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What To Do If Your Passport is Stolen in a Foreign Country – A Personal Ordeal

Stolen in a Foreign LandOne of the most horrifying scenarios for any traveller, new or seasoned, is getting their bags stolen while in a foreign country. The fact of life remains that you can be in the most developed of countries or one that is in a state of turmoil, and your bags can easily be stolen irrespective of your location.

While I have been lucky so far to never have anything stolen, touch-wood, my parents went through the ordeal of getting their briefcase taken a few years ago in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

As a result, I went through a state of helplessness as I sat in the comfort of my home in India while they figured out what to do and went about with the remainder of their trip. At the end of it all we learnt some valuable lessons which I plan on sharing below;

Although Amsterdam is one of my favourite and most frequented cities in Europe, the train route from the airport to the central station is a hotbed for thieves.

As my parents boarded the TGV at Amsterdam Centraal Station to visit Paris, within minutes, my father realised that his briefcase, which he had placed under the seat (not a good move, in hindsight), was missing. All this happened within a matter of a few minutes, from boarding the train, to taking off his jacket, while my mother sat right in front of him. The train had not even moved yet.

He was quick to realise what had happened and as soon as he raised the alarm, a man came up and offered help stating that he will look around in the train and try and find out who took the briefcase. The man did not return afterwards. This man, my father believes, could very well have been working with the thief, and this might be a tactic to delay any proceedings.

Thankfully, my father had,  only a few minutes prior, placed his wallet in his jacket pocket, so he was with money and credit cards, but the train tickets, passports, business papers, and a packet of mint, were all gone.

Stamps, Passport, Textures

What followed were anxious hours at the police station followed by a few days of running around Amsterdam getting everything sorted out. This is what came out of it all.

FIRST MOVE: Your first move after realising something has been stolen is to inform the train conductor or any other “official” nearby. While they are less likely to stop the train, and in most cases, the thief is long gone, they can still help you search the train and guide you properly.

CALL THE POLICE: Weee-Woon Weee-Woon Weee-Woon (Yes! that’s my lousy attempt at replicating a police siren). Next step is obviously to get the police involved. Since this happens often, the police station at Amsterdam station was well prepared and very helpful. They allowed my parents to make international calls, prepared the report, and informed them of the process that needed to be followed.           

SET UP A TRAP: If you have paid for your train ticket by Credit Card, inform the card company and the train station so that if in-case the person tries to return the ticket to get a refund, he can get caught. Unfortunately, my parents had made a cash purchase, so tracking the ticket would not have helped. It is also useful if you have a camera phone to take a snap of the ticket in case it ever gets lost. 

MONEY MATTERS: My parents were lucky not to get money and cards stolen, but if you are not, then the first thing to do is to cancel all your cards. As a rule, start keeping information about foreign currency services and online information with yourself handy. If money is stolen, it will make life a lot easy if a family member can transfer you something instantly.

Watch Dealers, Fence, Receiving Stolen Property, Clock

STAY MOBILE: When this happened, mobile phones were just starting to get popular, and as a result international mobile calls were atrociously expensive. Now, that problem of communication is less of a hindrance. It is still a good idea to keep a local SIM card handy or else change/coins to make calls using public phones (if you can find one). Make sure you leave your local contact information with the Police in case they find something.

COMMUNICATION: It is essential to communicate and double-check all the information that is being given to you when you are obviously in a state of shock and anxiety. When the question of passports came, my parents were initially sent to a police station which turned out to be one for asylum seekers, something my parents were obviously not. It was an unnecessarily long trip and one that added to the costs.

EMBASSY: Keep information about the local embassy handy. Eventually, as luck would have it, my parents had some contacts in the embassy, and they were able to get their new passports in a couple of hours, at a fee. If an embassy is not in the city you are in, have their phone number handy and inform them nevertheless as they will be able to guide you on how to acquire a temporary passport/travel document. 

PHOTOCOPY: Would you believe it that no one in our family at the time had photocopies of their passports. Not only did my parents not have them, but even I also did not have a copy of their passport here in India. Eventually, I contacted the travel agent who had made scans for their records and asked them to fax me the photographs. Now, we have photocopies of all passports along with valid visas as digital versions on email/dropbox.

KEEP IT COOL: One of the most important things to do is keep calm, which will help you think straight. Besides informing the authorities, think about anything that has been stolen and can be misused so that you work on getting that stopped. My parents were able to go through this experience and yet managed to conclude their business/leisure trip as planned.   

