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First hour
The first hour — what to do right now
- 1Search thoroughly firstBefore assuming it's gone — check hotel safe, all bags and pockets, and retrace your last 24 hours. A mislaid passport is far more common than a stolen one.
- 2If stolen: file a police report immediatelyGo to the nearest police station and file a report. Get a written copy of the report or the report reference number. This is required by the Australian passport authority and by your travel insurer. Without it, replacement is harder and insurance claims may be rejected.
- 3Report the passport as lost/stolen to DFATCall the DFAT emergency line or report online at passports.gov.au. Reporting immediately cancels the passport in the international database — preventing it from being used fraudulently.
- 4Locate the nearest Australian Embassy or consulateFind it at dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-locations or call the DFAT emergency line. Note their address, phone number, and opening hours. Not every city has a full embassy — some have honorary consuls with limited services.
- 5Contact your travel insurerLost or stolen passport is a covered event under most travel insurance policies. They can assist with costs, accommodation if you're stranded, and sometimes have on-the-ground assistance teams.
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Consular help
Getting an Emergency Travel Document from the Australian Embassy
An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is a temporary travel document issued by an Australian consular office overseas. It allows you to travel — typically to return to Australia — when your passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or expired. It is not a full replacement passport.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does an ETD cover? | An ETD typically permits travel to your home country (Australia) and any necessary transit countries. It is a single-journey document in most cases — not a full passport replacement. |
| How long does it take? | In genuine emergencies with a flight within 24–48 hours: same-day or next-day in most full embassy locations. In remote or smaller posts, 2–5 business days is more realistic. Contact the consulate to confirm. |
| What does it cost? | The ETD fee (as of 2025) is approximately AUD $100–$125. Fees are set by DFAT and subject to change. Your travel insurer may reimburse this. |
| What if there's no embassy nearby? | If there is no Australian diplomatic post, another country's embassy may assist under a consular sharing arrangement (particularly UK, Canada, NZ embassies in some regions). Call DFAT to confirm options for your location. |
| Can I use the ETD to re-enter countries I haven't visited yet? | Not typically — an ETD is designed for return travel. If your trip is mid-way and you need to continue to other countries, you may need a full replacement passport. Discuss your situation with the consular officer. |
Always call ahead before visiting a consulate. Opening hours vary, some appointments must be booked in advance, and document requirements should be confirmed before you arrive. The DFAT emergency line can confirm the specific requirements for your location.
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Documents needed
What to bring to the consulate
The more identity documentation you can provide, the faster the process. The consulate needs to verify you are who you say you are before issuing travel documents. This is why keeping a photo of your passport in your email or cloud storage before travel is so valuable.
| Document | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|
| Police report | Required for stolen passports. Shows you've reported the loss and is needed for insurer claims. |
| Photo ID (if any remains) | Driver's licence, other government ID. Any photo ID that survived helps establish identity. |
| Copy of lost passport | If you photographed it before travel (highly recommended) — the photo page confirms your passport number, photo, and details. Email yourself a copy before every trip. |
| Proof of citizenship | Birth certificate (if carried or accessible electronically), naturalisation certificate, or any Australian government document showing your name. |
| Passport photos | You will need passport-standard photos. Most cities have photo booths or pharmacies that can produce these. The consulate can advise on local options. |
| Flight booking | Showing your itinerary and return flight helps expedite processing by demonstrating urgency. |
| Payment | ETD fee — confirm accepted payment methods with the consulate in advance (not all accept credit cards). |
This is why you should photograph your passport before every trip. A timestamped photo of your passport's photo page stored in your email or cloud means you can produce your passport number, photo, and details to the consulate even with no physical documents. It takes 30 seconds before departure and is invaluable in this situation.
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After you return
Back in Australia — new passport and identity fraud protection
| Action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Apply for a new full passport | Your ETD is a temporary document. Apply for a new passport at passports.gov.au immediately on return. Standard processing is 4–6 weeks; priority available for urgent travel needs. |
| Monitor for identity fraud | A stolen passport is a valuable identity document. Monitor your credit file for unusual activity. AU: Request a free credit report from Equifax, Experian, or illion. Consider placing a credit ban (freeze) on your file temporarily. |
| IDCARE — if identity misuse occurs | IDCARE is Australia's national identity and cyber support service. idcare.org · 1800 595 160. Free service for Australians who have experienced identity theft — they provide a personal recovery plan. |
| Notify Services Australia (Medicare, Centrelink) | If your passport was used as ID proof with Services Australia, notify them. Contact myGov to check for unauthorised account access. |
| Travel insurance claim | Lodge your claim with your insurer on return — costs incurred (ETD fee, additional accommodation, meals due to delay) are typically reimbursable under a stolen passport event. |
IDCARE: idcare.org · 1800 595 160 — Free support for Australian identity theft victims. If your stolen passport is subsequently used to open accounts, take loans, or conduct fraud in your name, IDCARE provides a personalised case manager and recovery plan.