but this varies.
Can I get an emergency passport if I don't have a police report?: Most embassies require a police report. If the police won't help (this is rare), ask your embassy what alternative documentation they'll accept. Start by calling them—don't assume you're stuck without a report.