1. Lost your passport – what should you do?
Have you lost your passport and are you about to travel? It can be a stressful experience, but fortunately there are clear guidelines on what to do, whether you are in your home country or abroad.
Here is a complete guide on how to deal with a lost passport so that you avoid being denied entry to the country in question.
If you lose your passport in your home country and are about to travel, you must:
a) Report the lost passport
You must first report the lost passport to the police. You can usually do this via the police website or at the local police station. This applies whether your passport has been stolen or simply lost.
Why should you report your passport as lost?
Prevention of misuse: A lost or stolen passport can be misused for identity theft, fraud or criminal activities.
Ensuring validity: A lost passport must be blocked so that it is no longer a valid travel document.
Requirements for issuing a new passport: The police report serves as documentation that the previous passport has been lost or stolen – without it, it may be more difficult to obtain a new passport or emergency passport.
b) Ordering a new passport
After reporting the loss, you can order a new passport from the citizen service centre. You must appear in person and bring documentation such as your driving licence and health insurance card.
c) Are you in a hurry? Get a temporary passport
If your trip is imminent and there is no time to obtain a regular passport, you can apply for a temporary passport (also known as a provisional passport or emergency passport).
The temporary passport is issued on the same day and is typically only valid for the duration of your trip.
Remember to check whether your destination accepts temporary passports – not all countries do! For example, the United States does not accept temporary passports for visa-free entry.
2. Lost your passport abroad – emergency situation
If you have lost your passport abroad, you must contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the country you are in as soon as possible.
a) Contact the embassy
The embassy can help issue a temporary passport or provisional passport so that you can return home.
You can usually find an official website with contact details for the different embassies.
b) Bring documentation
When you arrive, you must bring documentation such as:
Driving licence
Copy of your old passport (if you have one)
Personal number
New photo
Police report from your local police station if your passport has been stolen
c) When travelling with children
If you are travelling with children and have joint custody, the other parent must usually also give their consent for a new passport to be issued.
3. Important considerations – passports and travel
Always remember:
Update your passport in good time – if it has expired, you will not be able to travel, and some destinations require that your passport be valid for a certain period after entry.
Extending your passport is not an option. You must order a new passport.
Present your old passport when renewing your passport if possible – this will make the process faster and cheaper.
Hand in your extra passport if you have been issued an extra passport (dual passport).
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid travel documents – in many places, you must apply for a visa before entering the country. In our blog post about which countries you cannot travel to with a UK passport, you can also find an overview of which countries require a visa for entry.
Not all countries accept temporary passports
Some countries require a biometric passport or have special rules for temporary passports. It is your responsibility to check with the embassy of your destination country to see if a temporary passport is sufficient. Otherwise, you may be denied entry.
4. Frequently asked questions
How do I report my passport if I have lost it?
You must contact the police and report it. You can usually report your passport via the police’s online website.
Can I use my driving license as ID?
A driving license can be used as temporary identification in certain cases, but it does not replace your passport at border control.
Conclusion
If you have lost your passport – whether in your home country or abroad – it is important to act quickly and follow the official procedures. Please note that temporary passports and provisional passports are not accepted in all countries, so always check the requirements for your destination.
Whatever the situation, remember: your passport is your responsibility, and ensuring you have valid identification is an important part when travelling.
Obtain compensation for flight delays or cancellations
Even if a lost passport is not covered by any compensation scheme, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Refundmore.com helps travellers obtain compensation and reimbursement in accordance with EU Regulation 261/2004. Our service covers cases such as:
Delays of more than 3 hours
Cancellation of flights at short notice
Denied boarding (through no fault of your own – e.g. not due to lost or forgotten passport)
FAQ
What should you do if you lose your passport?
If you lose your passport, you must report it to the police and make an appointment to get a new one. If you are going to travel, you can get a temporary passport, which is valid for the duration of your trip.
Lost your passport abroad?
If you lose your passport abroad, you must contact your home country’s embassy in the country in question and ask for help in obtaining a provisional or temporary passport.
