What to Say If You Lose Your Passport

Losing your passport while traveling abroad can be stressful and overwhelming. It’s one of the most important documents you carry, and without it, you cannot board international flights or prove your identity in many situations. But don’t panic—there are clear steps you can take, and knowing the right English phrases will help you communicate effectively with the police, embassy staff, hotel employees, or airline representatives. This guide provides practical advice, useful phrases, and example dialogues to help you handle the situation confidently.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Before rushing anywhere, take a moment to check carefully if your passport is really lost. Sometimes, it might just be misplaced in your bag, at your hotel, or in a safe deposit box. Ask yourself:

• Did I leave it in the hotel safe?

• Did I put it in another pocket or wallet?

• Was it stolen along with other belongings?

Useful English Phrases:

• “I can’t find my passport. Can I check if I left it in the safe?”

• “I might have misplaced my passport. Could you help me check the room?”

• “I’m not sure if it was stolen or just lost.”

2. Reporting a Lost Passport to the Police

In most countries, the first step is to file a police report. The embassy or consulate will usually require this document before issuing a replacement passport or emergency travel document.

Useful English Phrases:

• “I would like to report a lost passport.”

• “My passport was stolen. Could you help me file a report?”

• “I need an official police report for my embassy.”

Example Dialogue:
Traveler: “Hello officer, I need help. My passport was stolen.”
Police Officer: “When and where did it happen?”
Traveler: “I noticed it was missing this morning. I think it was stolen yesterday on the bus.”

3. Contacting Your Embassy or Consulate

Your embassy is your lifeline when you lose your passport. They can issue you either a temporary emergency passport or start the process for a full replacement.

Useful English Phrases:

• “I lost my passport. What documents do I need to apply for a replacement?”

• “Can I get an emergency passport to travel back home?”

• “Do I need to bring passport photos or other ID?”

Example Dialogue:
Traveler: “Good morning. I lost my passport. What should I do?”
Embassy Staff: “Do you have a police report?”
Traveler: “Yes, here it is. I also have a copy of my passport and my driver’s license.”

4. Talking to Hotel Staff

Your hotel staff can often support you—whether it’s by helping you contact the police, lending a phone, or giving directions to the embassy.

Useful English Phrases:

• “I lost my passport. Can you help me find the nearest police station?”

• “Could you please call the embassy for me?”

• “Do you know where I can get passport photos nearby?”

5. Informing Your Airline

If you’re about to travel and realize your passport is gone, you must inform the airline. They will explain whether you can still board with an emergency passport or if you need to change your ticket.

Useful English Phrases:

• “I lost my passport. Can I travel with an emergency travel document?”

• “I need to rebook my flight because I cannot travel without my passport.”

• “What documents do I need to check in with a replacement passport?”

6. Asking for Help in General English

Sometimes you’ll need to ask strangers or service staff for assistance. Be polite and clear when asking for help.

Useful English Phrases:

• “Excuse me, can you tell me where the embassy is?”

• “Do you know how I can get passport photos quickly?”

• “Could you help me find a photocopy service?”

7. Preparing Useful Copies Before Traveling

Although you may have already lost your passport, it’s good to remember for the future: carrying photocopies or digital photos of your passport can make the replacement process much easier.

Useful English Phrases:

• “I have a photocopy of my passport. Will this help?”

• “Here is a digital copy of my passport on my phone.”

8. Essential Vocabulary

• Embassy / Consulate – government office abroad that helps its citizens

• Emergency passport – temporary passport to travel back home

• Police report – official document recording the loss or theft

• Identification (ID) – driver’s license, national ID card, or other proof of identity

• Rebook – to change your flight to a new date

9. Example Step-by-Step Conversation

Here’s how a real-life situation might sound:

At the Police Station
Traveler: “Hello, I need to report a lost passport.”
Officer: “When did you lose it?”
Traveler: “I think I lost it yesterday evening at the night market.”
Officer: “Do you have another ID?”
Traveler: “Yes, I have my driver’s license and a copy of my passport.”

