What to do if you lose your passport in Ukraine: instructions for Ukrainians and foreigners

Losing your passport is unpleasant, but it can be resolved. Find out more about what to do in such a situation in Ukraine: what Ukrainians should do and what steps foreigners should take to restore their documents or return home safely

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Losing your passport is stressful, but not critical. The main thing is to act quickly and correctly.

In this article, we will tell you what to do if you lose your passport in Ukraine as a citizen, as well as what foreigners who have lost their documents while in Ukraine need to know.

If you are a citizen of Ukraine

If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, follow these steps:

1. In case of theft — contact the police

File a report about the theft of your document and obtain an extract from the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations (ERDI). You will need this document to apply for a new passport.

2. Contact the authorized authorities

You can submit an application to:

- a branch of the State Migration Service (DMS),

- the Center for Administrative Services (CAS),

- the Passport Service.

3. Write a statement about the loss

You will be issued a temporary ID card for the period of time it takes to make a new passport.

4. If you lost your passport abroad

Contact the nearest Ukrainian consulate, where you will be issued a certificate for return to Ukraine and assisted with further formalities.

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Documents that may be required to restore your passport:

- A copy of your lost passport (if available)

- Birth certificate

- Tax identification number (TIN)

- Police report (in case of theft)

- Certificate of residence

- Marriage certificate (if applicable)

- Driver's license, foreign passport, diplomas, etc.

Processing time

Passport renewal usually takes 1–2 months. If your previous passport was issued in a temporarily occupied territory, the process may be delayed due to the need for additional identity verification.

If you are a foreigner and have lost your documents in Ukraine

Foreigners who have lost their passport, temporary or permanent residence permit in Ukraine should act in accordance with Ukrainian legislation on the legal status of foreigners and stateless persons.

Steps for foreigners:

1. Contact the police immediately

If the document was stolen, file a report and obtain a statement from the police.

2. Notify your country's embassy/consulate

Your country's representative office in Ukraine can:

- Issue a temporary travel document (e.g., a certificate of return)

- Provide advice on further steps

3. Notify the State Migration Service (SMS)

A statement of loss must be submitted to the SMS at your place of residence or actual stay. Foreigners may be issued:

- a new residence permit (after contacting the consulate of their country),

- a temporary identity card for the duration of the procedure.

4. If you plan to return home

The embassy can issue a document for return to your country of origin. With it, you will be able to cross the Ukrainian border without any problems.

What documents do you need to have:

- A copy of your lost passport or other document

- A police report (if stolen)

- Documents confirming the legality of your stay in Ukraine (e.g., residence permit)

- Photographs of the established sample

- Receipt of payment of state duty

How long does it take to restore?

It depends on your country, consular procedures, and the type of document. Issuing a new document in Ukraine can take from a few days to several weeks.

Useful tips

1. Always keep copies of all documents in cloud storage or on your phone.

2. Write down the contact details of your country's embassy/consulate before arriving in Ukraine.

3. If you have difficulty communicating, seek assistance from legal advisors for foreigners or migrant assistance centers.

Remember: even if you lose your passport, it's not the end of the world. Follow the official procedure and you will quickly receive a new document or be able to return home.

Need a document from Ukraine, but don't know where to start? Write to us (WhatsApp or Telegram) — our lawyers will analyze the situation and offer the best solution for your request.

We remind you! A certificate confirming the absence of a criminal record is a document issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine confirming that a non-resident of the country has not been brought to criminal responsibility. Read about where to go and what is required to obtain a certificate for a foreigner in Ukraine in our previous article.

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