Lost or stolen passport

For travellers whose passport is lost or stolen while abroad. It covers reporting the loss, contacting your own government, getting an emergency travel document and replacing the passport afterwards.

  1. Stay safe, then tell police

    If your passport was stolen, move somewhere safe and do not confront the thief. Report the theft to the local police and ask for a written report or reference number. Your travel insurer may need it for a claim, and the office replacing your passport may ask how it was lost or stolen.

  2. Report the passport lost

    Report the passport as lost or stolen to the government that issued it as soon as possible, so nobody else can misuse it or your identity. Depending on your government, this may be done online, by phone, through an embassy, or as part of an emergency document application. A photo or copy of the passport makes it easier.

  3. Contact your embassy or consulate

    Contact your own government's nearest embassy, high commission or consulate as soon as you can. Staff can explain your options based on where you are and when you need to travel. Not every office deals with passports, so ask which one serves you.

  4. Tell your travel insurer

    Let your travel insurer know what happened, and ask whether it needs a police report before you claim for any costs. Keep copies of every report, form and receipt linked to the loss.

  5. Ask about an emergency document

    If you need to travel soon, ask whether you can get an emergency travel document instead of a full passport. It is usually valid only for a limited journey or period, and not every office issues one. Be ready for delays and changes to your plans while it is arranged.

  6. Check every country on route

    Check that every country you will leave, enter or pass through accepts the emergency document, and whether it changes the visa you need. Ask your airline or transport company too, because it may have its own rules on travel documents.

  7. Prepare what the office asks

    Gather what the office asks for. This often includes a recent photo that meets passport rules, proof of your nationality, a phone number and email address, and details of your travel plans. Wait to arrange onward travel until the office confirms when and how you can collect the document.

  8. Replace the passport properly

    Apply for a full new passport afterwards, following your government's instructions, and hand back the emergency document if asked. If you find the old passport after reporting it, contact your government and return it as it instructs, rather than travelling on it.

Sources

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