What to do when US Passport is lost

Step 1: File Police Report

This has to be one of the most stressful things that can occur while traveling. Here are some tips and safeguards to help you through the process. First and foremost, always have a paper copy of your passport with you when traveling as well as a digital copy. This can be used temporarily for checking in to the hotel and such. Also, be prepared, you are about to be on the phone a lot! Ask for help understanding country codes needed for you to make your calls.

Once you have confirmed that your passport is indeed missing, not misplaced, you need to contact the local authorities and file a police report. In my experience, everything stems from having a police report. The authorities will want some proof of identification and the copy of your passport. Before leaving, always ask them next steps as there might be something unique to know in the country where you are located.

If you can narrow down where you might have lost your passport, notify those vendors in the hopes of Lost and Found (i.e. the taxi company, the hotel etc)

Step 2: Contact Local Consulate or Embassy

Contact the local US Consulate or Embassy. Hopefully there is one relatively close by. Remember, these are open usual business hours, Monday - Friday 9-5. There are emergency phone numbers if you are in a situation outside normal hours. They will accept walk-ins, but it is best if you can set up an appointment. Be careful to explain this is a LOST Passport situation, do not just use the word "passport" or they will default you to applying for a passport silo. You will need your copy of your passport, any other form of identification and the police report. It is possible they will want a 2x2 photo for the passport replacement. Be prepared with one digitally so it can be printed or sent if needed.

There are emergency processes (24-72 hours) and also those that take a little bit longer. You are trying to get your "Limited Validity Passport". This is what will allow you to fly home (USA), or to continue on to the next country. Here is a good source to get started: US Website for Stolen Passport

It is not necessary, but I would recommend calling the US Embassy in Washington DC as well. Make them aware that you are in a lost passport situation and see if any additional guidance is needed. When international, the number to call is 1 202-501-4444

Step 3 Contact Airlines

Contact your airline of travel. You will need to explain that you have lost your passport, again, making sure that they understand this is a LOST passport situation. It is VERY helpful if you are Global Entry, or TSA and already have your passport on file. They will want to see a form of ID, the police report and your Limited Validity Passport. You will need extra time at the airport, as you will most likely need an airline employee to walk you through the check-in process and security.

Step 4 Once back in USA, Apply for new passport

You might be told differently, but this is when I would actually have my passport nulified and begin the process of applying for a new passport. To me, if you wait until you are home, it minimizes obstacles with Security and a nulified passport. But, that is up to you. For personal security and identification protection, you might want it nulified as soon as possible. Either way, you are back in the United States, and now you need to begin the process for a new passport. As always, this can be accomplished online or in person at an authorized passport location.

Once you have your new passport, do NOT forget to sign it and now update all your airline profiles with the new passport identification.

Hope you are never in this situation. But, if you are, hopefully these tips will make a bad situation slightly more bearable.