i can speak from experience on this issue. I had mine stolen from me at a doctor’s office. Yes, you heard me right at the doctor’s office. The lady was certain she would give it back to me and I told her no she did not. In some situations, you know you are not going to win, and this was one of those situations.
Some would say report to the police but coming from a seasoned traveler and in some countries, this would be completely useless. I happen to be in Albania at the time. First thing I did was call the emergency number to the US consulate. I informed them what had happened, and they gave me an appointment within a few days. I went to my scheduled appointment day with my driver's license and my military ID and a copy of my passport. I filled out all the correct forms handed them in and had them stamped. The last step was to go for the service. I paid $175 USD for a completely new passport. The process was easy and very efficient. Just do as they ask you and be on time for your appointments. This is very important because you might end up waiting even longer.
If you inform them, you have a flight within a few days the process will be expedited, but you will not receive a full passport. Just an emergency one. Please keep this in mind and many countries won’t accept them. However, you wanted to wait to receive a whole new passport then it will take 14-21 days. The consulate will receive it and you will just go pick it up no issue.
1. Report your passport missing as quickly as possible.
2. Fill out the necessary paperwork for a replacement passport.
3. Make an appointment at the embassy or consulate of your country to get your replacement passport.
4. Tell the consular officer the date of your flight home.
5. Be prepared to pay for your replacement passport.
6. If your passport has been stolen, file a police report.
7. Take a new passport photo.
8. Fill out an application for a new passport and a statement regarding your lost or stolen passport.
I hope this article helps in answering your question on what to do if you lose your passport.
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