What To Do When Your Passport Is Stolen

If you're traveling abroad and someone nabs your things, the first thing you're going to want to know is what to do when your passport is stolen. This is a stressful situation, but don't fret! Replacing a passport abroad is standard procedure at U.S. embassies and consulates. Follow these steps and you'll be in the know if your passport comes up stolen.

1. Contact a U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. You're going to want to let these guys know what's going on ASAP! They'll get you the correct forms and contact the correct people to let them know of your stolen passport. As with any government agency, the embassy is going to want to see valid proof of identity and American citizenship. It's a good idea to keep a photocopied version of your passport on you at all times in case you need to prove who you are. If you don't have any legal forms proving your identity, that's OK too. In most cases the problem can be resolved quickly and painlessly.
2. File a report with the local police. After visiting the embassy, it's also recommended that you swing by the local police station to file an affidavit describing how your passport was lost or stolen. This usually isn't mandatory, but it could be required if fraud is suspected in a stolen passport case.
3. Apply for a new passport once you get back to the United States. Since most embassies and consulates don't issue passports anymore, you're going to want to reapply for your passport to replace the stolen one. This process is just like the initial application, and though it's a pain, it's not the end of the world.

So if you ever find that your passport has been stolen while traveling, don't fret! Just know who to talk to and what actions to take so you can keep traveling. Who knows, you might even have such a good time that you forget your passport was even stolen!