The HowTo NetworkTravel

What to do when your passport is stolen abroad

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Report the theft to the local police immediately to get a formal report, then contact your nearest embassy or consulate. They will verify your identity and issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) or temporary passport so you can fly home.

Budget
200 USD (total emergency costs)
Duration
1-3 days to process
Best Time
N/A
Visa Required
Yes; an emergency passport acts as a restricted travel document until you replace it at home.

Step by step

  1. File a local police report

    Go to the nearest police station to report the theft. Insist on a written report (a 'police report' or 'procès-verbal') and ensure it includes your passport number. You need this document to prove your status to the embassy and your travel insurance provider.

  2. Contact your home country's embassy

    Locate the nearest embassy or consulate. Call their emergency line if it is after hours. They will guide you through the process of applying for an emergency passport, which often involves an in-person interview.

  3. Prepare documentation for the new passport

    You will need a passport-sized photo, your ID (if you have copies), proof of travel (flight itinerary), and the police report. If you have no ID, have a friend or family member at home email a copy of your passport or birth certificate to the embassy.

  4. Update your airline and hotel

    Once you have your emergency document, contact your airline to update your passport information. Some emergency passports have restricted entry rules, so confirm with the airline that the document is valid for your specific transit points.

Questions people ask

Can I fly home with just a police report?

No. Airlines will not allow you to board an international flight without a valid travel document, regardless of whether you have a police report.

What if my visa was inside the stolen passport?

Inform the embassy immediately. They will note the lost visa in your emergency document, but you may need to apply for a replacement visa if you intended to continue your trip rather than return home.

Photos and Logistics
30 USD
Emergency Passport Fee
165 USD (varies by country)
Police Bureaucracy Fees
0-20 USD

Packing

  • Digital copies of your passport, visa, and ID stored in a secure, encrypted cloud folder.
  • Physical paper copies of your passport kept in a separate bag from your actual passport.
  • Two spare passport-sized photos kept in your carry-on.
  • Contact information for your country's local embassy written in your travel journal.