Lost Your Passport Abroad? Here's Exactly What to Do
Quick answer
Report a stolen passport to local police and get a written report, then contact your embassy or consulate immediately — most have a 24-hour emergency line. They can issue an emergency travel document, usually valid for a single trip home, once you provide proof of identity and citizenship. Tell your airline before you travel on it, since some carriers ask for advance notice.
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Step 1: Report it right away
If your passport was stolen, go to the local police first and file a report — you'll likely need it later. If it was simply lost, you can generally skip straight to the embassy, though a report is still useful to have on file. Do this as soon as you notice it's missing; delaying only narrows your options closer to your flight.
Step 2: Contact your embassy or consulate
Every country maintains a list of its embassies and consulates abroad, and most publish an emergency contact number for lost or stolen passports. Call or visit in person as soon as you can — outside major cities, the nearest office may be in a different city, so check hours and required appointments before you travel there.
Step 3: Gather proof of identity and citizenship
The embassy will need to confirm who you are before issuing anything. Bring whatever you can from the list below — the more you have, the faster the process tends to go.
- A photocopy or photo of your passport's data page, if you have one saved
- A government-issued ID such as a driver's license
- Your original birth certificate or a copy, if available
- Passport-style photos (many embassies can take these on-site if you don't have any)
- The police report, if the passport was stolen
- Proof of your travel plans, such as a flight confirmation
Step 4: Apply for an emergency travel document
Most embassies can issue an emergency or temporary travel document that lets you return home, often within one to a few business days depending on the country and how busy the office is. This document is typically limited — valid for a single journey rather than general travel — so plan to apply for a full replacement passport once you're back.
Step 5: Update your airline and check your flight
Once you have your emergency document, contact your airline before heading to the airport. Some carriers want advance notice when a passenger is traveling on an emergency document, and check-in staff will need to see it alongside any other required paperwork for your route. Track your flight status in the meantime so a schedule change doesn't add to the stress.
| Situation | What to do first |
|---|---|
| Passport stolen | File a police report, then contact your embassy |
| Passport simply lost | Contact your embassy directly |
| Flight departing within days | Call the embassy's emergency line and explain the timeline |
| Connecting through another country | Ask the embassy whether your emergency document covers transit |
How to reduce the risk next time
Keep a photo of your passport's data page in a separate, secure place — a password-protected note or a printed copy in different luggage works well. Register your trip with your government's travel program if one exists, and consider a slim travel document holder so your passport isn't loose in a bag pocket. None of this prevents every mishap, but it makes the replacement process noticeably faster.
Frequently asked questions
What is the very first thing I should do if my passport is lost or stolen?
If it was stolen, report it to the local police and get a written report. Either way, contact your country's nearest embassy or consulate as soon as possible — most have an emergency line for exactly this situation.
Can I still fly home without my passport?
Usually yes, but you'll need an emergency travel document issued by your embassy, which is typically valid for a single trip home rather than general travel. Check with your airline once you have it, since some require advance notice.
Do I need a police report to get a replacement passport?
For a stolen passport, most embassies ask for one, both to support your application and for any insurance claim. For a simply lost passport, a report is still useful but not always mandatory — ask your embassy directly.
Will losing my passport affect my visa or onward travel plans?
It can. A visa is usually tied to the passport it was issued in, so a replacement may mean applying again before you can continue to another country. Ask the embassy about your specific itinerary.
The bottom line
A lost or stolen passport is stressful but very fixable: report it, contact your embassy, bring what identification you can, and get an emergency travel document to fly home. Search flights on ScanFlyGo once your new travel plans are set, and use the flight tracker to keep an eye on your rebooked flight, or browse popular routes for onward options.
Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This article is general guidance, not legal advice; always follow your embassy's specific instructions.