If you lose your passport in the United States, you must contact your country’s embassy or consulate to obtain a replacement before traveling internationally. Airlines will not allow departure without a valid passport.
What happens
If you lose your passport while in the United States, you will not be able to travel internationally until you obtain a replacement from your country’s embassy or consulate.
Local police do not issue replacement passports. The process is handled by your home country’s diplomatic mission.
After reporting the loss to your embassy or consulate:
- Your old passport will be canceled.
- You may be issued an emergency travel document or a replacement passport.
Processing time depends on your nationality and location.
If you attempt to depart the United States without a valid passport, airlines will deny boarding.
What to do
Immediately:
- Confirm the passport is lost, not misplaced.
- Contact your country’s nearest embassy or consulate.
- Follow their instructions for replacement documentation.
You may be required to provide:
- Identification (if available).
- Passport photos.
- Police report (if requested).
- Proof of travel plans.
If your passport was stolen, filing a police report may be required by your embassy.
Keep copies of any documentation issued.
What it may lead to
Common outcome:
- Issuance of an emergency travel document valid for departure.
Possible outcomes:
- Full replacement passport issued locally.
- Temporary travel document valid only for return to your home country.
Worst realistic outcome:
- Travel delayed several days.
- Missed flight requiring rebooking.
- Additional visa requirements if traveling onward to another country.
Losing a passport does not automatically affect your U.S. visa status if you were lawfully admitted.
If you are in the U.S. on a visa
If your passport contained a U.S. visa:
- The visa is tied to the lost passport and is no longer usable.
- Replacement procedures vary by country and visa type.
You may need to apply for a new visa if you travel abroad and intend to re-enter.
Departure from the U.S. does not require showing the visa to U.S. authorities, but airlines verify passport validity.
Common mistakes
- Waiting too long to contact your embassy.
- Assuming U.S. immigration can issue replacement travel documents.
- Attempting to board an international flight without a valid passport.
- Discarding copies of the old passport if available.
What this depends on
Outcomes vary based on:
- Your nationality.
- Embassy processing capacity.
- Whether the passport was lost or stolen.
- Whether you have other valid identification.
Replacement authority belongs to your home government, not U.S. agencies.
When federal or private systems apply
Passport replacement is handled by your country’s diplomatic mission (foreign government authority).
Airlines, as private carriers, enforce passport validity at boarding.
U.S. federal authorities do not replace foreign passports.
Last reviewed: February 2026
This page describes typical operational outcomes. Individual cases vary.