Can I travel with just a driver's license if I'm a US citizen?

No, you need a valid US passport or emergency travel document to re-enter the United States from abroad. A driver's license alone will not be accepted by airlines or immigration.

How long does an emergency passport last?

Emergency passports are valid for one year. You should apply for a full 10-year passport once you return to the US, as many countries don't accept emergency passports for entry.

What if the embassy is closed when I discover my passport is missing?

Call the embassy's after-hours emergency line. They can provide guidance and may schedule an emergency appointment. If you have immediate travel, they can sometimes issue documents outside normal hours for genuine emergencies.

Will travel insurance cover emergency document fees?

Some comprehensive travel insurance policies cover emergency document replacement costs and related expenses like accommodation extensions. Check your policy details or call your insurer to confirm coverage.

How to Get Emergency Travel Documents When Your Passport Is Lost Abroad

Report the loss immediately to local police and contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. You'll need to apply for an emergency passport or emergency travel document with proof of citizenship, ID, photos, and fees. Processing takes 1-3 business days for emergencies.

Report the theft or loss immediately. File a police report within 24 hours if possible. Get a copy of the report - embassies require this for emergency passport applications. If your passport was stolen, also cancel any credit cards that were with it.
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. Call during business hours or use the after-hours emergency line for urgent travel. Make an appointment online through the embassy website. Bring someone who can verify your identity if possible.
Gather required documents. Bring proof of US citizenship (birth certificate copy, old passport copy, driver's license), government-issued photo ID, two passport photos, completed DS-11 form, police report, and travel itinerary showing your departure date.
Apply for emergency travel document. Pay $165 for emergency passport or $65 for emergency travel document (one-way travel only). Emergency passports take 1-3 business days. Emergency travel documents can be issued same-day for immediate travel emergencies.
Get temporary accommodations if needed. If you can't travel immediately, the embassy can provide a list of local accommodations and help contact family. Keep all receipts - some travel insurance policies cover emergency accommodation costs.

Can I travel with just a driver's license if I'm a US citizen?: No, you need a valid US passport or emergency travel document to re-enter the United States from abroad. A driver's license alone will not be accepted by airlines or immigration.
How long does an emergency passport last?: Emergency passports are valid for one year. You should apply for a full 10-year passport once you return to the US, as many countries don't accept emergency passports for entry.
What if the embassy is closed when I discover my passport is missing?: Call the embassy's after-hours emergency line. They can provide guidance and may schedule an emergency appointment. If you have immediate travel, they can sometimes issue documents outside normal hours for genuine emergencies.
Will travel insurance cover emergency document fees?: Some comprehensive travel insurance policies cover emergency document replacement costs and related expenses like accommodation extensions. Check your policy details or call your insurer to confirm coverage.