Start with the U.S. passport process
Start with the State Department passport replacement instructions, then use the U.S. Embassy El Salvador passport information for local instructions.
For another nationality, use that government’s consular instructions for replacing a passport abroad.
Prepare the replacement application
Use this as a packing list for the application:
- Form DS-11 [source]
- One passport photo [source]
- Identification [source]
- Proof of U.S. citizenship [source]
- Your travel itinerary [source]
Keep the documents together and follow the current submission instructions from the embassy or consulate. The State Department passport forms page is the official place to review the form before preparing it. Read the current instructions before completing or submitting the form.
Keep a reported passport out of use
After you report the passport lost or stolen, do not use it if you later recover it: the reported passport is no longer valid for international travel. [source]
Store a recovered passport separately from the documents you plan to carry. Update any trip checklist that still lists the reported passport, and use the replacement document details when arranging later travel.
Organize the rest of the incident
If other belongings were stolen, use the separate stolen-belongings reporting guide to prepare the item details and police-station step. Keep that process separate from the U.S. passport replacement instructions.
Save the El Salvador emergency numbers with your current location details. When planning later travel, review the entry requirements for U.S. tourists against the passport you will actually use. The travel insurance checklist can help you keep policy and assistance records with the rest of your trip documents.
Common questions
What should I do first after losing my U.S. passport in El Salvador?
Report the lost or stolen U.S. passport promptly and contact a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad to apply in person for a replacement. [source] Use the official U.S. Embassy El Salvador passport page for local instructions, then keep the instructions with your itinerary and identification.
What should I prepare for a replacement U.S. passport application?
Prepare Form DS-11, a passport photo, identification, proof of U.S. citizenship and your travel itinerary. [source] Put the form and documents together before following the embassy or consulate’s current instructions. Keep digital copies of records you already have where you can reach them without the missing passport.
Can I use my U.S. passport if I find it after reporting it lost?
Do not use a reported passport if you later recover it: the reported passport is no longer valid for international travel. [source] Keep it separate from valid travel documents, and use the replacement process for your next trip rather than putting the recovered passport back in your travel wallet.
Sources
- Report a lost or stolen U.S. passport promptly and contact a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad to apply in person for a replacement.
- For a replacement U.S. passport application abroad, prepare Form DS-11, a passport photo, identification, proof of U.S. citizenship and your travel itinerary.
- After you report the passport lost or stolen, do not use it if you later recover it: the reported passport is no longer valid for international travel.
Travel information only; for medical or legal decisions, consult a qualified professional.