What to do when your passport is stolen abroad

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.

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.

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.