What Happens if Your Passport Gets Stolen on a Trip?

Losing your passport abroad can be stressful—but it’s a manageable situation if you act quickly. If your passport is stolen while traveling, there are clear steps to protect yourself, replace your passport, and continue your trip or return home safely.

Answer

If your passport is stolen while traveling:

1. Report the theft to local police
2. Report it lost or stolen to the U.S. Department of State
3. Visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to get a replacement passport
4. Continue or return home using an emergency or full-validity passport

Step 1: Report the Passport Theft Immediately

As soon as you discover your passport is missing:

File a Local Police Report

• Report the theft to local authorities
• Request a police report or case number
• This helps with identity protection and embassy processing

Why This Matters

• Confirms the passport was stolen (not sold or misused)
• Supports your replacement application
• May be required for insurance claims

Step 2: Report the Stolen Passport to the U.S. Government

You must notify the U.S. Department of State so the stolen passport is cancelled and cannot be used fraudulently.

How to Report

• Complete Form DS-64 (Lost or Stolen Passport)
• Submit online or in person at an embassy or consulate

Once reported, the stolen passport becomes permanently invalid.

Step 3: Visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

To replace your passport abroad, you must appear in person at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.

What to Bring

• Police report (if available)
• Government-issued photo ID (if available)
• Passport photo (some embassies can assist)
• Travel itinerary or proof of travel
• Form DS-11 (passport application)
• Form DS-64 (lost/stolen report)

Embassy staff will guide you through the process.

Step 4: Receive a Replacement Passport

Depending on your situation, you may receive one of two passport types:

Emergency (Limited-Validity) Passport

• Issued same day or within 1–2 business days
• Allows immediate travel
• Often valid for a short period

Full-Validity Passport

• Issued when time allows
• Usually takes a few days to a week
• Valid for the standard passport term

If you receive an emergency passport, you can usually exchange it for a full-validity passport later.

Can You Still Travel Without a Passport?

No. Airlines and border authorities require a valid passport.

However, embassies can issue:

• Emergency passports
• Emergency travel letters (limited situations)

These documents allow you to:

• Return to the United States
• Continue onward travel in some cases

What If Your Passport Was Stolen With a Visa?

If your passport contained visas:

• You must replace the passport first
• Then contact the issuing country’s embassy to replace the visa
• Some visas cannot be transferred and must be reissued

This may affect your travel plans.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Stolen Passport Abroad?

• Emergency passport: Same day to 2 business days
• Full-validity passport: Several days to 1 week (varies by country)

Timing depends on:

• Your travel urgency
• Embassy workload
• Availability of documents

Will a Stolen Passport Affect Future Travel?

Usually, no—as long as you report it promptly.

However:

• Frequent passport losses may trigger additional scrutiny
• Identity theft may require monitoring
• Some countries may ask questions at future border crossings

How to Protect Yourself After a Passport Theft

• Monitor credit and identity reports
• Replace stolen IDs and cards
• Keep copies of your passport in the future
• Use hotel safes and anti-theft bags

What Happens if Your Passport Gets Stolen?

• Your passport is cancelled immediately
• You must apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate
• Emergency replacement is usually fast
• Travel can continue with proper documentation

Preparation and quick action make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if my passport is stolen abroad?

Report the theft to local police and then report the stolen passport to the U.S. Department of State.

Can I fly home without a passport?

Not normally. You must obtain an emergency passport or travel document from a U.S. embassy or consulate.

How much does it cost to replace a stolen passport?

Fees are generally the same as a regular passport unless waived in special circumstances.

Will my stolen passport still work?

No. Once reported, it is cancelled and cannot be used.

Can I replace a stolen passport on the same day?

Yes, many embassies can issue an emergency passport the same day.