Navigating European Travel with Emergency U.S. Travel Documents

If your passport is lost or stolen, visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for an Emergency Limited-Validity Passport. This document is typically printed within 24 hours and allows you to continue your travel or return home, but it has specific restrictions on entry to certain countries.

1. Report the loss immediately. File a police report at the local station in the city where the theft occurred. You will need this for your insurance claim and it is often required by the embassy to expedite your new document.
2. Locate the nearest U.S. Embassy. Go to usembassy.gov to find the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit. Call them immediately; even if the office is closed, they have an after-hours emergency line for lost passports.
3. Prepare your documentation. You need a passport photo (many pharmacies in Europe can take these), a form of identification (a digital scan of your old passport is very helpful), and your travel itinerary.
4. Apply in person. Show up at your scheduled appointment time. Bring the DS-11 form completed, your police report, and any proof of citizenship you have. The emergency passport fee is $165, payable by card or cash.
5. Check entry requirements for your next stop. Emergency passports are often not biometric. Some countries (like France or Germany) accept them for entry, but others may not. Always check the specific country's embassy website before booking your next flight.

Can I fly within the EU with an emergency passport?

Yes, but some low-cost carriers may have trouble scanning the document at the gate. Allow extra time at the airport and be prepared to speak with a supervisor.

Does my emergency passport work for my return flight to the US?

Yes. It is fully valid for international travel to return to the United States.