Smart Preparation: Understand What To Do If Your United States Passport Gets Stolen While Traveling
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010We all know that during vacations, very little goes as planned. And when you’re one of the unfortunate few who are faced with missing or stolen US passports, it’s easy to panic. However, there are things you can do in order to ensure that you obtain a new one as quickly as possible so you can continue enjoying your vacation or so you can return home with as little delay as possible.
First of all, don’t panic. While it’s completely understandable that you’d be stressed, these scrambled thoughts won’t get you anywhere. Take a deep breath and realize that you can’t change the problem, but you can work towards a quick solution.
The next thing to do if you lose your passport is immediately contact the closest US embassy. Do not wait, and do not procrastinate. If your passport gets into the wrong hands, it could put you in very real danger. Identity theft has become an increasingly common problem all over the world, and passports prove to be an excellent tool for those looking to steal someone’s identity.
You will need to talk to someone from the American Citizens Service department of the Consular Section when you reach the embassy. The first thing they will do is invalidate your stolen?passport, meaning no one can use it. Next, they will let you know what exactly to do in order to go about getting a new passport, like how to get a new application and passport photos.
Report the theft to the local authorities, if applicable. They will file a report that only further ensures that your passport stays out of the wrong person’s hands. These reports are useful if you suspect your identity’s been stolen, as they are required by the embassy to issue reports.
Gather all the necessary information and relay it to the embassy. This helps confirm your identity. The information you will need includes your name, your date of birth, place of birth, when your passport was issued, where it was issued, and the passport number. Before you leave for your trip, write this information down and keep a copy with a relative and another copy in a safe place. Having it ready in case of an emergency will make your renewal process go smoother and faster. Contact someone in the United States so they know your passport has been stolen and that you might be delayed on your return. This person might also be contacted in order to help validate your identity.
If you are thinking of traveling abroad, you might want to invest in a small purse or a money belt to wear underneath your clothes. Those who have their passports in conspicuous places are key targets for those looking to steal them. So simply keeping your passport – along with your other important items – in a safe, hidden spot can keep you safe from theft.
In the recent news, Lindsay Lohan, the tabloid queen, claimed that her passport was stolen in France. In her case, this left her having to miss her DUI case in Beverly Hills, along with her required Alcohol Education courses. Regardless of whether or not this is true, she quickly and efficiently obtained a new passport application forms and got back to the United States in a timely manner. Many people go their whole lives without having to deal with something like this, but this story shows that it can happen to anyone. Being prepared is the best way to prevent theft, but if you discover you have a stolen U S passport someday, having this sort of knowledge at hand can help you get back home.