How to Replace a Lost Passport While Traveling

Traveling in foreign countries is an adventure, but a lost passport may bring the fun to a screeching halt if you don't know what to do. While losing your passport is a hassle, it is nothing to panic about. Preparing before your trip speeds up the process of replacement, but isn't a necessity. The sooner you begin the replacement process, the sooner you are on your way to ski the Swiss Alps or bike across France.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Make photocopies of your passport identification page, picture ID and birth certificate before you leave for your trip. Keep one copy with you and leave the second with a trusted friend or family member back home.

Step 2

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy as soon as you realize your passport is lost. Bring your photocopies with you.

Step 3

Fill out form DS-11.

Step 4

Fill out form DS-64 or give a sworn statement of the circumstances of the loss and your identity, depending on the requirements of the particular embassy. Recall where you last had the passport the best you can.

Step 5

Give the embassy official the copies of your documents or the information to obtain them from relative overseas. Give the official your full legal name, birth date, place of birth, passport number if you have it and the date and place from where the passport was issued.

Step 6

Bring fellow travelers with you if you have no proof of identity to give a sworn statement of your identity. Otherwise, expect an interview with a consular officer to establish identity, or have friends or family in the United States give identifying information over the phone or via fax.

Step 7

Tell the officials your travel plans, then wait for your new passport.

Tips & Warnings

Fees are required for replacement passports unless the passport and all of your money was stolen, or you are the victim of disaster. Officials will work with you to find a way to pay the fees if you are short on cash. Passport photos are required, but the embassy will tell you where to get them in that country.

Passport photos are required, but the embassy will tell you where to get them in that country.

U.S. embassies are closed on holidays and weekends. After hours, officials are on call, but it is rare for them to issue a passport unless it is an emergency.

Resources

Article Written By Jenny Harrington

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

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