At the Embassy
Traveler: “Good afternoon. I lost my passport and I have a police report.”
Embassy Staff: “Do you also have passport photos?”
Traveler: “Not yet. Could you tell me where I can get them taken?”

At the Airline Counter
Traveler: “I lost my passport, but I have an emergency travel document.”
Airline Staff: “That’s acceptable. Please also show another ID.”
Traveler: “Here is my driver’s license.”

10. Practical Tips

• Always keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport.

• Write down your embassy’s contact number before traveling.

• Keep extra passport photos in your luggage.

• Store your passport in a secure place, not in your back pocket.

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Panicking and forgetting to report quickly. The embassy usually won’t issue a replacement without a police report.

• Not having other ID. Always carry at least one other form of identification.

• Waiting until your flight day. If you lose your passport, start the replacement process immediately.

Conclusion

Losing your passport abroad is stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. By staying calm, using the right English phrases, and following the correct steps—reporting to the police, contacting your embassy, informing your hotel, and checking with your airline—you can solve the problem and continue your journey. Preparing copies and knowing these phrases will make the situation much smoother. Remember: communication is key, and even in emergencies, simple, polite English can get you the help you need.

What should I do first if I lose my passport?

Stay calm, confirm it is truly missing, and start documenting details. Check your bags, hotel safe, pockets, and recent places you visited. If you still cannot find it, write down when and where you last remember having it. This note will help when speaking to police, hotel staff, or your embassy.

• Say: “I can’t find my passport. I last used it at [place] around [time].”
• Action: Turn on “find my phone” and photos timeline to help recall locations.

How do I report a lost or stolen passport to the police?

Go to the nearest police station to file a report; many embassies require this before issuing a replacement. Bring any ID you still have, plus a photocopy or digital photo of your passport if available.

• Say: “I would like to report a lost/stolen passport and obtain an official report for my embassy.”
• Provide: Your name, nationality, passport number (if known), last known location, and time you noticed it missing.

What should I say when I call or visit my embassy/consulate?

Explain the situation clearly and ask what documents and fees are required for an emergency passport or a full replacement.

• Say: “I lost my passport and have a police report. What documents do you need for an emergency travel document?”
• Ask: “Do I need passport photos, proof of itinerary, or an appointment?”
• Offer: “I have a digital copy of my passport and another ID.”

What documents will the embassy usually ask for?

Requirements vary by country, but common items include a police report, passport photos, another form of ID, proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or national ID), and travel itinerary. Digital copies can speed verification, but originals are better if you have them.

• Police report (official record number)
• Another ID (driver’s license, national ID)
• Proof of travel (flight confirmation, hotel booking)
• Passport photos (often 2 pieces, specific size)

How long does it take to get an emergency passport?

Processing times range from the same day to a few business days depending on your embassy’s capacity and your documentation. If you have imminent travel, politely emphasize your departure date.

• Say: “My flight is on [date]. Is same-day or next-day issuance possible?”
• Tip: Arrive early and bring exact requirements to avoid delays.

Can I still fly with an emergency travel document?

Often yes, but rules depend on your destination and transit countries. Some airlines accept emergency passports for boarding, while certain countries require visas or may not accept emergency documents for entry beyond a direct return home. Always confirm with your airline and the destination’s immigration website.

• Say to airline: “I have an emergency travel document. Is it valid for this route and transit?”
• Ask embassy: “Does my emergency passport allow transit through [country]?”

What should I tell my hotel or host?

Hotel staff can help with directions, phone calls, printing, and passport photos.

• Say: “I lost my passport. Could you call the embassy/police station and help me with directions?”
• Ask: “Where can I get passport photos and photocopies nearby?”

What if I lost my passport at the airport or on a plane?

Go to the airline counter or airport lost & found immediately. Provide your name, flight number, and seat. If it is not found quickly, proceed to file a police report and contact your embassy.

