Getting an Emergency Passport When You're Stuck Abroad

What to do when you need a passport fast and you're outside the US

If you've lost your passport or it's been stolen while traveling, you can get an emergency replacement without flying home first. The US State Department issues emergency passports at diplomatic posts (embassies and consulates) in most countries. The process takes one to three business days in most locations, though some posts work faster. You'll need to appear in person at the embassy or consulate in the country where you are, bring specific documents, and pay a fee on the spot.

An emergency passport is a temporary document valid for one year and designed to get you home or to your next destination. It's not the same as a regular passport book, which takes longer to produce. Once you're back in the US, you'll need to apply for a standard passport to replace it.

Key Takeaways

• Emergency passports are issued at US embassies and consulates abroad and typically take one to three business days.
• You must appear in person with a completed DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, photo ID, and a new passport photo.
• The fee varies by country but is usually paid in local currency or by card at the time of your appointment.
• An emergency passport is valid for one year and is meant to get you home or to your next destination, not as a permanent replacement.
• You can find the embassy or consulate nearest you through the State Department's website or by calling the main switchboard.

Finding the right embassy or consulate

Start by locating the US embassy or consulate in the country where you are. The State Department maintains a searchable directory at state.gov/about/embassies-consulates. You can also call the main State Department switchboard at 1-202-647-1488 and ask for the post nearest you. If you're in a country without a US embassy, the nearest consulate in an adjacent country may be able to help, though this can add travel time and cost.

Once you've found the post, call or visit their website to understand their specific process. Some embassies handle emergency passports by appointment only; others operate on a walk-in basis for urgent cases. Hours and procedures vary widely. A few posts have limited staffing and may not issue emergency passports at all, so confirm before you travel.

Documents you need to bring

Bring the following to your appointment: a completed DS-11 form (Application for a US Passport), proof of US citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport if you still have it), a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), and one new passport photo meeting State Department standards (2x2 inches, color, taken within six months). If your passport was stolen, also bring a police report or written statement from local authorities.

If you've lost your passport and don't have proof of citizenship with you, the consulate can sometimes verify your citizenship through their records, but this takes longer. Bring any documentation you do have — old visas, travel records, or letters from employers. The consular officer will tell you what they can work with on the day you arrive.

How to get a passport photo abroad

Most embassies and consulates have a photo service on-site or can direct you to an approved vendor nearby. Ask when you call to schedule your appointment. If you need a photo before your appointment, many pharmacies, post offices, and photography studios in major cities can produce passport photos that meet US standards. The photo must be in color, show your full face, have a plain white or off-white background, and be taken within the last six months.

If you're in a remote area without easy access to a photo service, some consulates will accept a digital photo you've taken yourself, though this is not standard. Call ahead and ask what they'll accept rather than showing up with a photo that doesn't meet requirements and having to leave and return.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for an emergency passport varies by country and is set by each post. Most range from $130 to $200 USD equivalent, though some posts charge more. You'll pay at the time of your appointment, usually in local currency, by card, or sometimes by bank transfer. Ask the consulate what payment methods they accept before you go — not all posts take credit cards, and some require exact change in cash.

If you're stranded without money, tell the consulate staff. Some posts can work with you on payment arrangements or connect you with emergency financial assistance programs, though this is not may provide. The faster you contact them, the more options they may have.

What happens after you get your emergency passport

An emergency passport is valid for one year and is meant to get you home or to your next destination. You can use it to board flights and enter countries, but it's not a permanent replacement. Once you're back in the US, you'll need to apply for a standard passport book through your local passport acceptance facility (post office, courthouse, or library) or a passport agency. The emergency document will be returned to the State Department when you apply for the regular passport.

If you need to travel again before you can get home, the emergency passport works for that trip too. Just keep in mind that some countries have specific rules about passport validity — many require at least six months of validity remaining to enter. Check the entry requirements for your next destination before you book.

If the nearest consulate is far away

If you're in a country without a US embassy or consulate, or if the nearest one is hundreds of miles away, contact the State Department's emergency line at 1-202-647-1488 or the nearest post by any means available. They can sometimes issue an emergency passport by mail or arrange for you to receive one at a different location. This takes longer than an in-person appointment but may be your only option.

If you're in a truly remote location with no way to reach a consulate quickly, the State Department can issue a limited travel document that allows you to return to the US. This is a last resort and requires documentation of your situation, but it exists for exactly this scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an emergency passport if my passport was expired?

Yes. An expired passport still proves citizenship, so you can use it to get an emergency replacement. Bring the expired passport with you to your appointment. If you've lost the expired passport, bring other proof of citizenship instead.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or any citizenship document?

The consulate can verify your citizenship through their records if you're a US citizen. This takes longer than a standard emergency passport appointment — sometimes several days — but it's possible. Call the post and explain your situation before you go so they know what to expect.

How long is an emergency passport valid?

An emergency passport is valid for one year from the date of issue. It's designed to get you home or to your next destination, not to serve as a long-term travel document. Once you're back in the US, apply for a regular passport book.

Can I get an emergency passport on a weekend or holiday?

Most embassies and consulates are closed on weekends and US federal holidays. Some posts have emergency duty officers who handle urgent cases outside normal hours, but this is not standard everywhere. Call ahead to ask about emergency procedures if you need a passport on a weekend or holiday.

What if I'm a US citizen but I don't have a US ID?

Bring whatever photo ID you do have — a driver's license from another country, a student ID, an employee badge, or a passport from another country. The consulate will work with what you have. If you have no photo ID at all, tell the consular officer and they'll advise you on next steps.