Losing your passport can be very serious, especially if you are in a different country. However, recovering a lost passport becomes more complex if you are in another country. A language barrier in most places and unfamiliarity with the local laws can make your stay more difficult.
The best thing to do is to apply for a replacement passport immediately and report the passport as stolen for a police record. If you are worried and thinking, “what happens if you lose your passport in another country” here is a detailed look.
Potential Consequences you must Face if you Lose Your Passport in another Country
Identity theft is the biggest threat when losing your passport in a foreign country. It is a common problem where criminals use other people’s information to carry out criminal activities.
It can be as small as issuing new credit cards and opening bank accounts in your name to significant crimes like terrorism.
Someone might use your name, date of birth, and other personal information to create false accounts if you lost your passport in another country.
The information can also help the individual create fake passports in the black market and put your reputation and safety at stake. Thus, it’s crucial to keep your passport safely locked in a vault in a hotel or somewhere secure, especially in a foreign country.
Lost Passport in another Country in the Western Hemisphere
The main scenario that you face is having your passport stolen. You need to learn the key steps for replacing a lost passport, and follow all of them. Remember that you do not have to show your passport in the U.S. if you travel from Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico via land or sea. Some documents may qualify in this situation.
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
- Military Identification Card
- Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI)
- U.S. Passport Card
You can easily apply for a new passport once you are back in your country. However, you still need to report your lost passport to the local police when you return.
What Happens If I Lost My Passport In Another Country than the U.S.?
Individuals who lose their passports anywhere else in the world need to file for a replacement passport before returning to the U.S. None of the alternate documents are valid in such scenarios.
Bottom Line
You probably understand how crucial your passport is when traveling internationally. You need to keep your passport safe in every way possible when traveling abroad. Having multiple passports can be beneficial, but can you really have multiple passports? – Read to know more. However, if you still lose it, the Roswell passport and visa service can help you file for a passport replacement.