Losing a Canadian passport while outside Canada is both a travel and an identity-security emergency. A missing passport can be used for identity theft or illegal travel, so treat it as urgent — even if you are not travelling for several days.
Whether your passport was stolen, misplaced, damaged beyond use, or full, the process abroad is the same: report the loss, protect your identity, then submit a new passport application as quickly as possible.
For most Canadians abroad, the step-by-step protocol is:
You can report a lost passport by phone or in person; many offices also provide online contact information. Once reported as lost or stolen, the passport is immediately cancelled and becomes invalid for travel or identification.
Contact:
If your passport was clearly stolen (e.g., in a robbery or bag theft), file a local police report. A police report is not always strictly required, but consular staff may ask for one where crime or fraud is suspected.
A police report can:
Once you officially report a passport as lost or stolen, it is permanently cancelled and can never be used again — even if you later find it. If it turns up, return it to the Government of Canada or destroy it per consular advice.
Take basic identity-theft precautions: monitor financial accounts and keep copies of all reports and consular correspondence.
Adults replacing a Canadian passport outside Canada normally use form PPTC 040 – Adult General Passport Application. This applies whether your previous passport expired, is full, or was lost, stolen, or damaged.
In some circumstances — for example, if your lost passport was issued when you were 16 or older and this is your first reported loss — certain missions may accept form PPTC 482 (the simplified renewal form). Consular staff will advise which form applies.
Requirements abroad can differ slightly from applying in Canada. For a child, use the child application form (PPTC 042) instead.
You will typically need:
If these documents were also lost or stolen with your passport, consular officials can advise on alternative evidence. Expect additional questions and possibly longer processing in those cases.
Submit two identical, recent passport photos meeting Canadian specifications. Use a photographer familiar with Canadian passport photo rules and bring the printed requirements if needed.
Pay the required fees and attach proof of payment to your application. Payment options vary by country and office.
If you have urgent travel — an imminent flight, a medical emergency, or you must leave a country quickly — you may be eligible for an emergency travel document (ETD) or a temporary passport.
Consular staff will assess:
Not all missions can issue documents on very short notice, but they will advise what is realistically possible.
For expedited service, be prepared to show:
A temporary passport is a limited-validity Canadian passport offering more travel flexibility than an ETD but not replacing a full-validity passport.
An emergency travel document (ETD) is usually:
Some countries may not accept temporary passports or ETDs, so check visa and entry requirements before travel.
You need a guarantor who has known you personally for a minimum period and meets the eligibility criteria on the application form. Always consult the current Government of Canada guarantor guidelines or your local Canadian mission to confirm who qualifies.
Your guarantor must sign your application and one photo, and confirm the information is accurate. They do not have to be in Canada — many Canadians find a guarantor among other Canadians or eligible professionals abroad.
If you cannot find a qualified guarantor, you may complete a statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor (form PPTC 132) before a consular officer or authorised official, for an additional fee. This can extend processing times, so start early.
Canadian passport photos must meet precise size, background, and quality rules. Double-check specifications on the official Government of Canada website and show them to the photographer.
Common rejection reasons:
Fees depend on:
Always rely on the official Government of Canada fee list or the website of the embassy or consulate where you apply.
Once your application is complete:
Some locations work through Visa Application Centres or partner offices, but the Government of Canada always makes the final decision.
You may need to pick up your new document in person, particularly for imminent travel. Otherwise, the office may return it by courier or registered mail.
Processing times vary significantly by country, season, and application type. If you have upcoming travel, inform staff clearly so they can advise whether an emergency option is needed.
In most cases, airlines and border officials will not allow Canadians to travel internationally without a valid travel document. If you cannot wait for a full-validity passport, your options are:
A driver's licence or photocopies of your old passport are not sufficient for international travel.
Inform the Canadian embassy or consulate. They may allow a statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor (form PPTC 132), though this can involve extra questions, fees, and time.
In all cases, the most reliable, up-to-date information on requirements, forms, and fees is on the official Government of Canada website or provided directly by the Canadian office handling your application.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Allianz Global Assistance is not responsible for the use of external websites or the content or accuracy of external website information.
Source: Canada.ca
