What to Do if Your Passport is Lost or Stolen in Spain

In this article we will show you what to do in case your passport has been lost or stolen in Spain.

Despite the fact that Spain is a very safe destination, certain precautions should be taken when storing your documentation in a safe place.

If you have been walking through large crowds in a Spanish city and you think your passport has been stolen or lost somewhere, here are the steps to follow to get a new passport:

INDEX

1. Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps

Panicking won’t help, but staying calm will. Take a moment to think about where you last had your passport. Did you leave it at the hotel front desk, in a café, or while passing through a checkpoint? Contact the place immediately. Sometimes, good samaritans turn in lost documents.

Additionally, check your bags thoroughly—it’s surprisingly common for passports to get lodged in an overlooked pocket or corner!

2. Report the Loss at the Nearest Police Station

If your passport isn’t recovered, your next step is to visit the nearest police station. Filing a report is mandatory in Spain and provides an important document you will need to present when applying for a replacement passport or emergency travel documents.

Make sure to bring any form of identification you may still have with you (driver’s license, ID card, etc). And be ready to explain the circumstances under which your passport went missing.

Pro tip: Use Google Maps to search for “Comisaría de Policía Nacional” and find the nearest station.

3. Contact Your Embassy or Consulate

After filing a police report, head to your home country’s embassy or consulate. They are the ones authorized to issue a replacement passport or emergency travel documents.

Before visiting, check their working hours and call ahead if possible—most will require an appointment.

You’ll likely need the following documents:

A copy of the police report
A valid form of identification, if available
Passport-sized photos (some consulates even have photo booths on-site)
Proof of citizenship (if you don’t have a copy, they may assist you in verifying this through other means)

The embassy staff will guide you through the replacement process and may provide temporary travel authorization while the new passport is issued.

4. Use Copies of Your Passport (If You Have Them)

This is where preparation pays off. If you’ve kept photocopies of your passport or have access to a scanned version on your phone or cloud storage, it will speed up the replacement process significantly.

Copies make it easier for the embassy to verify your identity and issue you a new passport more efficiently. If you’re still planning your trip, make it a habit to keep hard and soft copies of your passport when you travel.

5. Inform Your Travel Insurance Provider

Travel insurance can be a lifesaver when it comes to emergencies like losing your passport. Many policies include coverage for lost or stolen travel documents, and you may be entitled to a reimbursement for any costs related to replacing your passport.

Contact your insurance provider to explain your situation and keep receipts for all related expenses to make your claim.

Pro tip: Take advantage of digital insurance services. Many companies now offer apps where you can upload your police report and receipts, simplifying the claims process.

6. Keep in Touch with Airlines and Accommodations

If your travel plans are affected by the loss, reach out to your airline and accommodations to inform them of the situation. Airlines usually work with stranded travelers to adjust flights, but be prepared to provide documentation from the embassy and police to explain your delay. Similarly, hotels or rental services may allow additional flexibility with reservations.

7. Avoid Future Hassles with Travel Tips

Once you’ve replaced your passport and resolved the situation, take steps to prevent it from recurring in the future. Here are a few helpful tips:

Store Your Passport Securely: Use an anti-theft travel wallet or keep your passport in a hotel safe when you’re not using it.

Carry a Copy: Always have a photocopy of your passport or a digitally scanned version saved securely in your email or cloud.

Register with Your Embassy: Some countries allow travelers to register their trip with the embassy, making it easier to assist in emergencies.

Continue Your Adventure Stress-Free

Losing or stealing your passport might feel disruptive, but by following these steps, you’ll minimize setbacks and get back to exploring Spain in no time. Always remember that your embassy and local authorities are there to help, so don’t hesitate to rely on them.