IrelandMy passport was stolen abroad. What do I do?
Report the theft to local police and contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate immediately to apply for an emergency travel document.
What the Law Says
The Immigration Act 2004 governs the legal framework for Irish citizens travelling abroad and the responsibilities related to identity documents. While it does not directly address passport loss or theft, Section 4 establishes the authority of immigration officers and the requirement for valid travel documents when entering or remaining in the State — reinforcing why prompt replacement is essential.
If your Irish passport is stolen while you’re abroad, Irish law does not impose penalties on you, but you must act swiftly to protect your identity and ensure lawful re-entry to Ireland.
Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004 gives immigration officers powers relating to control of entry and residence — meaning you’ll need a valid travel document to return to Ireland without delay or difficulty.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) relies on this legal context to issue emergency travel documents under its consular mandate, even though the Act itself doesn’t prescribe procedures for replacement.
Statutory TextThe Minister may appoint persons to be immigration officers for the purposes of this Act.
— Immigration Act 2004, s. 4 — Appointment of immigration officers
What to Do
Report the theft to local police immediately and get a written copy of the report.
Contact the nearest Irish Embassy, Consulate, or Honorary Consul — find locations at dfa.ie/embassies.
Apply for an Emergency Passport or Emergency Travel Document (ETD); bring ID evidence (e.g., photocopy of passport, birth certificate, driver’s licence).
Pay the €110 fee (waived in exceptional hardship cases — ask staff).
Use the ETD only for direct return to Ireland or your country of residence; it’s typically valid for up to 12 months or one journey.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
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JapanNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.