Lost Your Passport Abroad? Temporary Passports and Emergency Travel Documents

If you lose your passport outside Canada, contact the nearest Government of Canada office abroad. Depending on your situation, it can issue a temporary passport (valid up to 1 year) or an emergency travel document to get you home. Report the loss and keep a copy of any police report.

By Sarah Moglin Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

Last verified November 10, 2026 How we check our facts

Temporary passport

A white, 8-page passport for Canadians abroad with an urgent, proven need to travel.

It is valid only for your trip, up to 1 year. It cannot be extended.

You sign an agreement to exchange it for a regular passport within 60 calendar days. In Canada, exchanging it in person costs $20.

Emergency travel document

A 4-page document for urgent cases when a temporary passport is not possible.

It has limited validity. It lets you travel directly back to Canada, to your country of residence, or to an office with full passport services.

Fees

A temporary passport costs $125.75. Pay only after the office confirms you are eligible.

Step by step

Report the lost or stolen passport.
Tell the nearest Government of Canada office. If it was stolen, report it to local police too.
Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate.
They decide whether you qualify for urgent services. Confirm before paying any fees.
Apply for the document they offer.
Bring ID, photos and any proof of travel you have. Fill in form PPTC 203 about the lost passport.
Exchange a temporary passport later.
You must exchange it for a regular passport within 60 days of signing the exchange agreement.

Lost or Stolen Canadian Passport: What to Do Report a lost or stolen Canadian passport right away by calling the Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 (outside Canada, contact the nearest Government of Canada office). The passport is cancelled once reported. To replace it, apply for a new passport; renewing is not possible. Renew a Canadian Passport From Outside Canada or the U.S. Online renewal is only for people in Canada. From the U.S., renew by mail using the U.S. instructions. From other countries, renew through the official abroad page or a Government of Canada office. A 10-year passport costs $266.25 outside Canada. Types of Canadian Passports: Blue, Green, Burgundy and White Most Canadians get the regular blue passport, valid for 5 or 10 years. Green (special) and burgundy (diplomatic) passports are for officials. White temporary passports are issued abroad for urgent travel. Canada also issues refugee travel documents and certificates of identity.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a temporary passport in Canada?

No. Temporary passports are issued by Government of Canada offices abroad. In Canada, use urgent pickup at a passport office.

Who can I call for help abroad?

The nearest Canadian embassy or consulate, or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre listed on travel.gc.ca.

Sources

Canadian temporary passports (canada.ca)
Types of passports and travel documents (canada.ca)
Lost or stolen belongings abroad (travel.gc.ca)

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.