What should you do if your passport is lost or stolen abroad?

Losing your passport abroad can turn a great trip into a stressful one – but it doesn’t have to. Whether it’s been stolen, damaged, or simply gone missing, there’s a clear path to get help and get home.

Here’s a straightforward guide for Irish holidaymakers on what to do if your passport is lost or stolen abroad.

Why acting quickly matters

Once your passport goes missing, it’s immediately invalid for travel. You won’t be able to board a flight, cross borders, or check into some hotels until it’s been cancelled and replaced. Acting quickly helps limit the damage – it stops anyone else from using your passport for identity theft, and it gets you moving towards a solution straight away.

Every year, thousands of Irish passports are reported lost or stolen. In 2023, more than 30,000 Irish passports were lost, and nearly 3,000 were reported stolen. Most are eventually replaced without issue, but the process is much smoother when you report the loss early.

The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have:

• Contact local police for a report while details are still fresh.
• Reach an Irish embassy or consulate before offices close or queues build.
• Arrange an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) if you need to fly home.
• And if you have travel insurance, you can notify your provider straight away, making any claim for lost documents much easier to process.

Losing your passport abroad is stressful, but it’s completely fixable. Taking action quickly helps you stay in control and makes it far more likely you’ll be back on your trip – or home – without major disruption.

What to do if your passport goes missing

If you’ve lost your passport or believe it’s been stolen, follow these steps straight away.

1. Check again before you report it

It’s worth taking five minutes for a proper search. Most “lost” passports turn up. Check every pocket, zip, and compartment of your luggage. Look in your hotel safe, under beds, or ask reception if it’s been handed in.

2. Report it to the local police

Once you’re sure it’s definitely missing, go to the nearest police station to file a report. Ask for a written copy or case number – you’ll need this for your insurance claim and to get a replacement document.

3. Contact the nearest Irish embassy or consulate

They’ll help cancel your passport and arrange an ETD. You can find contact details on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website.

If there’s no Irish embassy nearby, another EU embassy can often help Irish citizens access emergency travel support.

4. Apply for an emergency travel document

An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is a temporary passport that allows you to return to Ireland (or, in limited cases, travel through one other country). Unlike the UK version, Irish ETDs are only valid for a single journey.

You’ll usually need:

• Proof of Irish citizenship or identity (photo ID or a digital passport copy)
• Your police report
• Two passport photos
• A completed application form
• A fee (varies by country)

Processing typically takes 1–2 days, depending on where you are.

Once you’re back home, you can apply for a new passport online.

5. Contact your travel insurance provider

If you’re insured with JustCover, let us know right away. Your policy may cover the cost of emergency travel documents, overnight stays, or rearranged flights.

We also offer 24/7 emergency assistance, so you’ll always have someone to talk to if you’re unsure what to do next.

6. Protect yourself from identity fraud

When you return to Ireland, notify the DFA that your old passport is lost or stolen. They’ll update the system so no one can misuse it. Even if you later find it, don’t travel on it – it’s already invalid.

What is an Emergency Travel Document (ETD)?

An Emergency Travel Document is a short-term replacement for your passport. It’s issued by Irish embassies or consulates abroad when you can’t get a new passport in time.

You might need an ETD if:

• Your passport is lost or stolen
• Your passport is too damaged to be accepted by airlines or border control
• You need to travel urgently back to Ireland

How it works

You’ll apply in person at an Irish embassy or consulate. The ETD allows you to travel once only, usually straight back to Ireland.

Before travelling, check your route as some countries may require prior permission for transit with an ETD. When you return home, you’ll apply for a new passport as normal.

If you’ve lost multiple passports, the next one may be valid for a shorter period.

Tip: Keep a digital copy of your passport photo page in your email or cloud storage. It makes applying for an ETD much easier if you ever need one. 

What if my passport is damaged?

A damaged passport can be just as much trouble as a lost one. If your passport’s photo page is torn, the laminate is peeling, or the chip no longer scans, it may not be accepted for travel.

If you’re abroad and your passport is damaged beyond use:

• Don’t throw it away – bring it to the nearest embassy or consulate.
• The DFA can issue an Emergency Travel Document so you can return home.
• Once home, apply for a replacement passport through the Irish Passport Service.

If the damage is minor, like a small scuff or creased page, it’s often fine. But if you’re unsure, get advice from the embassy before travelling.

How to contact Irish consular services abroad

If you’re abroad and need help, the Department of Foreign Affairs has consular staff across the world. Can’t find an Irish mission nearby? Another EU embassy may assist you under EU consular cooperation agreements.

If you can’t reach a local office, contact the DFA in Dublin 24 hours a day on +353 1 408 2000 for urgent help. It’s available for urgent assistance for emergencies. 

Before your next trip, make a note of the nearest Irish embassy’s details. It’s worth having them to hand, as it can save you hours in an emergency.

How travel insurance can help when your passport’s lost or stolen

Losing your passport can mean more than just stress – you could face additional costs like new flights, hotel stays, or emergency documents. That’s where travel insurance can help.

With JustCover travel insurance, you’re protected for:

• Replacement travel documents – We cover admin costs and local embassy fees for issuing emergency travel documents (ETDs).
• Additional travel or accommodation – If you're delayed while waiting for your ETD, we can cover the reasonable extra expenses.
• Cancellation or missed departure – If you miss a pre-booked trip or connection due to your passport being lost or stolen, and it’s a covered reason, we may help with the costs.

Plus, our 24/7 emergency assistance team is here to help guide you through the process and support you when you need it most.

A lost passport doesn’t have to ruin your trip

Losing your passport abroad is stressful, but it’s not the end of your holiday. If you act quickly, follow the right steps, and have solid travel insurance in place, you’ll get home safely – and with much less worry.

Wherever you’re travelling, JustCover is here to help you plan smarter, travel safer, and handle the unexpected with confidence.