• Say: “I believe I left my passport on flight [number], seat [seat]. Can you check the aircraft and lost & found?”
• Follow-up: “If it’s not located, I will file a police report now.”

How can I prove my identity without a passport?

Show any secondary ID, plus supporting evidence such as a photocopy of the passport, photos of your passport, or digital documents stored in email or cloud services. Even expired passports can help with verification.

• Say: “I have my driver’s license and a digital copy of my passport photo page.”
• Tip: Provide multiple corroborating items (ID + itinerary + card with your name).

What if my visa or entry stamp was in the lost passport?

You will need to explain this to your embassy and the local immigration office. Ask how to document your legal status while waiting for a replacement, and whether you must replace the visa or carry additional letters.

• Say to immigration: “My visa/entry stamp was in the lost passport. How can I regularize my stay while I obtain a replacement?”
• Ask: “Can I get a letter confirming my legal entry?”

How do I rebook flights and protect my itinerary?

Call the airline as soon as you know you will not make your flight. Many carriers can reissue tickets for a fee. Travel insurance may reimburse certain costs if your policy covers lost documents.

• Say: “I lost my passport and am waiting for an emergency document. What are my options to change to the next available flight?”
• Ask insurer: “What documentation do you need for a claim (police report, receipts)?”

What phrases can I use when asking for help?

Use short, polite, and specific sentences. People respond faster when they know exactly what you need.

• “I lost my passport. Could you show me the nearest police station?”
• “Can I print documents and make photocopies here?”
• “Where can I take passport-sized photos quickly?”
• “Can you help me call the embassy?”

Are there costs I should expect?

Yes. Replacement passports or emergency documents usually require fees. You may also pay for photos, transport to the embassy, notarizations, and flight changes. Keep all receipts and copies of forms for insurance claims.

• Say: “Could you provide a receipt and a breakdown of fees?”
• Tip: Pay by card when possible to create a clear record.

How can I prevent this in the future?

Use multiple layers of security and redundancy. Store your passport in a hotel safe or money belt, carry another ID separately, and save encrypted digital copies of your passport and visas. Keep two passport photos in your luggage and note your embassy’s contact details before traveling.

• Photocopy and digitize your passport bio page
• Separate IDs and payment cards
• Record embassy/consulate addresses and phone numbers

Sample script for calling the embassy

You: “Good morning. I lost my passport today. I have a police report and a digital copy of my passport. I have a flight on [date]. What are your requirements for an emergency travel document, and can I request an urgent appointment?”

Staff: “Please bring the police report, two photos, another ID, and your itinerary. We can try to issue it by [timeframe].”

You: “Thank you. I’ll arrive with all documents and payment.”

Template email to request an appointment

Subject: Urgent Appointment Request – Lost Passport

Dear Consular Section,
I am a [nationality] citizen who lost my passport on [date] in [city/country]. I have filed a police report ([report number]) and can provide another ID, flight itinerary for [date], and passport photos. I would like to request the earliest available appointment for an emergency travel document or replacement passport.
Thank you for your assistance,
[Full Name] | [Phone Number]

Key phrases to use with airline and hotel staff

• Airline: “I have an emergency passport. Is it valid for my itinerary and transits?”
• Airline: “I need to change my flight because I cannot travel without a passport.”
• Hotel: “Could you print my embassy forms and directions to the consulate?”
• Hotel: “Where can I get passport photos within walking distance?”

Final checklist before you leave the embassy

1. Verify your name, birth date, and passport number on the new document
2. Confirm route validity and visa/transit needs for your itinerary
3. Photocopy or scan the new document and store it securely
4. Keep receipts and the police report for insurance and future reference

Bottom line

Act quickly, communicate clearly, and stay organized. Report the loss, contact your embassy, confirm airline and transit rules, and keep thorough records. With the right phrases and documents, you can replace your passport and continue your journey with minimal disruption.

Travel English Guide for Beginners