If your passport is stolen abroad, report it to local police within 24 hours, then contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency replacement. Most U.S. travelers receive an emergency passport within 24–72 hours, sometimes same-day for confirmed departures. Before anything else, move your remaining valuables into a concealed RFID money belt, freeze affected credit cards, and secure a safe place to sleep. This guide walks you through every step so a stolen passport becomes a two-day delay, not a ruined trip.
Step 1: Report the Theft to Local Police Immediately
Local police reports are required by U.S. embassies and most travel insurers before issuing an emergency passport or paying a theft claim. Go to the nearest police station, not a hotel concierge, and request a written report in both English and the local language. Ask for the officer’s badge number and a report reference number — embassies will ask for it.
Pro tip: If language is a barrier, Google Translate’s camera mode converts the printed report. Photograph every page before you leave the station; files occasionally get lost in the bureaucracy.
Step 2: Contact the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
The U.S. Department of State operates 290+ embassies and consulates worldwide. Call the after-hours line if you arrive outside business hours — consular officers handle passport emergencies 24/7. Bring the police report, any photo ID you still have (driver’s license, copy of passport), two passport-style photos, and payment for the $165 emergency passport fee. If you lost your wallet too, State can often waive or defer fees.
What to avoid: Do not wait until your departure day. Emergency passports take 24–72 hours even at priority embassies; some locations process once per week.
Step 3: Freeze or Cancel Any Stolen Cards
If your passport was stolen inside a wallet or bag with credit cards, call each card issuer immediately. Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Citi, Capital One, Amex) have 24/7 international collect-call numbers printed on your statements — save them to your phone before every trip. Fraud usually begins within 30 minutes of theft, so every minute counts.
Step 4: Notify Your Travel Insurance Provider
Travel insurance policies typically cover the cost of an emergency passport, replacement photos, and any extra hotel nights or rebooked flights caused by the theft. Most insurers require notification within 24 hours and a copy of the police report. Document everything: receipts for photos, transportation to the embassy, taxis to police stations, and any rebooked flights.
Step 5: Secure Your Remaining Valuables
Pickpockets often work in teams — if one thief found a target, others nearby may know you are now a “marked” traveler. Move any remaining cash, backup cards, and ID into a concealed money pouch under your clothing. A neck wallet worn under a shirt is nearly impossible to grab mid-street, and an under-clothing money belt protects the cash you still have. Consider splitting the remaining funds across three locations: on-body, hotel safe, and a decoy wallet.
Step 6: Apply for the Emergency Replacement Passport
At the embassy, you will complete Form DS-11 (new passport application) and Form DS-64 (statement of lost/stolen passport). Bring two 2″ × 2″ color passport photos — many embassies have photo booths on-site, but costs outside the embassy run $5–$15. An emergency passport is valid for one year and can be exchanged for a full 10-year passport when you return home.
Step 7: Plan Your Safe Onward Travel
An emergency passport sometimes triggers extra screening at international borders. Print copies of your police report, embassy letter, and new passport pages before you leave for the airport. Check your destination’s entry rules — some countries require an additional emergency travel document if the replacement passport has less than six months of validity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Passport Theft
- Waiting too long to report. U.S. embassies need a local police report. Waiting 24+ hours can delay replacement by another full day.
- Carrying the only copy of your ID. Always keep a digital scan in encrypted cloud storage and a paper photocopy in a separate bag.
- Using public Wi-Fi to file reports. Stolen-passport details plus personal info on unsecured networks invites identity theft.
- Skipping the police report to save time. Without it, your travel insurance claim will be denied, and the embassy may still refuse to issue an emergency passport.
What to Pack Next Time to Prevent Passport Theft
Prevention is simpler than recovery. Before your next trip, pack:
- Concealed passport holder: A neck wallet with RFID blocking keeps your passport under your shirt and invisible to thieves.
- Under-clothing money belt: For long travel days, a slim belt under your waistband holds backup cash, cards, and a passport copy.
- RFID sleeves: Individual RFID sleeves block electronic skimming of passport chips and credit cards.
For a complete prep list, see our first-time traveler security checklist and wallet recovery guide.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a replacement passport abroad?
Most U.S. embassies issue emergency passports within 24–72 hours. Same-day service is sometimes available if you can show a confirmed flight departing within 48 hours.
How much does an emergency passport cost abroad?
The standard fee is $165 for adults and $135 for minors, plus the cost of passport photos ($5–$15). Travel insurance often reimburses these fees along with any extra lodging or transportation costs.
Can I travel to another country on an emergency passport?
Yes. Emergency U.S. passports are recognized by most countries, though some require additional documentation. Always confirm the entry rules for your next destination before booking new flights.
Do I need two passport photos to apply?
Yes. Bring two 2″ × 2″ color passport photos taken within the last six months. Most embassies have photo services on-site if needed.
What if my passport was stolen with my wallet?
Report the theft to police, freeze your cards, and head directly to the embassy. The State Department can often waive fees when wallets are stolen along with passports and confirm identity using digital records.