Losing your passport is any travelers biggest fear. Imagine that you are about to leave your hotel, and you check your bag for your passport, but you can’t find it anywhere. Cue the panic. This situation would cause stress for anyone, but especially if you are supposed to be on your way to a flight. Although it is a big inconvenience, and an unfortunate one at that, it is not impossible to recover and continue on with your journey or finally make it home. Here are four steps on how to get a temporary passport in Italy.
Step 1- Report your passport lost or stolen.
The U.S. State Department advises that the first thing you should do is report your passport lost or stolen to the Italian police. You can do this by going straight to the police station, and they will help you fill out a report. However, this step is not required, only advised, so you should only take the time to do it if you have the time.
Step 2- Deal with your airline
Make sure that you call your airline if you know you won’t be able to make your flight and explain to them your situation. They will probably be able to help you change your reservation, and usually if you call before the flight has taken off, the fee will be less than if you wait.
Step 3- Gather the required documents.
Next you are going to need to gather your materials before you head to your embassy. The U.S. Department of State requires these documents, but for other nationalities, the country specific information should be listed on the website of your embassy.
- Proof of citizenship: This can be your birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or expired US passport. To do this, you are probably going to need to ask someone at home to scan and send it to you.
- A valid form of photo ID: This can include a drivers license or also an expired passport.
- A passport photo: The picture has to be taken within the last 6 months. If you are in Rome, you can use a photo booth located at the embassy, or if you are in Milan, you can get one for 5 euros. It can be difficult to find a place that is familiar with American or other countries guidelines within Italy, so make sure that you have the proper requirements. For more information about passport photo guidelines, click here.
- Two forms that you need to print, fill out, and bring with you.
- A police report if you filed for one.
If you’re entire wallet was stolen, and/or you are having trouble getting all of these documents, you can call your nearest consulate or embassy and they can assist you further.
Step 4 – Make a trip to the embassy or consulate
Locations of American Embassies in Italy: Rome
Locations of American Consulates in Italy: Milan, Florence, or Naples.
For other nationalities, you can find a full list of foreign embassies in Italy here.
Remember that the Embassy is only open during working hours during the week. Once you are there, you will receive a temporary passport that should only be used to get you back home. Once you are home you are going to have to trade it in for a permanent passport, but you will not have to pay again.
Best of luck to anyone who finds themselves in this situation, and remember, that although it can seem like it at the time, losing your passport abroad is neither the end of the world, or uncommon.
By: Julia Morton