Losing your passport in Italy can be stressful — whether you’re a resident with a residence permit or a tourist visiting on a short-stay or visitor visa, the steps to take are similar but differ slightly in key areas.
This guide explains exactly what to do if your passport is lost or stolen in Italy, based on your status.
Report the Passport Loss to the Police
- If your passport is lost or stolen in Italy, go to the nearest Questura or Commissariato di Polizia to file a police report (called a denuncia).
- This step is important even if you’re an EU citizen or tourist, as many embassies — and even some airlines within the Schengen Area — may require the police report before helping you replace your passport or allowing travel
Contact Your Embassy or Consulate in Italy
Reach out to your home country’s Italian embassy or consulate, usually in Rome, Milan, or nearby. You’ll likely need the below checklist 📄
- Police report
- Copy or photo of lost passport (if available)
- Other valid ID (driver’s license, national ID)
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of travel (flight ticket, booking, etc.)
- Residence permit (if you’re a resident)
Get a Replacement Passport or Travel Document
- Tourists / Visitors on Visa-Free or Schengen Visa: You’ll usually be issued a temporary or emergency passport.
- Residents: You may be eligible for a full-validity replacement passport, depending on your embassy’s rules.
- If a residence/voucher card was also lost, contact Questura to reissue it.
🛡️ Pro Travel Tips
- Always keep digital copies of your passport and visa stored securely in the cloud.
- Note down or save embassy contact details before your trip.
- Report the loss as soon as possible to prevent identity misuse.
⚠️ This information is based on official websites, publicly available sources, and experiences from expats whom we have helped. We aim to keep it accurate and up to date. If you notice any updates or have tips to share, please feel free to let us know.