May 28, 2026 · Photo Tips
Emergency Passport & Photo When Lost Abroad 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide
Losing your passport abroad is stressful but manageable if you know the steps. This guide covers everything from the police report to getting an emergency passport photo at your destination — including German, UK, and US emergency travel document photo requirements and the most important preparation tips to take before you travel.
If your passport was stolen: report to police first
Before contacting your embassy, go to the nearest local police station and file a report. The police report (crime reference number) is required by almost all embassies when applying for an emergency travel document. Without it, the process will take significantly longer.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When Your Passport is Lost or Stolen Abroad
- Step 1 – Report to local police. Go to the nearest police station and file a report for the lost or stolen passport. Obtain a copy of the report with an official stamp or reference number. Most embassies require this before they will process an emergency document application.
- Step 2 – Contact your embassy or consulate. Find the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. Most embassies have emergency hotlines for citizens in distress — outside office hours, these are often available 24/7. Explain your situation and ask for an urgent appointment. Provide your travel date so the embassy can prioritise if needed.
- Step 3 – Get a passport photo. You will need at least one or two passport photos for the emergency document application. The photo must meet ICAO requirements: 35×45mm (or country-specific size), plain white or light background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses. Most destinations have pharmacies, photo studios, or copy shops that can produce a compliant photo within hours. In a pinch, a smartphone photo against a plain white wall with good natural light is generally accepted for emergency documents.
- Step 4 – Attend your embassy appointment. Bring the police report, any identity proof you have (copy of passport, national ID, driving licence), your passport photos, proof of travel (flight booking), and the completed application form if one was provided. Pay any applicable fees.
- Step 5 – Receive your emergency travel document. Emergency documents are typically issued within 24–72 hours. They cover your return journey home and are not full passports — they may restrict your ability to transit certain countries. Check transit visa requirements for your return route.
Emergency Travel Document Photo Requirements by Country
| Country | Document | Photo Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Reiseausweis als Passersatz | 35×45mm | BSI PointID rules may be relaxed for emergencies — confirm with embassy |
| United Kingdom | Emergency Travel Document | 35×45mm | HMPO standard; plain light background |
| United States | Emergency Passport | 2×2 inch (51×51mm) | US State Department rules; plain white background |
| Switzerland | Notreiseausweis / Titre de voyage d'urgence | 35×45mm | ICAO standard; white or light grey background |
| Australia | Emergency Passport | 35×45mm | DFAT ICAO standard; white or light grey background |
Always verify exact photo requirements with your specific embassy before attending your appointment.
Taking an Emergency Passport Photo Abroad
In most cities worldwide, getting a compliant passport photo takes less than an hour:
- Pharmacy chains in Europe (Pharmacie, Apotheke, Farmacia), North America, and Asia frequently offer passport photo booths or services.
- Copy shops and print shops (e.g. FedEx Office, local equivalents) can print a digital photo to the correct format.
- Hotel reception or concierge can often point you to the nearest photo service.
- Smartphone photo — stand against a plain white wall, use good natural light (no harsh shadows), neutral expression, eyes open. Print at any nearby print shop or submit digitally if the embassy allows it.
For emergency documents, embassies are pragmatic — they understand you may not have access to a professional studio. A smartphone photo that meets the basic ICAO requirements will generally be accepted.
How to Prepare Before You Travel
The best time to prepare for a lost passport is before you travel:
- Carry 2–3 spare passport photos in a separate compartment of your bag — not in your passport holder or wallet. If you lose your passport, you will still have the photos for the emergency application.
- Store a digital copy of your passport photos in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) or email a high-resolution copy to yourself. You can print from any shop abroad.
- Photograph your passport data page and store it separately or in cloud storage. This helps the embassy verify your identity quickly.
- Note your embassy contact details for each country you are visiting before you go. Emergency consular hotlines are available around the clock for citizens in distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take an emergency passport photo on my phone?
Yes. For emergency travel documents, a photo taken on a smartphone is generally acceptable if it meets the basic ICAO quality requirements: neutral expression, eyes open, good even lighting, plain white or light background, and no filters. Many embassies explicitly accept smartphone photos for emergency documents, recognising that you may not have access to a professional studio.
Will the German embassy abroad accept a home photo for an emergency Reiseausweis?
The German BSI PointID standard normally requires photos taken at authorised studios for Reisepass and Personalausweis. However, for emergency travel documents (Reiseausweis als Passersatz), requirements may be more flexible due to the circumstances. Check with the specific German embassy before your appointment, as they have discretion in emergency situations.
How quickly is an emergency passport issued?
Emergency travel documents are typically issued within 24 to 72 hours of your embassy appointment, depending on the embassy, the country you are in, and your travel circumstances. Some embassies can issue same-day documents in urgent cases. Contact your embassy as soon as possible and explain your travel date.
What documents do I need besides a photo for an emergency passport?
In addition to passport photos, most embassies require: a police report from where you reported the loss or theft; proof of identity (copy of passport, national ID card, driving licence, or any other valid ID); proof of travel (flight booking, hotel reservation); and a completed application form. Requirements vary by embassy — check before attending.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. Emergency document requirements vary by embassy and may change. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for official embassy or consular guidance. In an emergency, contact your embassy directly.
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