You had one job. One tiny little job. And somehow, your passport just vanished, no judgement here, we understand!  Maybe it got stolen. Maybe it fell out mid-selfie. Either way, don’t panic. If you’ve lost your passport while travelling  or your passport was stolen abroad and you’re South African, here’s exactly what to do next.

First, breathe. Losing your passport overseas is stressful, but it’s fixable. Thousands of travellers do it every year. You’re not cursed.

Step 1: Report it immediately

• Go to the nearest police station and file a report. You’ll need an official case number.
• If your passport was stolen, this is crucial for both your embassy and your insurance claim.
• Don’t wait. Some embassies won’t process an emergency passport without it.

Brace yourself, you are about to live the “travel documents missing” type of life!

Step 2: Find your nearest South African embassy or consulate

Good news: home away from home (aka South African Embassy/consulate) is always around a corner…somewhere. Head to the nearest one and ask for help with setting up an emergency travel certificate.

Examples:

Search Tip: Type “South African embassy [country]” into Google. Make sure you’re clicking a .gov.za or official site.

Step 3: Apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)

This is a temporary travel document that gets you back to South Africa. Here are the requirements for lost passport incidents.

You’ll need:

• Your police report
• A copy of your ID or passport (photo works)
• Passport photos (some embassies take them there)
• Proof of travel (ticket, booking confirmation)
• Completed forms (they’ll give them to you)
• Possibly: your fingerprints

Processing times vary. In some places, it’s the same day. In others, up to 3 days.

Step 4: Check your visa status

If you need a visa to be in that country (e.g., Schengen, USA, UK), losing your passport means your visa is also gone. Some embassies will help you get a letter to leave. Others may require extra admin.

How to replace a Visa after losing a passport abroad?

• Thailand or Turkey: Visa-free for SA passport holders. You’re safe.
• Schengen Zone: You may need to visit a local immigration office.
• UK or US: You’ll likely need clearance from local immigration before boarding.

Step 5: Notify your airline or travel insurer

• Call your airline: Some may ask for the ETC number or embassy confirmation.
• Contact your insurer: If your passport was stolen, you may be covered for replacement costs or missed flights.
• Keep receipts for any extra transport, documents, or admin fees.

Here’s all you need to know about travel insurance.

Tips for Staying Sane When Dealing with a Lost Passport

• Always have a digital backup: Screenshot your passport, ID, visa, tickets and email them to yourself.
• Keep a copy in your luggage or tucked in your shoe or wherever you won’t check it obsessively.
• Use a money belt or neck wallet if you’re heading to high-pickpocket zones (yes, we know they’re not sexy).

Most common routes where South Africans lose passports

• Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi): Lost while scooter-ing or beaching.
• UK (London): Gone during pub crawls and underground rides.
• USA (New York, LA): Misplaced with shopping bags and brunch bills.
• France/Italy/Spain: Pickpocket hotspots.
• Dubai: Airport or hotel room mishaps.

Don’t worry, you’ve got this.

Losing your passport abroad is a plot twist, not a full-blown disaster. As long as you report it, find your nearest South African embassy, and apply for your Emergency Travel Certificate, you’re going to be just fine. And when you get home, maybe keep that thing zipped up.

Tags: what to do if passport lost, emergency passport, South African embassy, travel safety, passport stolen while abroad, travel insurance, South African consulate, lost passport advice, travel checklist