How to restore a foreign passport abroad and leave the country — explained by Visit Ukraine lawyers

Lost your foreign passport while abroad? Find out how to report it to the police, contact the embassy, and obtain a certificate for return to Ukraine using a real request to VU lawyers as an example

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Losing your passport abroad is always stressful, especially if you are in a distant country such as Vietnam. In such a case, it is important to act quickly and follow the instructions clearly to avoid delays in departure. In this article, Visit Ukraine lawyers explain how to restore documents and return to Ukraine using a real request from one of our clients as an example.

Request: Good afternoon, I am in Vietnam and have lost my foreign passport. How can I restore it so that I can leave the country?

What to do if you lose your passport abroad – advice from a Visit Ukraine lawyer

If a Ukrainian citizen loses their passport in another country (in this case, Vietnam), the following steps must be taken:

1. Report the loss of your passport to the local police

Immediately contact the nearest police station to file an official report of the loss of your passport (Lost Passport Report).

This document is usually issued in English (or the local language). Keep a copy for further reference at the embassy (it may also be required when leaving the country).

2. Contact the Ukrainian Embassy in the country where you are staying

You must go to the Ukrainian Embassy in person and submit a statement about the loss of your foreign passport. You can find the address of the embassy on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The Embassy will help you obtain a Certificate of Identity for Return to Ukraine — a temporary document that allows you to cross the border once and fly home.

💡 Visit Ukraine lawyers can help you prepare a package of documents and advise you on the embassy's requirements so that you don't waste time on repeat visits.

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3. Obtaining a certificate of identity for return to Ukraine

To obtain this document, you must provide:

● a statement of loss of passport;

● a police report (Lost Passport Report);

● 2-3 photos measuring 3.5×4.5 cm;

● copies of identity documents (internal passport, driver's license, copy of lost passport, if available);

● airline tickets or booking confirmation.

4. Departure from the country after obtaining the documents

With the certificate, you have the right to leave the country of stay and arrive in Ukraine.

Important: Before departure, it is recommended to contact the migration service of the country of stay and clarify whether an additional exit visa is required. In some cases, this is a mandatory condition for leaving the country. In addition, you may need a transit visa, for example, if you are entering through EU countries.

Useful tips from Visit Ukraine lawyers

1. Do not delay in contacting the police and the embassy — the sooner you act, the less risk there is of your departure being delayed.

2. If you have lost other documents along with your foreign passport, inform the consul — additional identification may be required.

3. If you are unable to come to the embassy in person, check whether it is possible to receive consular services outside the embassy or send documents by mail.

In complex cases, when there are doubts about the correctness of the actions or requirements of local authorities, contact the lawyers at Visit Ukraine. Our specialists provide written and verbal consultations, assist in communication with the embassy, and can help prepare all necessary applications.

You can get advice from Visit Ukraine lawyers online — even if you are thousands of miles away from home. We will help you avoid mistakes and unnecessary time waste.

To sign up for a consultation:

1. Select a convenient format (support, written or oral consultation).

2. Fill out the form with your details (full name, email, contact phone number).

4. Select a convenient date for the consultation.

5. Read the terms and conditions of the agreement and make the payment.

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp – they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

Visit Ukraine is your reliable legal partner abroad!

We remind you! Obtaining a visa without returning to Ukraine is possible, but certain conditions must be met. We will explain all the nuances, requirements for obtaining a visa, and types of visas for Ukrainian citizens abroad. Read how to apply and obtain a visa in a third country without unnecessary difficulties in our previous article.

Photo: Freepik

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