I lost my passport abroad — how do I get home?

Direct answer

Report the loss or theft to the local police — the report is what the consulate and the insurer need — then contact MSZ — Centrum Informacji Konsularnej (22 523 90 00), the consular emergency line of Poland: the nearest embassy or consulate issues an emergency travel document within a day or two, on presentation of the report, a photo, another ID or proof of nationality, and a fee. No embassy nearby? Any other EU country's embassy must help EU citizens. Travel insurance — Rzecznik Finansowy — ubezpieczenia (22 333 73 28) if it refuses — covers the extra costs.

Call firstMSZ — Centrum Informacji Konsularnej

Report toPolicja — zawiadomienie o przestępstwie

If that failsRzecznik Finansowy — ubezpieczenia

🗣️ What to say

"I am a citizen of Poland in [city, country]. My passport was [lost / stolen] on [date]; police report [number]. I am travelling on [date] and need an emergency travel document. Which consulate is nearest, what do you need, and can I book an appointment?"

🪜 Step by step

Police reportLocal police station; ask for a copy in English if possible.
Consular line: MSZ — Centrum Informacji Konsularnej24/7 in most countries. They tell you the nearest post and what to bring.
Emergency documentPhotos (any photo shop), the report, a copy of the old passport if you have one, fee. Valid for the trip home only.
No embassy of PolandAny other EU member state's consulate is obliged to help EU citizens on the same terms.
Insurance and airlineKeep receipts; tell the airline you will travel on an emergency document — some routes need a visa check.

📇 All contacts

MSZ — Centrum Informacji KonsularnejConsular assistance, crises abroadIn an emergency abroad📞 22 523 90 00 🔗 www.gov.pl/web/dyplomacja/informacje-dla-podrozujacych

Policja — zawiadomienie o przestępstwieReport at a station or online; case number immediatelyAlways — the basis for bank, insurer and platform📞 112 🔗 www.policja.pl

Rzecznik Finansowy — ubezpieczeniaInterventions against insurersAfter the insurer's refusal📞 22 333 73 28 🔗 rf.gov.pl

Urząd gminy — ewidencja ludności / PESELRegistration, PESEL number, certificatesWithin 30 days of moving in🔗 www.gov.pl/web/gov/zamelduj-sie-na-pobyt-staly-lub-czasowy-dluzszy-niz-3-miesiace

❓ Frequently asked

Can I fly home with just the police report?

No; you need an emergency document or a temporary passport. Within Schengen a national ID card also works if you have one.

My residence permit was in the passport

Tell MSZ — Centrum Informacji Konsularnej and the immigration authority at home; you may need a return visa. Start the same day.

Children's passports

Same procedure; both parents' consent may be required for a minor's emergency document.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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🧭 Is this still correct?

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🛂 I lost my passport abroad — how do I get home?