What to do when you lose travel documents while travelling abroad

Travel documents are the one thing that you need to keep most securely when travelling anywhere. There is no sense in getting into a panic mode. Instead, take preventive measures before you travel and know how to get help when you lose the documents in transit somewhere.

Preventive measures

• Take photocopies of each and every requisite travel document, including not just your passport and visa but also your birth certificate and documentary evidence of having taken a relevant vaccination. Keep one set of the copies in the bag which goes into cargo (if more than one bag, than one set in each) and one set in your hand luggage.
• Scan all the documents and save it in your email. That is, send the documents from one email to another. You can save it too in Google Drive or place it in cloud storage. That way, no matter where you are, you can download copies as and when required.
• Always carry half a dozen passport size photos (visa-size & passport-size photos) in your hand luggage. Also scan and save in an email just like your documents. That way, if you need to apply for a replacement of a lost passport, you will not have to hunt around for a photo studio to take and develop photos.
• Do not travel solely with just one identity proof. Most people just take along their passport. Why not carry at least one other ID as a backup? For example, you could take along your original & photocopies of your driving license too.

After losing a document

• File a report with the local police right away, stating which document you lost and whereabouts you think it was lost/stolen.
• Visit the nearest embassy of your country. You can also go the consulate office. The officials of the consulate / embassy are the right people to approach to assist you in getting a new document to replace the lost one. Ideally, they should be able to get you the new document within a day. 

Worried about losing luggage during transit? Here's what you should do: How to track lost bags in transit

Have a medical problem when travelling abroad? Check this out: What to do if you fall ill while traveling abroad.