Lost or Stolen Philippine Passport Abroad
Losing your passport abroad can be stressful, but the Philippine embassy network has established procedures to help you. Whether your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, here is exactly what to do to get back on track.
Step-by-Step: What to Do
Step 1: File a Police Report
Visit the nearest police station and file an official report of the loss or theft. Get a written copy of the report — you will need this at the embassy. In some countries, you can file online. Keep the report number.
Step 2: Contact the Philippine Embassy
Call the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate immediately. Most embassies have an emergency hotline for after-hours situations. You can also reach the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) 24/7 hotline: +63 2 8834 4000.
Step 3: Visit the Embassy
Go to the Philippine embassy with the following documents:
- Police report (original or certified copy)
- Affidavit of Loss (can be executed at the embassy)
- Any photocopy of your lost passport (if available)
- Two passport-size photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm, white background)
- Valid ID or any supporting identification
- Proof of Filipino citizenship (PSA birth certificate, old passport copy, etc.)
- Travel itinerary or proof of onward travel
Step 4: Apply for a Replacement
The embassy will offer you one of two options depending on your situation:
- Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC): A one-way travel document valid for direct return to the Philippines. Issued same day or within 24-48 hours. Costs approximately USD 20-30.
- Replacement ePassport: A full new passport if you are a resident abroad and do not need to return to the Philippines immediately. Processing takes 6-8 weeks.
Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)
The ETC is the fastest solution if you need to return to the Philippines urgently:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Validity | One-way travel to the Philippines only |
| Processing | Same day to 48 hours |
| Fee | ~USD 20-30 |
| Transit | May not be accepted for transit in some countries — check with airline |
| Accepted by | Airlines and Philippine immigration |
If Your Passport Was Stolen
A stolen passport requires additional steps to protect yourself:
- Cancel credit/debit cards if your wallet was also taken
- Monitor your identity: Report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and NBI for identity protection
- Notify your airline: If you have an upcoming flight, inform the airline about the stolen document
- Contact your travel insurance: Most policies cover emergency document replacement costs
- The embassy will flag your lost passport number with INTERPOL and immigration databases to prevent misuse
Special Situations
Lost Passport at the Airport
If you discover your passport is missing at the airport, contact the airline desk immediately. Airport police can help file a report. Call the embassy emergency hotline. Some airports have consular assistance desks.
OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) in Distress
If you are an OFW and your employer has confiscated or is withholding your passport, this is illegal. Contact the Philippine embassy immediately. The OWWA and DMW have specific assistance programmes for passport confiscation cases.
Minors
For lost passports of minors, the parent or legal guardian must appear at the embassy. Additional documents include the child's PSA birth certificate and parent's identification.
Prevention Tips
- Keep a photocopy of your passport data page separate from the original
- Store a digital scan in your email or cloud storage
- Use a hotel safe when not carrying your passport
- Carry your passport in an inside pocket or money belt
- Never leave your passport in checked luggage
- Note your passport number and issue date separately
- DFA Hotline: +63 2 8834 4000
- DFA: dfa.gov.ph
- Find Embassy
- Police report
- Affidavit of loss
- Passport photocopy
- 2 passport photos
- Valid ID