Travel topic · Safety
Lost or stolen passport abroad: what to do step by step
Report loss to local police and your embassy within 24 h, get an emergency travel document (ETD) – usually $100‑$200 and 1‑3 days – then apply for a full replacement passport (≈$150‑$200, 2‑4 weeks).
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If your passport is lost or stolen while traveling, follow these steps to report, replace, and continue your trip safely. Includes costs, timing, and special cases for US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ and Ireland travellers.
Key facts
- Police report
- Required by most embassies; obtain a copy for the ETD
- Emergency travel document costcheck
- $100‑$200 (USD estimate)
- Full passport replacement costcheck
- $150‑$200 (USD estimate)
- Typical processing timecheck
- ETD 1‑3 days, full passport 2‑4 weeks
- Travel insurance
- Covers replacement fees in many policies
Immediate actions
If you notice your passport missing, stay calm and verify it is truly lost or stolen.
Secure any other travel documents and valuables.
If you are in a public place, ask staff to help you look for it.
File a police report
Visit the nearest police station (or use an online reporting portal where available).
Ask for a written report or at least a reference number; you will need this for the embassy.
Keep the report safe – you may need to present it when applying for an emergency travel document.
Show 7 sectionsHideNotify your embassy or consulate, Obtain an Emergency Travel Document (ETD), Apply for a full replacement passport, Use travel insurance if you have it, FAQ, Questions people ask, Related
Notify your embassy or consulate
Find the contact details of your country’s embassy/consulate in the host nation (usually on the embassy website).
Call or email as soon as possible – most embassies operate 24 h emergency lines.
Explain the situation, provide the police report number, and ask for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).
Obtain an Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
The ETD is a temporary passport that lets you return home or travel to a safe third country.
Typical cost: $100‑$200 USD (varies by country).
Processing time: 1‑3 days in most capitals; some locations may need longer.
You will need to provide the police report, a passport‑photo (often taken on site), and proof of travel (flight itinerary).
Apply for a full replacement passport
After receiving the ETD, you can start the standard replacement process.
Cost: roughly $150‑$200 USD (official fee plus possible service fees).
Processing time: 2‑4 weeks for regular service; expedited options may reduce this to 3‑7 days for an extra fee.
You will need the police report, the ETD, completed application forms, and two passport‑size photos.
Use travel insurance if you have it
Many policies cover passport replacement fees, emergency travel document costs, and related travel disruptions.
Contact your insurer early to start a claim and get guidance on required documentation.
FAQ
See the FAQ below for quick answers.
Questions people ask
Lost or stolen passport abroad: what is the short answer?
Report to police, contact your embassy, obtain an emergency travel document (1‑3 days, $100‑$200), then apply for a full replacement passport.
Who does it apply to?
All travellers whose passport is lost, stolen or destroyed while overseas, regardless of nationality.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Emergency travel documents cost roughly $100‑$200 and are issued in 1‑3 days; full passport replacements cost $150‑$200 and take 2‑4 weeks (expedited options available).
Do I need a police report?
Yes, most embassies require a written police report or reference number before issuing an emergency travel document.
Can I travel with a temporary passport?
A temporary or emergency travel document is valid for a single return trip or onward travel to a safe destination; check entry requirements of the destination country.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialU.S. Department of State – Lost or Stolen Passport
- officialUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Replace a Lost Passport
- officialGovernment of Canada – Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport
- officialAustralian Department of Foreign Affairs – Lost or Stolen Passport
- officialNew Zealand – Lost or Stolen Passport
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs – Lost or Stolen Passport
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