Loss or theft of documents on travel: the steps

Step 1

Preparing for independent access

Keep the contact information in a suitable second medium: paper or other device protected. Avoid that a single phone contains all contacts, copies and validation methods. Limit access to identity documents and do not publish them in a shared space.

Step 2

Documenting the missing

List the lost documents and means of payment without publicly broadcasting their numbers. Note the location, timing and reservations affected. For a flight, check with local authorities on the declaration; keep the documents and references provided.

Step 3

Contact the competent consulate

For a French passport or identity card lost abroad, see France Diplomatie and the competent consulate. The solution depends on the situation and the evidence available. Ask for steps, documents, deadlines and conditions for the possible use of the document issued.

Step 4

Preventing banking and assistance

Use official channels to request opposition when necessary and get instructions. If the phone is lost, check the bank accesses and accounts with their recovery procedure. Assistance may guide certain steps; guarantees depend on the contract and the evidence required.

Step 5

Check each return segment

Have the documents accepted by the authorities and the carrier confirmed, including for transit. Notify seller, housing and other providers if the program needs to be modified. Do not book a new non-refundable journey before you know the usable documentary solution.

Step 6

Keep a follow-up folder

Collect necessary declarations, references, exchanges and fees. Note the contact person and the next step. After resolution, follow the instructions for documents or access that have become invalid and check the procedure in case of a subsequent discovery of the old document.

Putting comparison into practice

Keep a usable folder without lost device

Imagine that the phone containing your confirmations is no longer available. A backup folder allows you to identify the next steps without transmitting all your documents to each contact person.

Educational example of preparation, without commercial offer or testimony. Adapt the situations to your journey and to the answers of the competent interlocutors.

On a small screen, scroll the table horizontally to read the three columns. On the keyboard, use the arrows after selecting the array.

How to use answers

Test the recovery of this file before leaving, with the people concerned. For return, confirm the documentary solution and transit before purchasing a new route.

Take the time of a last check

Before you validate, read the names, dates, locations, schedules and details of the services included. Do this check calmly on the final summary. An error identified before payment is usually much simpler to correct than after confirmation.