Postcard Getaway

How to Report a Lost Passport and Safeguard Your Documents for a Stress-Free Trip

Written by Kaelie Piscitello

Imagine this: You’re standing at the bustling heart of a foreign city, the vibrant hum of life all around you, ready to explore the wonders that lie ahead. The world is your oyster. But as you reach for your bag, a cold wave of dread washes over you. Your passport—the key to your travels—is gone.

Losing your passport may feel like a traveler’s worst nightmare, but don’t worry! With the right steps and a calm mindset, you can swiftly manage what may seem like a disaster. Whether you’re venturing off for the first time or are a seasoned globetrotter, these insights will help you glide through any lost passport pitfalls with ease.

Make Sure You REALLY Have a Lost Passport

Looking around a few times for your passport seems like an obvious tip. However, how many times have you thought you lost something only to find it minutes later?

You can’t travel internationally after reporting a lost passport, even if you find it five minutes later. Furthermore, applying for an emergency passport and rearranging travel plans can cause tremendous inconveniences. So, really hunt around for your lost passport before officially declaring it to avoid a hassle.

File With the Local Police

If you unfortunately determine that you misplaced your passport, you need to file a report with the local Police. Yes, you will want to hit the United States Embassy next.

However, some countries require that you bring documentation proving your passport has disappeared, particularly if you think someone stole it.

Reporting your lost passport can help speed up the process when you need to bring it to the attention of the United States government.

Report Your Passport as Lost or Stolen

After looking for it one last time and filing a police report, it’s finally time to report your passport to the United States Government. You can record your lost passport the fastest way, by filling out the form online at travel.state.gov. However, if you don’t have a working computer, you can also mail it to the United States Department of State’s Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit and at the following address.

U.S. Department of State
Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP)
44132 Mercure Circle
PO Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166-1227

If you don’t want to do either of these options, you can also filing your report when you go to the United States Embassy abroad to apply for your emergency passport.

Find Your Nearest Embassy and Apply for an Emergency Passport

Prepare to travel, sometimes a lengthy distance, to your nearest embassy because they are only sometimes near your accommodation. The faster you can apply for an emergency passport, the sooner you can travel.

Emergency passport wait times can take a few weeks, so shaving off time will help you get home or travel sooner rather than later. Finally, avoid using all your credit card and travel points to book your trip. They can be handy if you need a hotel for a few extra nights.

Other Ways to Replace Your Passport

If you have a lost passport in the United States as a citizen, you can get your passport expedited if you leave in less than two weeks. If you apply for an urgent passport, make an appointment within fourteen calendar days of the day you need to travel, and sometimes, they can issue you a passport faster.

How Can I Protect My Passport Abroad?

Everyone has heard the horror stories about people getting pick pocketed abroad and losing their wallet and ID. You can passport in a few ways, including buying a passport wallet. Many cheap, discreet cases exist, and they function like a wallet that holds your passport, boarding passes, COVID-19 card, and other important travel documents.

While some passport covers look like wallets, I’ve known many to carry their passports in a pouches attached to lanyards. These are great because you can wear them under your shirt to prevent theft and promote accessibility in airports.

Please note that many passport holders out there say PASSPORT on them in large letters. That makes your important documents more obvious and susceptible to petty crimes, so try to avoid buying one if you can.

Carry a Secure Bag

Traveling with a secure bag makes you less likely to lose any of your valuables. I’m a big fan of cross-body purses with a zipper under a flap. This way, if someone tries to grab my bag, I’ll know right away because I’ll go with it. Furthermore, I ensure the purse zips under a flap because the thieves will have to exert more effort to steal anything, including my passport.

That said, many people prefer fanny packs for similar reasons, and these are a great option too. However, I think the crossbody purses look more stylish.

If you have to travel with a backpack, make sure to wear it in front of you body if you feel like an area has unsavory characters around who might slip into your back pocket without you noticing.

Should You Carry Your Passport with You?

The answer to this question depends on the circumstances. If you are staying at a hostel in a dorm room with eight other people, then you should never leave your documents unattended.

However, if you’re staying in a hotel with access to a safe in your private room, then you should leave your valuables in the locked, secure box.

Furthermore, some countries require visitors to always keep their identifications on them. So if you visit a country like this, such as Japan or Italy, then you should keep your identification with you to avoid fines.

To Make Copies of Your Passport or to Not Make Them

Believe it or not, I don’t recommend carrying a photo copy of your passport. A Canadian border guard once questioned my friend because he assumed it was a stolen document. In short, I would avoid carrying physical copies of your documents to avoid trouble.

Instead, scan your passport and your other important documents, like your license and any boarding passes, to your phone. This way, you have them in case of emergency but they’re in a more secure place than your suitcase.

I also always email copies of the passport to myself and a trusted relative (so in my case, my parents). This way, I always have a copy of my most important documents, even if something happens to my phone.

Protect it From Damage

Finally, protect your passport from all damage, especially those that could hurt the photo page. If you ruin your picture page, the machines might not scan it when you pass through customs or try to board an airplane, which could become a problem.

If your passport starts to fade and wear down, then it’s time to get a new one, even if you’re a few years out from the expiration date. A passport case will help, but you should always keep all important travel documents away from water, chemicals, food, and other substances.