Lost or Stolen Passport in Africa

Follow police, embassy, immigration, airline and insurance steps after losing a passport.

How to use this guidance

This guide explains the practical checks travelers should make before relying on a passport or travel document. Final acceptance remains itinerary- and authority-specific.

Police report

Police report should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Embassy assistance

Embassy assistance should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Emergency document

Emergency document should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Immigration exit record

Immigration exit record should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Airline and insurance

Airline and insurance should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Verification workflow

Inspect the passport or travel document and record the exact identifying details.
Check the destination authority and every transit country.
Confirm the visa or authorization is linked to the same document.
Ask the airline to verify unusual document types before departure.
Carry printed and offline evidence of approvals and official correspondence.

Do not rely on a generic six-month or two-page rule when the itinerary involves an emergency, refugee, diplomatic or recently renewed document.

Related resources

Editorial notice

Reviewed 2026-08-05. Verify final requirements with the issuing passport authority, destination immigration authority and airline.