Lost your passport abroad? Do this, in this order

Steps

1. Search first: pockets, bags, hotel safe, last places visited. Call them.
2. File a police report as soon as you are sure it is gone. Get a stamped copy or at least a reference number.
3. Contact your embassy or consulate. Ask what documents they need, how long it takes, whether you need an appointment and the fee.
4. Do not cancel travel or book a flight home until you have spoken to the embassy.
5. Gather what they ask for: police report, proof of citizenship (a photo of your passport data page helps), passport photos, the application form and the fee.
6. If a visa was in the lost passport, contact the embassy of the country that issued it. The visa record and the police report may be enough.
7. Tell your bank and phone provider. A hotel may accept the police report in place of ID.
8. Check that your airline accepts emergency travel documents and check transit-country rules. Keep all receipts for travel insurance.

Prepare before you travel

• Store a photo of your passport data page and visas in cloud storage.
• Save your embassy's emergency phone number.
• Keep a second photo ID and a few passport photos in a different bag.
• Check that your travel insurance covers lost documents.