Protocol // Official_Guide
Lost Your Passport Abroad? Tier-1 Recovery Protocol
Updated: FEB 2026 • Independent Research Venture
Losing your passport while traveling is a major crisis, but it is manageable with a clear protocol. The first step is not the embassy—it is the local police station.
1. The Police Report
You need a physical police report to prove the loss was not fraudulent. This is required for your new application at the embassy.
2. American Citizen Services
Locate the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Check their "American Citizen Services" section for walk-in hours or emergency appointments.
3. Emergency Passport (Limited Validity)
The embassy will likely issue a "Limited Validity" passport (purple or grey cover) which is good for one year. You will need to replace this with a full-validity passport once you return to the US.
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