Lost Passport Abroad — What to Do Step by Step
Don't panic — there's a procedure
Losing your passport abroad is a stressful situation, but it's not hopeless. Thousands of people go through the same thing every year and successfully get back home. Here are the exact steps you need to take.
1. Report the loss to local police
The first thing you need to do is go to the nearest police station and report the loss of your passport. Request a written confirmation (police report) — this document will be essential for all further steps.
Save a digital copy of the police report (take a photo with your phone) just in case.
2. Contact the BiH embassy or consulate
Find the nearest embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Contact information can be found on the website of the BiH Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through a simple Google search.
The embassy can issue you a travel document — a temporary document that allows you to return to BiH. To obtain a travel document, you usually need:
- Police report about the passport loss
- Two passport-size photographs
- Any other identification document (ID card, driver's license, passport copy)
- Payment of consular fee
3. Notify your bank
If you had your passport together with your wallet or cards, immediately block your cards. Even if your cards are safe, notify your bank about the situation in case someone tries to misuse your data.
4. Contact your insurance
If you have travel insurance, report the case to your insurance company. Many policies cover the costs of issuing temporary documents and any changes to travel arrangements.
5. Notify the airline
If you have a flight booked, contact the airline and explain the situation. Most airlines have procedures for such situations and can help you change your flight date without additional costs.
6. After returning to BiH
After returning, you should as soon as possible:
- Report the passport loss at CIPS (Center for Issuing Travel Documents)
- Submit an application for a new passport
- The timeframe for issuing a new passport is usually 30 days
Preventive tips
For future trips:
- Always have a photocopy of your passport separate from the original
- Email yourself a scan of your passport
- Use a document security belt worn under clothing
- Write down your passport number and issue date in a safe place