Lost Passport Abroad: The English You Need at the Police and Embassy

Losing a passport is upsetting, but the next conversation can be handled one fact at a time. First make sure you are safe, then confirm whether the passport is truly missing, report it as required, and contact the appropriate embassy or consulate.

Procedures differ by country and nationality. Use official government guidance for the exact steps.

Explain what happened

• “I’ve lost my passport.”
• “My passport was stolen.”
• “I last saw it yesterday evening at the hotel.”
• “I noticed it was missing this morning.”
• “My bag was taken on the metro.”
• “My passport number is in this photocopy.”

Use lost when you do not know where the item went. Use stolen when someone took it. Do not say stolen only because it may make a claim easier; an official report must be accurate.

At a police station

• “I need to report a lost passport.”
• “Could I file a police report?”
• “Is there an officer who speaks English?”
• “Could I have a copy of the report?”
• “What is the report or reference number?”
• “How can I contact the lost property office?”

The police may ask when and where you last used the passport, what else was missing, whether you saw anything suspicious, and where you are staying.

A police report dialogue

Officer: When did you last have your passport?

Traveller: At about 4 p.m. yesterday, when I checked into my hotel.

Officer: When did you notice it was missing?

Traveller: At 8 this morning. I checked my room and asked reception, but they haven’t found it.

Officer: Was anything else taken?

Traveller: No. My wallet and phone are still with me.

Officer: Please write your contact details here.

Traveller: All right. Could I get a copy of the report for my embassy?

Contacting an embassy or consulate

• “I’m a citizen of [country], and my passport has been lost.”
• “I need an emergency travel document.”
• “Do I need an appointment?”
• “Which documents should I bring?”
• “How long does the process usually take?”
• “My flight leaves on Friday. Will I need to change it?”
• “Is there an emergency number outside office hours?”

An embassy may ask for another photo ID, passport photos, proof of citizenship, a police report, travel bookings, and a fee. Requirements vary, so confirm them directly.

Useful travel and hotel requests

• “Could you print these documents for me?”
• “May I use this address for the application?”
• “Could you extend my stay for two nights?”
• “I need to change my flight because my passport is missing.”
• “Could you tell me the change fee?”
• “Will this emergency document be accepted for my connection?”

If your replacement journey passes through another country, ask the embassy and airline whether transit is permitted with the document you receive.

Protect yourself before departure

Keep a secure digital copy of your passport information page and visa, separate from the physical passport. Leave another copy with someone you trust. Save your embassy’s official contact details and record your travel insurance policy number.

Do not keep every identity document in the same bag. A backup ID stored separately can make replacement easier.

A calm summary sentence

When you reach a new desk, start with this pattern: “My passport went missing yesterday in [place]. I have reported it to the police, and I need to find out how to get an emergency travel document.” It gives the listener the event, action already taken, and help you need.