What would you do if your passport was lost or stolen while in abroad?

Traveling abroad is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and experiences. While everyone hopes that one of those experiences won't be losing or stolen passport, it does happen and it is important to know what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

What to do if your passport is lost or stolen?

Go back over your recent tracks: Try to remember when you last saw your passport and track back the sites like restaurants, shops, offices etc. and go to their manager or lost property bureau and ask whether a passport has been handed in.

File a local police report: Always take a copy of the police report. Although not always required, it may be helpful when replacing a passport. This is usually required for any insurance claims for any other items lost or stolen at the same time as your passport.

Report to embassy or consulate: Contact the embassy or consular section for information about the procedure to replace a lost or stolen passport. If you have a copy of the passport, scan and email this to the embassy or consulate.

Contact a friend or relative: Try to call your friend or relative who also work abroad and inform them that they may be needed to help with identity verification.

Ask for an emergency replacement passport: Get a proper passport as soon as required. Turn up to your embassy or commission and explain what has happened and ask for a replacement passport.

Remember, always keep spare copies of passport sized photos when traveling. They can come in handy in an emergency.