What to do if your passport is lost, stolen when traveling abroad: Video

You can’t enter a country without a valid passport or passport card.

This means if yours is lost or stolen before or during a trip, you might find yourself booked on a one-way flight to panic town. And I don’t mean Panic, Romania. You need a passport to go there. 

The first thing to do if you're flustered is to take a few deep breaths. U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world can assist you in replacing your standard passport or provide an emergency passport for imminent travel. 

Before embarking on any international trip, make physical and digital copies of your passport and keep them in easily accessible places, such as your email inbox, photo album or suitcase. Also, leave a copy with a trusted person at home.

Watch this video to learn what to do if your passport is lost or stolen while you’re traveling abroad.

What do I do if I lose my passport while abroad?

If your passport has disappeared while you’re abroad, you need to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can find an alphabetized list of those here. Then, ask to speak to the Consular Section to report the passport as lost or stolen.  

Once a passport is reported as lost or stolen, it’s no longer valid for travel, according to the State Department. You’ll need to visit the nearest Embassy or Consulate in person to get a replacement. 

What documents do I need to replace a lost passport

To replace a lost passport while traveling, take as many of the following documents to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate as possible: 

• 2x2 passport photo. 
• Identification, such as a driver’s license.
• Evidence of U.S. Citizenship, such as your birth certificate or a photocopy of your lost passport. 
• Travel itinerary, such as your plane or train tickets.

If you are replacing a lost passport while in the US, there are a few ways to do this: online, by mail or in person. For an immediate replacement, you must apply in person and submit the proper forms. 

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I lost my passport and I fly tomorrow

There are no guarantees that you'll be able to replace your passport before a flight the next day. Here's what you can do to try to get one as soon as possible:

• If you’re abroad, inform the consular staff about your imminent travel plans so they can do their best to accommodate you. If there’s not enough time to issue a new passport, they may be able to provide an emergency passport that is valid for a year. This can be exchanged for a standard passport when you return to the States. 
• If you’re in the U.S., try to make an appointment at a passport agency. However, openings are not guaranteed.