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

Direct answer

Report the loss or theft to the local police — the report is what the consulate and the insurer need — then contact Department of Foreign Affairs — consular assistance (01 408 2000), the consular emergency line of Ireland: 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 — Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) (01 567 7000) if it refuses — covers the extra costs.

Call firstDepartment of Foreign Affairs — consular assistance

Report toAn Garda Síochána

If that failsFinancial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)

🗣️ What to say

"I am a citizen of Ireland 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: Department of Foreign Affairs — consular assistance24/7 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 IrelandAny 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

Department of Foreign Affairs — consular assistanceConsular help abroad, 24/7 duty officerIn an emergency abroad📞 01 408 2000 🔗 www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/travel/assistance-abroad

An Garda SíochánaReport at any station or via the Garda websiteAlways — you need the PULSE reference for the bank🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud

Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)Free, binding complaints against insurersAfter the insurer's final response📞 01 567 7000 🔗 www.fspo.ie

Department of Social Protection — PPS number / Civil Registration ServicePPS number, birth/marriage certificatesOn arrival and for certificates📞 0818 927 999 🔗 www.gov.ie/en/service/12e6de-get-a-personal-public-service-pps-number

❓ 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 Department of Foreign Affairs — consular assistance 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

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