Travel

Passport stolen while traveling: what to do?

Passport stolen while traveling: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.

Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Updated octubre 13, 2026 · 7 min read

Immediate actions

  1. 1 File a police report at the local station.
  2. 2 Contact your embassy for an emergency passport.
  3. 3 Cancel any cards stored with the passport.
  4. 4 Notify your hotel and travel insurance.

What not to do / warning

Your embassy can help fast — contact them the same day.

When a passport stolen while traveling happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.

What to do right now

  1. File a police report at the local station.
  2. Contact your embassy for an emergency passport.
  3. Cancel any cards stored with the passport.
  4. Notify your hotel and travel insurance.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
  • Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
  • Following unverified advice from the internet.

How to prevent this in the future

Regular checks and keeping important documents and numbers in one safe place go a long way. Note the emergency number for your country and keep it visible at home.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first?

Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or start the official procedure.

When should I call emergency services?

Whenever there is a risk to life, serious injury or a fire. When in doubt, call and let them decide.

Sources & references

  • Travel.State.Gov (https://travel.state.gov/)