Traveller's corner

Lost, stolen, found, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible travel documents

A Canadian travel document is a valuable document that should be kept in a safe place at all times. Once a passport has been reported lost or stolen, it is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel. This is to ensure that it is not used for fraudulent purposes. Passport Canada, the Government of Canada or any representative of the Government of Canada cannot be held responsible for any difficulties you may encounter at border crossings if you attempt to use a travel document that has been reported lost or stolen.

Reporting the loss or theft

As soon as a travel document is believed to be lost or stolen, the bearer is required to report the circumstances of the loss or theft:

• to the local police, and
• Passport Canada.

Damaged

If a travel document is damaged in any way, there could be significant delays at border crossings of other countries. To avoid such incidents, Passport Canada recommends that anyone with a damaged travel document apply for a new travel document. When applying for a replacement document, you must include with the application form a completed "Statutory Declaration concerning a lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible Canadian passport or travel document" form (PPTC 203).

Found

A found travel document should be reported immediately to the police and to Passport Canada and returned to Passport Canada.

If an individual finds his or her travel document, which had previously been reported lost, he or she must immediately advise Passport Canada and return the found travel document.

Replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible travel document

Travel documents cannot be replaced while the bearer is abroad. The bearer is directed to the nearest Canadian Government office for assistance in returning to Canada.