Losing a passport while traveling is stressful, but it is a situation embassies and consulates deal with every day. Acting quickly protects you against identity misuse and gives you the best chance of continuing your trip or getting home on time. The exact steps depend on your nationality and where you are, so always follow the guidance of your own government. The general process below applies to most travelers.

1. Retrace your steps and check where you last had it

Before assuming the passport is gone for good, contact the places you visited recently: your hotel's front desk, the airline or airport if you were traveling, the cruise line's Guest Services, restaurants, transport providers and tour operators. Passports are frequently handed in to lost and found. Be aware that organizations often pass found passports to the police or to the issuing country's embassy rather than keeping them.

2. Report the loss or theft to local police

In many countries, you will need a police report to apply for replacement travel documents or to make an insurance claim. Ask for a copy of the report or its reference number. If the passport was stolen along with other items, list everything that was taken.

3. Contact your embassy or consulate

Your country's nearest embassy or consulate can report the passport as lost or stolen and explain your options. These usually include a full replacement passport, or a limited-validity emergency travel document that allows you to travel home or continue a short journey. Opening hours and appointment rules vary, so check their website or call ahead.

U.S. citizens, for example, can report a lost or stolen passport to the U.S. Department of State and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for an emergency passport. Other countries have similar services through their foreign ministries.

What to bring to your appointment

  • A copy or photo of your lost passport's information page, if you have one
  • Other identification, such as a driver's license or national ID card
  • The police report or reference number
  • Passport-style photos that meet the issuing country's requirements
  • Proof of your travel plans, such as flight or cruise bookings
  • A form of payment for any applicable fees

4. Protect yourself against identity misuse

Once reported, a lost or stolen passport is usually cancelled and can no longer be used for travel, even if you find it again later. Keep an eye on your bank accounts and credit cards, especially if your wallet was lost too, and contact your card providers to cancel any missing cards.

5. Tell your airline, cruise line or tour operator

Let your travel providers know about the situation, particularly if you may need to change a flight or departure date while you wait for replacement documents. Travel insurance may cover some of the costs, so keep receipts for any additional expenses. If you are traveling onward to another country, check whether an emergency travel document is accepted there, as some destinations require a full passport for entry.

How to be prepared next time

  • Keep a photo or photocopy of your passport separate from the original
  • Store emergency contacts and embassy details on your phone and on paper
  • Use a hotel safe for documents you do not need to carry every day

Report your lost item

If you think you left your passport or other belongings at an airport, hotel, cruise ship or venue, search for the location on our home page. If it is part of the Official Lost Recovery Network℠, you will be taken to its official lost and found portal. If not, our team can file the report on your behalf for a Lost Item Reporting Fee. Always report a lost passport to the police and your embassy as well.