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Lost or stolen passport or ID card when travelling: the right reflexes to save your trip

Losing your passport on the morning of a return flight, having your identity card stolen on public transport, discovering at check-in that you've left your wallet in a cab... these are just some of the situations in which even the most organized travelers can find themselves faced with lost or stolen documents. The good news is that, with the right reflexes, you can secure your identity, continue (or complete) your trip and obtain new identity papers without turning your vacation or business trip into an obstacle course.
Published on September 29, 2025

Diagnose the situation quickly: where are you and what identity papers do you need?

The procedure to follow depends on two parameters: where the incident occurred (in France, in the EU/Schengen, outside the EU) and which flight you are waiting for (domestic, EU/Schengen, international).

For the parts generally required for each route, see our articles :

First instinct: report loss or theft immediately

  • In France: go to the police station to report the loss or theft. You'll receive a receipt which you can use to renew your passport.
  • Abroad: register with local police authorities, then contact the nearest French embassy or consulate. The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs reminds you that this declaration is the condition for a consular post to issue an emergency laissez-passer or passport (possible delays and costs).

⚠️ Important: a document reported lost or stolen and subsequently found must not be used again. It will be invalid and must be replaced.

Return to France or continue your trip: the emergency document solution

If you are abroad without a passport, the consulate may issue :

  • a laissez-passer (travel document valid for a given journey, usually back to France);
  • an emergency passport (limited validity).

These solutions are governed by French and European regulations. The EU has harmonized the provisional travel document(TVP), which can be issued even by another member state if your country is not represented locally (right of consular protection).

💡 In concrete terms: the consulate will tell you what you need to provide (photos, proof of identity, declaration of loss/theft, tickets...) and the deadlines.

Boarding after a loss or theft: what the airport and airline have to say

A valid identity document is generally required for boarding. A declaration receipt is not a travel document.

Depending on your destination, you may need an emergency pass or passport to cross the border and fly. Check your type of journey (domestic, EU/Schengen, international) and contact airline assistance for guidance.

Renew your identity card or passport

In France

  • CNI You can submit your application at an equipped town hall (often by appointment). You can pre-fill in the form online via ANTS, then track your application and purchase a tax stamp if necessary (e.g. in the event of a lost or stolen identity card). Processing times vary according to the period and location of the request.
  • Passport: application at an equipped town hall, with supporting documents and, if lost or stolen, the appropriate declaration and tax stamp.

Abroad

Application to an embassy or consulate (passport and sometimes CNI) with supporting documents. Fees and delays apply. Ministry and consulate websites provide details of local procedures (payment, slots, documents).

Protect your identity and data while traveling

Losing a title also means risking identity theft.

A few simple reflexes to adopt:

  • Photograph your documents before you leave 📸 and send the images to yourself by secure e-mail (or store them in a digital safe).
  • Take only the essentials with you: leave your passport at the hotel if an identity card is sufficient for the day's journey.
  • Use digital copies whenever possible. The France Identité app offers a single-use proof of identity (PDF with limited scope) to avoid making multiple photocopies of your documents.
  • In the event of theft, report it to the bank or mobile operator if the wallet or phone has disappeared with means of payment or double-factor authentication.
  • On site, use hotel safes and anti-RFID pockets for crowded city trips.

✅ Checklist for your travel notes :

  • Report loss/theft immediately (local police + consulate)
  • Apply for an emergency pass or passport if you need to return home
  • Preparing the renewal(ANTS/mairie or consulate)
  • Monitor your accounts and change passwords if necessary
  • Keep proof and receipts for insurance/employers

Professional travel: ensure your appointments and return without cancelling everything

On a business trip and your passport disappears the day before an appointment? Before you cancel :

  • Contact your consulate to discuss same-day or next-day issuance of an emergency document.
  • Inform your company and, if necessary, the host organization: a temporary video can replace your physical presence until you return.
  • Replan your flights intelligently.

Family travel: minors, authorizations and plan B

Take extra care with children:

  • Keep copies of their identity papers separate from the original, and store the documents in two separate pockets.
  • Before you leave, check whether you need an authorization to leave the country (AST) or additional documents, depending on your destination.
  • In the event of loss or theft of a minor's document, the consulate will advise you of the specific documents (livret de famille, authorizations, photos, etc.) required to issue an emergency document. The general rules for the issuance of documents by French authorities abroad are described by France Diplomatie.

At the airport: how to save time and peace of mind

Arrive early, present receipts and emergency documents at check-in, and keep your receipts handy. Inform the assistance desk immediately.

😀 Recommendation: put your documents in the same pocket, always the same pocket. Your brain will say "thank you" when you take a test at 6am.

After your return: check and finalize your identity papers

  • Follow the production of your new document on ANTS and pick it up as soon as it becomes available (a pick-up delay applies).
  • If you have found your old identity documents after declaring them, don't use them again: they will remain invalid.
  • Keep your receipts for insurance purposes and to justify any expenses incurred (photos, travel expenses, tax stamps).

SOS paper kit: the kit to prepare before every departure ✈️

The key is anticipation (copies, scanning, useful contact details) and responsiveness (declaration and consular contact). By following these steps, the precautions to take in the event of loss or theft of identity documents while traveling become simple reflexes: you limit the risks of identity theft, save time and find your way back home or to your vacation destination more quickly.


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