I lost my passport abroad — how do I get home?
Report the loss or theft to the local police — the report is what the consulate and the insurer need — then contact Udenrigsministeriets Borgerservice — Globale Vagtcenter (33 92 11 12), the consular emergency line of Denmark: 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 — Ankenævnet for Forsikring (33 15 89 00) if it refuses — covers the extra costs.
🗣️ What to say
"I am a citizen of Denmark 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: Udenrigsministeriets Borgerservice — Globale Vagtcenter24/7 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 DenmarkAny 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
❓ 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 Udenrigsministeriets Borgerservice — Globale Vagtcenter 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
- Udenrigsministeriets Borgerservice — Globale Vagtcenter →
- Politiet — anmeldelse →
- Ankenævnet for Forsikring →
- Borgerservice — folkeregister / CPR →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “lost passport abroad Denmark embassy”
- “emergency travel document”
- “passport stolen on holiday what to do”
- “consular emergency number Denmark”
- “eu citizen no embassy help”
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