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What to do if…
your passport is stolen while you are abroad and you still need to travel onward

Short answer

Report the passport lost/stolen and contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate to apply for a replacement passport before you try to travel onward. If you’re offered an emergency (limited-validity) passport, confirm your carrier and route will accept it.

Do not do these things

  • Do not try to travel on a passport you already reported lost/stolen (once reported, it’s cancelled and can’t be used).
  • Do not pay unofficial “fixers” who claim they can get you a passport or visa quickly.
  • Do not book expensive/non-refundable onward travel until the embassy/consulate tells you what they can issue and when you can receive it.
  • Do not share passport images or personal data publicly while trying to “recover” it.
  • Do not hand over original documents to anyone except official embassy/consulate staff or local authorities when required.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safe pause and secure what you still have.

    • Move somewhere calm and staffed (hotel reception, a police station lobby).
    • Check bags carefully and ask your hotel/transport operator to check lost property.
    • If your phone/cards were also stolen, lock accounts and your SIM quickly to reduce fraud.

  2. Write down the essentials (2 minutes).

    • Date/time/place of theft, what was taken, and any local report/reference numbers.
    • Save any passport scan/photo you might have (even partial) and keep it offline.

  3. Report your passport lost or stolen to the U.S. government as soon as possible.

    • This cancels the passport to reduce fraud risk and protect you from identity misuse.
    • Official reporting options include online, by phone, by mail, or in person when you apply for a new passport (often associated with Form DS-64).

  4. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately to replace it.

    • Tell them: you are abroad, your passport was stolen, and you need to travel onward (include route, transit countries, and deadlines).
    • Expect to apply in person for a replacement passport abroad (often associated with Form DS-11). Do not sign forms until you are instructed.

  5. Plan around what you may be issued (and what it can and can’t do).

    • In urgent situations, you may be issued a limited-validity emergency passport (validity can be up to 1 year or less, and it’s issued only in limited circumstances).
    • Some countries may not accept an emergency passport for entry or transit—verify your destination and transit requirements before you commit to onward travel.

  6. Check boarding rules with every carrier on your route.

    • Ask your airline/train/bus/ferry operator what they will accept for check-in/boarding, especially if you’ll be travelling on an emergency passport.
    • If visas/residence permits were in the stolen passport, contact the issuing authority for replacement guidance before you attempt onward travel.

  7. File a local police report if you can (helpful even when not required).

    • A police report/reference can support your explanation and insurance claim.
    • Ask for a written report or reference number if available.

  8. Gather what you’ll likely need for the embassy/consulate visit.

    • Passport photo(s) meeting requirements and a backup way to obtain photos locally.
    • Evidence of U.S. citizenship and identity you still have (copies/scans help).
    • Your travel itinerary and a reliable contact method (email/phone).
    • Payment method for fees (and a backup method if possible).

  9. Tell your travel insurer early (even if you’re unsure you’ll claim).

    • Ask what evidence they require and keep receipts, rebooking costs, and written communications.

What can wait

  • You do not need to sort every downstream admin task now (updating accounts, replacing every ID) until you’re stable and have travel documents again.
  • You do not need to decide today whether to exchange an emergency passport for a full-validity passport—focus first on lawful travel.
  • You do not need to argue at a check-in desk today—first get official replacement documentation and clear acceptance rules.

Important reassurance

This is a standard consular problem with a standard pathway. Once you’ve reported the passport and you’re working with an embassy/consulate, you’re back in an official process that people use every day.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps to restore lawful travel and reduce harm. Longer-term steps (full validity replacement later, visa re-issuance, identity protection) depend on your route and circumstances.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Embassy/consulate procedures, destination entry rules, and carrier document checks can change. When something conflicts, follow the official guidance from the U.S. Department of State, the embassy/consulate, and your carrier.

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