What to do if your passport is lost or stolen while abroad

Losing your passport while abroad can be a stressful experience, but it's important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and avoid any travel disruptions.

Report your passport lost or stolen at the police station

The first thing you need to do is go to the local police station to report the theft or loss of your passport. This procedure will protect you in case of misuse of your passport. You will also receive a police report describing the circumstances of the loss or theft.

Report the loss or theft of your passport at the consulate

You must also report the loss or theft of your passport at the nearest embassy or consulate of your country of citizenship. Nationals of some countries, such as Australians and Canadians, can do this online. If you are in possession of copies or scans of your passport, enclose them in your report.

Replace your lost or stolen passport

Requesting a new passport can take time… To be able to travel back to your home country, you may be granted an emergency passport or emergency travel document instead of a regular passport. Emergency documents are only valid for a limited period, and usually for a specific journey.

Keep your documents safe when travelling

There are a few simple precautions you can take to avoid or limit the consequences of passport loss or theft abroad.

1. Remember to photocopy and scan all important documents before departure: ID card, passport, certificate of insurance...

2. Send scanned copies of these documents to your email address, so you can print them easily if needed.

3. Keep a copy of the documents with you.

4. Don’t carry the original documents with you. Leave them in your hotel room, for example, and take them with you only if necessary.

While losing your passport while abroad can be a major inconvenience, knowing what to do and taking the necessary steps can help you get back on track quickly and safely. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can ensure that your travel experience remains enjoyable and stress-free.