Losing a passport abroad is definitely a traveler’s worst nightmare! However, step one is not to panic! I know this is much easier said than done, and if I remember correctly, I was in absolute hysterics when I realized my passport was gone. Instead of wallowing in despair, and blaming yourself for whatever careless decision you made that resulted in the loss of your most important travel asset, calm down because there is a solution! So if you ever lose your passport abroad, follow my steps below on how to obtain a new one as quickly as possible!
Always make sure you carry multiple copies of your passport when you travel. These can be black and white, but will be needed to show proof of identity and nationality at your local embassy.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PASSPORT ABROAD
1. LOCATE YOUR NEAREST LOCAL EMBASSY OR CONSULATE
These are usually in major cities. Since I was living in Florence when I lost my passport, I was able to go to the US consulate in the city. If you are in a smaller town, you will most likely need to travel to a large city nearby. A simple Google search should be enough to find the closest embassy or consulate.
2. TAKE NOTE OF THE HOURS
Once you know where the closest embassy is, it is super important to take note of the opening hours. Most embassies have limited operating hours, (many closing by 2pm). Furthermore, some embassies, such as the one in Florence, only have walk-in appointments during certain time frames. I was only able to go between 10:00- 1:00pm if I wanted an emergency appointment. These are all factors to consider if the closest embassy/consulate is over 2 hours away.
3. HEAD TO THE CONSULATE FOR A WALK-IN APPOINTMENT
I recommend arriving at the embassy as soon as it opens! Explain that you have lost your passport and need an emergency replacement. Since you are a national, and losing a passport is considered high priority, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a walk-in appointment. You may, however, have to wait several hours depending on how busy they are that particular day. This is also where that passport copy is essential, as you will need it to show proof of nationality in order to enter the building.
4. SAY CHEESE
Once inside, an officer will explain the application process for the emergency passport. It is quite simple luckily! You just fill out the form, take two new passport sized photographs (I was grateful for this actually, because the picture in my original passport was unforgiving!), and pay the hefty fee. Each country is different, but the USA charges about $135 for an emergency passport. Once all documents are turned in, the passport takes about an hour to print. It definitely looks and feels like a fake, but has an official embassy stamp on the inside to verify its authenticity.
5. ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR TRIP
After several hours of panicking, and a few more of waiting, you will finally have a brand new (sort of) passport! The emergency passport is only valid for a few months, and then must be exchanged for an actual one (which you do not need to pay for again). If you’re planning to continue traveling for several months, wait until you are in one stable country for at least a month, as it may take 2-3 weeks for your new passport to arrive. If not, finish your travels, and exchange your passport once back in your home country.
Hopefully, you won’t lose your passport abroad and have to go through the process of getting an emergency passport in a foreign country, but incase you do the most important thing is to stay calm! Within a few hours your problem will be resolved, and you can continue on with your trip!
Safe Travels,
Vip <3
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