01 Jul
Did you lose your passport while living abroad in Korea? Don’t panic—I’ve got you covered.
Losing your passport in a foreign country is every expat’s worst nightmare, but take a deep breath. It may feel like the end of the world, but I promise, it’s not. Here’s what to do if you have a lost or stolen passport.
Step 1: Double-Check Everything
Before jumping to conclusions, make sure you’ve thoroughly searched for your passport. We’ve all had moments of panic thinking we lost something, only to find it buried in a bag or jacket pocket.
If you’re lucky and you find it—congrats! Crisis averted.
If not, keep reading. The next steps are crucial.
Step 2: Report Your Lost or Stolen Passport
This guide is geared toward U.S. citizens teaching English in Korea, but much of this will still apply to citizens of other countries.
If your passport is truly lost or stolen, you must report it to your home country’s government immediately.
For U.S. citizens, go to the official U.S. Department of State page to report it online:
👉 Report a Lost/Stolen U.S. Passport
⚠️ Important: Once reported, your old passport is canceled and can no longer be used—even if you find it later.
Yes, that happened to me. I found my passport after reporting it, but I still had to apply for a new one.
Step 3: Book an Appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Korea
Once your passport is reported missing, the next step is to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in South Korea.
Visit this link to schedule:
👉 U.S. Embassy in Korea – Lost/Stolen Passport Services
📅 Tip: Appointment slots can fill up fast, so book as early as possible. Sometimes you may have to wait several days or even weeks.
💳 Pro Tip: Pay the $165 USD passport replacement fee online when you book your appointment. This helps speed up your in-person visit.
Step 4: Complete the Required Forms
Before your appointment, you’ll need to complete Form DS-11 for a new passport.
👉 Fill Out DS-11 Online
🖼️ Don’t forget to bring a recent passport photo taken within the last six months.
If you’re unable to get one ahead of time, the Consulate may be able to help you on-site.
Stay Calm and Be Prepared!
I know firsthand how overwhelming this can be. When I lost my passport, I thought everything was ruined—but the process was more manageable than I expected.
By following these steps, you’ll be back on track in no time.
Aeneas Sparks, CDI English Teacher
Hailing from Aurora, Colorado, Aeneas earned a bachelor's degree in Music Performance and the Business of Entertainment from New York University. He is a seasoned musician and educator, having spent the first half of his twenties in New York City working as a music teacher and performance artist. An innate curiosity to see the world, led him to move to Korea in 2025. He is currently working as a CDI teacher in Suwon at the Yeongtong Branch. With a commitment to both performance and education, Aeneas brings a unique blend of technical proficiency, creative expression, and real-world experience to the classroom.