A lost passport while abroad is a traveler’s nightmare, and regrettably, it can occur unexpectedly. Whether it slipped out of your bag or fell prey to a pickpocket, the cause is irrelevant; you must replace it quickly. Your trip home hinges on having a valid passport.
Here are 4 steps to replace a lost passport overseas:
Step 1: Locate the Nearest US Embassy or Consulate
To initiate the replacement process, find the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Most countries host US Embassies in their capital cities, with Consulates often situated in major cities outside the capital. Use www.usembassy.gov to locate these facilities.
Step 2: Call the US Embassy or Consulate
Contact the identified Embassy or Consulate, specifically reaching out to the US Citizen Services department. Explain the loss or theft of your passport, and inquire about the following:
- When can you apply for a replacement? Do you need an appointment?
- Is filing a police report required?
- What forms of payment are accepted for passport fees?
- How long does it take to issue a new passport? Is it processed immediately or at a later date?
- In the case of a weekend loss, be prepared to contact them on Monday unless facing a critical emergency. After-hours duty officers are available for emergencies.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
Before you go to the US Embassy or US Consulate, gather all the necessary documents:
- US Passport Forms DS-11 (Application for a New Passport) and DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport).
- If you have access to a computer and printer, you can fill these forms out online and print them. Don’t sign them until you get to the Embassy or Consulate. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can fill these forms out by hand when you get to the Embassy.
- Passport-style photo
- Proof of identity
- Proof of US citizenship
- Travel itinerary
- Passport fees.
- Police report, if you have one
If any documents are missing, consular staff will assist, potentially issuing a limited-validity passport for emergency cases.
Step 4: Travel Home with Your New Passport
If the replacement you were issued for your lost passport overseas was issued for 10 years validity (or 5 years, for kids under age 16), you can treat your new passport just like any other passport.
However, if you were issued a limited-validity passport, you’ll need to re-apply to get a full-validity passport. You must do this within one year of the date your replacement passport was issued. The passport re-application is done using the same procedure as a passport name change. If you apply within one year, you will not need to pay the government passport book fee again as long as you can present the original letter from the United States Embassy or Consulate that issued the limited validity passport (this letter must confirm payment of the government fee in full).
Simplify Your Passport Application
G3 Global Services can help you with your passport re-application, so you can have a full-validity passport back in your hands quickly. Get started on your application today.