What to Do If You Lose Your Passport While Traveling — Step-by-Step Guide

Losing your passport during a trip is not only a stressful situation but also a real threat to continuing your journey. To avoid unnecessary problems, it’s important to know how to act in such cases. In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide that will help you effectively address the lost document issue. As noted by the editorial team of Baltimore Chronicle, understanding the necessary steps will save you time and reduce the risk of complications.

Step 1: Assess the Situation and Stay Calm

First of all, do not panic. A lost passport is an inconvenience, but it can be fixed if you follow a clear plan. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check if you left the passport somewhere else (hotel, bus, restaurant, etc.).
• If the passport is not found, determine when you last used it. This will help you understand where it could have been lost.

Step 2: Report the Loss

The next step is to officially report the loss of the document. If you’re abroad, it’s important to contact the nearest embassy or consulate. In Ukraine, to report the loss, you should:

• Call the police and file a report about the lost document.
• Get a copy of the report, which may be needed for further actions.

Actions in Case of Losing a Passport Abroad

• Contact the embassy/consulate: Use the official assistance of diplomatic missions to restore your passport.
• Police report number: This may come in handy for issuing a temporary document.

Step 3: Restore Your Passport at the Consulate

After contacting the relevant authorities, you’ll need to apply for a passport restoration. At the consulate, they will inform you about the necessary documents and conditions for passport restoration:

1. Official loss report.
2. Passport-sized photos for the new document.
3. Proof of your identity (a copy of a driver’s license, transportation ticket).
4. Document confirming your registration abroad (if available).

Restoration Time: Depending on the country and type of application, this can range from a few days to several weeks.

Step 4: Use a Temporary Document

If restoring the passport takes time, you can get a temporary passport that will allow you to continue your trip or return home.

• If you are returning to Ukraine, you will be issued a temporary citizen’s certificate for your return.
• If you are abroad, the temporary passport will allow you to continue your trip or return home.

Step 5: Additional Security Measures

Once you receive a new or temporary passport, it’s important to ensure the safety of your future travels:

• Check the validity of your visas: Losing your passport also means losing your visa. Check if you need to obtain a new one.
• Ensure your data hasn’t fallen into the wrong hands: If you suspect theft, report it to the authorities.

Recommendations to Prevent Losses

To avoid similar situations in the future, follow these simple rules:

• Always keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, tickets).
• Keep your passport in a safe place — not in your pockets, but in a special bag or wallet.

Comparing Different Passport Restoration Methods

Earlier we wrote about how to return an item without a receipt: what the law says in 2025.