LESSONS LEARNT: The most fundamental lesson we got out of this ordeal is that while in a train/bus or any such public transport, keep your belongings with you at all times and not have them out of your sight till the locomotive is in motion. The same goes for taking off and hanging your jackets. I still see people leave their bags on a train and go to eat or use the restroom. It’s best that you request someone close-by to keep a watch and always do this when the train is in motion.

ON YOUR RETURN: It is essential that when important documents are stolen, you keep all police reports with you safe for the next few years. On their return, my parents immediately informed the countries they had valid visas of so that the permits could be cancelled and not misused. They were also lucky these countries, the US and UK, were generous enough to issue new visas, albeit after an interview and with a warning.    

SHARE: Lastly, make it a point to share your experience for the benefit of everyone. Each of these situations is unique, and by sharing the knowledge, we can make everyone more cautious and prepared for such an event.

41 Comments

  • Mellissa Williams
    Posted 3 June, 17 at 5:36 PM

    Some great advice here. My mother-in-law lost her purse on holiday recently, it was really stressful.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 3 June, 17 at 8:39 PM

      I can imagine, and the initial panic. Hope everything was okay in the end.

      Reply
  • Claudia
    Posted 3 June, 17 at 6:03 PM

    Knock on wood this hasnt happened to me. And thank you for bringing this route to my awareness, just like your dad the first thing I would had done was to make myself at home in the train, as I would had assumed that its okay in Amsterdam. I am usually extremely cautious when we travel to South/Central America and tend to relax when we are in Europe.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 3 June, 17 at 8:39 PM

      Yeah, I think the lesson to be learnt is that this can happen anywhere in the world.

      Reply
  • authenticfoodquest
    Posted 5 June, 17 at 9:55 AM

    How scary!! Theft can happen anytime and anywhere. I remember watching Chinese tourists in Paris who were helpless after bags and wallets got stolen. Not a good feeling at all. You are right about keeping copies and a level mind! Glad your parents made it through okay 🙂

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 5 June, 17 at 12:44 PM

      I think that is the biggest lesson, that it can happen anywhere. Thanks

      Reply
  • Anete
    Posted 5 June, 17 at 10:19 AM

    This is a very useful article for everyone to read. Where these kind of things happen, people usually tent to panick and make not the best decisions. so it’s good to think it thru first so you know how to act if you ever come to that. Thanks for the good read!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 5 June, 17 at 12:44 PM

      I think those first few minutes matter the most. Keeping calm is, I know easier said, but essential. Thanks

      Reply
  • Mimi & Mitch
    Posted 5 June, 17 at 11:10 AM

    Wow it was gone quite fast, not a good move indeed to put a bag out of sight 🙁 – Good thing he placed his money and wallet away. although worse is the passports being gone..

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 5 June, 17 at 12:45 PM

      My parents later thought it might have been one person who was sort of following them. But to get on the train and take it, never expected.

      Reply
  • Natasha Haley
    Posted 5 June, 17 at 5:17 PM

    I had no idea Amsterdam was dangerous for this. Wow. I will need to be careful if I ever go. I cannot believe how easy thieves find it to steal things.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 5 June, 17 at 6:39 PM

      Yeah, I’ve seen many people get their small bags and laptops stolen while the train is moving. Just have to be cautious and organized that’s all.

      Reply
  • baldthoughts
    Posted 5 June, 17 at 6:32 PM

    Sorry for your negative experience. Your tips are fantastic and very valuable should someone find themselves in this situation. I can only imagine how horrible this situation would make you feel.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 5 June, 17 at 6:39 PM

      Thank you for your thoughts. I guess it’s part of traveling, with the main lesson being it can happen to anyone and anywhere. Cheers

      Reply
  • Yukti
    Posted 5 June, 17 at 8:20 PM

    It is very sad that your suitcase was stolen on station in Amsterdam. But you have given very nice tips about what to do in this case. Also I want to suggest you that keep all the softcopies of important documents like passport , visa page , credit cards, tickets on email or on web cloud. It helps you to restore them in minutes in front of embassy n police.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 6 June, 17 at 8:26 AM

      Thanks, but if you read the post, you’ll notice I have mentioned that.

      Reply
  • Deb 'n' Kev
    Posted 5 June, 17 at 8:49 PM

    That would be a real hassle while traveling and put a damper on what should be wonderful memories of a place. My mother had her purse stolen from here car (in a cemetery of all places) while traveling. I know first hand that not having ID or money can cause real stress and a lot of work to fix.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 6 June, 17 at 8:27 AM

      I think besides the initial panic, the process of applying for a new passport or cancelling credit cards if required is more of a hassle.

