No traveller wants to have this experience; losing your passport while in another country.
It can be as stressful as anything else you can think of. If it has ever happened to you, you will bear witness to this.
Your passport is your key travel document, without it, you can’t enter and leave another country.
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It serves as proof of your identity and nationality – with it, you will access various services and protections while in another country.
Additionally, your passport also contains your visa stamps or permits that authorize your stay in another country for a specific period.
Losing your passport in another country is a serious problem – if it happens to you, below is what happens if you lose your passport in another country.
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What happens if you lose your passport in another country?
If you lose your passport in another country, you need to file a report to the local police and then immediately contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the country for help. Once you reach out to them, they’ll help you get a new passport or emergency travel documents so you can return home safely.
If you have a copy of your lost passport or any form of identification, you will need it to get the emergency travel documents.
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Throughout the whole process, you should stay in touch with your country’s embassy or consulate until you have the necessary documents in hand.
Once you lose your passport in another country, you need to report the loss to the local police, especially if it was stolen, to prevent identity theft or misuse of your personal information.
Until you get a replacement (if you are still in the country), your ability to travel and access some services will be limited.
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When you lose your passport in another country, your travel plans will instantly be disrupted – you have to act immediately and replace it through your country’s embassy.
What to do immediately after losing your passport in another country
- Kindly stay calm: Losing your passport is alarming, but getting yourself worked up won’t bring it back, sobering won’t bring it back either, so, you need to stay calm. It’s a challenge but there is a solution to it. When you are calm, you will think clearly.
- Report the loss to the local police: Once you can’t find it and you are sure that, it is gone, you need to immediately report the loss to the local authorities – the police.
- File a police report: If your passport was stolen, you have to file a police report as soon as possible. This report will be necessary when you want to apply for a new passport.
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate
Part of the reason why countries have embassies in other countries is for issues like this – to protect the interest of their citizens in that country.
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You are not alone!
- Visit the nearest embassy or consulate of your country: Your country’s embassy in the country are there for you. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the country where you lost your passport. They will help you get a new passport or emergency travel document.
- They will need some documents from you: Before going to your country’s embassy, you need to get your documents, any document that can identify you as a citizen of your home country. A copy of your lost passport (if it is available) or any other ID that can serve as proof of citizenship.
- They will ask you to fill out some forms: You will be asked to fill out forms for a lost or stolen passport and provide details about the circumstances of the loss.
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Get a replacement passport
Once you’re cleared with the embassy and your citizenship is proven, you can request a new passport.
- Apply for a new passport: Getting a new passport is usually the best option for you when you lose your passport in another country. It takes two weeks to have a new passport ready. If you want a new passport, the embassy will walk you through how you can get a new one. They will need you to fill out the passport form and provide the necessary documents, the ones you can provide considering your situation.
- You can get an emergency travel document: This is also another option you have when you lose your passport in another country. If you need to travel urgently and cannot wait for a new passport, your embassy or consulate can issue an emergency travel document that allows you to return to your home country or continue your travel plans.
Additional steps you need to take if you lose your passport in another country
- You should notify other relevant authorities: Aside from informing the local police and your country’s embassy, you should also inform your airline, accommodation provider (if someone sponsored your trip), and any relevant authorities about the loss of your passport. They will help you make any necessary arrangements.
- You also need to monitor for identity theft: If it was stolen from you, then you need to keep an eye on your financial accounts and personal information to prevent identity theft. If you notice any suspicious activities, make sure that you report them.
- Travel Insurance: A situation like this is the reason why getting travel insurance is important. If you have travel insurance, check if yours covers the loss of passports and related expenses. If it does, contact your insurance provider so they can help you with how to file a claim.
Tips to help you make sure that you don’t lose your passport in another country
- Always make copies of your passport: This is very important. Before travelling, make copies of your passport, visa, and other important travel documents. Keep the copies separate from your original documents.
- Buy a travel document holder: A travel document holder is necessary, buy a secure travel document holder or wallet with RFID protection to keep your passport safe whenever you are travelling.
- Be mindful of your belongings: Whenever you are in another country, you must keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded or touristy areas. Avoid carrying your passport around unless you must do so.
Conclusion
There is no doubt about it. Losing your passport in another country will certainly be stressful but you have options.
Once it happens, make sure you report it to the local police and also contact your country’s embassy in the country.
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The police will assist you in searching for it and if it isn’t found, you can either get a new one or apply for emergency travel documents that you will use to travel back to your home country.
While in another country, you need to do your best to keep your documents safe but in situations where you lose any of your documents, follow the steps here.
Good luck!