      Reply
  • Tami
    Posted 5 June, 17 at 9:31 PM

    Definitely good advice! I haven’t yet had anything stolen, but I also never set it down! I keep everything in a tote bag I wear over my shoulder or in my rolling bag that I’m always holding onto!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 6 June, 17 at 8:28 AM

      One has to be really careful though. I know of people who had their wallet stolen from the front pocket and many times the snatch and grab and run thing also happens.

      Reply
  • Suzanne
    Posted 6 June, 17 at 2:03 AM

    I think you gave some great suggestions on how to handle theft in a foreign country. It’s something that travelers tend to ignore.

    Reply
  • Baskets Life Travel
    Posted 6 June, 17 at 7:13 AM

    This is so true and so scary! I have not had this happen, but we know people who have! Your advice is so good with so much for people to think about. Great advice and article!

    Reply
  • Ayushi
    Posted 6 June, 17 at 10:16 PM

    One should be really careful at foreign places cause you can’t trust everyone.

    Reply
  • cwbushChris
    Posted 7 June, 17 at 9:32 AM

    I’ve been lucky to have avoided this particular travel disaster so far. I don’t know how I’d cope!

    I did break an arm while scuba diving in Indonesia earlier this year and (foolish me), I’d forgotten to buy travel insurance. It was a painful week in transit back to Australia!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 7 June, 17 at 11:23 AM

      Ouch that must have hurt. Hope it all turned out okay in the end.

      Reply
  • cwbush
    Posted 7 June, 17 at 9:32 AM

    I’ve been lucky to have avoided this particular travel disaster so far. I don’t know how I’d cope!

    I did break an arm while scuba diving in Indonesia earlier this year and (foolish me), I’d forgotten to buy travel insurance. It was a painful week in transit back to Australia!

    Reply
  • Iza (@IzaAbao)
    Posted 7 June, 17 at 11:12 AM

    Thank goodness that your parents were together at that moment. It would have been worse if you were alone and something like this happened to you. I would panic for sure. My bag was stolen a few years ago. After that incident, I guard my bag wherever I go. If it is just a backpack, I carry it even when I go to the restroom. Note to self always: Be careful.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 7 June, 17 at 11:24 AM

      Yeah, I have heard of stories where people bend down the bathroom cabins and steal bags so have to be careful everywhere.

      Reply
  • Anneklien Meanne
    Posted 8 June, 17 at 9:35 PM

    Aww that’s the worse thing that will happen while travelling losing something valuable.

    Reply
  • Reshma
    Posted 8 June, 17 at 9:59 PM

    Fortunately, I have not had an experience of my bag being stolen, but you never know things while traveling! Some great tips here to be on our toes and to handle things if mishaps occur. Glad that your parents didn’t lose money or any valuables.

    Reply
  • Trisha Velarmino
    Posted 17 June, 17 at 8:11 AM

    It’s so frustrating to have something stolen in a place you are not familiar with. The feeling of helplessness will just always be there at some point. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  • Hazel Tolentino
    Posted 17 June, 17 at 10:32 AM

    I can imagine how frustrating it is to have something stolen from you in a foreign land. And it comes in handy to know the things to do when subjected to this situation. I am lucky7 I haven’t experienced this though I lost my cards at Dubai Airport, but it was my fault. LOL.

    Reply
  • Saanvi
    Posted 6 July, 19 at 12:55 PM

    I will have to be extra careful with baggage from now on, thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  • arv!
    Posted 24 July, 19 at 3:21 PM

    Over time, I have created some rules to ensure the chances of a stolen passport is minimized. But yes, in Europe you have to be extra careful, the thieves are always coming up with new ways

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 24 July, 19 at 4:08 PM

      Same here and some might say I’m over cautious, but I’m happy with that, rather than the hassle of it getting stolen.

      Reply
      • arv!
        Posted 24 July, 19 at 4:58 PM

        Certainly. It safer to be over cautious.

        Reply
  • usfman
    Posted 1 September, 19 at 4:58 AM

    I’ve had some scary experiences with theft at Madrid underground several times and a few close calls in Southern Italy.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 1 September, 19 at 7:33 AM

      It’s one of my biggest fears while travelling. I try and always be aware of where my passport it, at all times.

      Reply

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