For Ukrainians who find themselves in another country because of the war, documents become not just a paper proof of identity, but the main means of exercising basic rights and opportunities. A passport, identification code, and residence permit are the documents that ensure the legality of stay, the ability to work, rent housing, receive social assistance, medical services, and many other things necessary for a normal life. The loss of a passport or other important documents can be a serious obstacle for Ukrainians abroad, especially when they are deprived of their usual sources of support. That is why it is important not only to have all your documents with you, but also to understand what to do in case of their loss.
In many countries, the procedure for recovering documents is similar, but it is worth knowing the specific algorithm of actions for Ukrainians to quickly recover documents and avoid further difficulties. Reliable storage of documents will help to avoid unforeseen situations, but in case of loss, Ukrainian citizens can get help through consulates or diplomatic missions of Ukraine abroad.
Algorithm of actions for Ukrainians who have lost their passport abroad
- Go to the nearest police station
- The first step to take in case of passport loss is to contact the local police station. Here, you need to report the loss of the document by filling out an application. This is not just a formality: providing the police with information about the loss of a passport protects a citizen from possible situations where the document can be used by criminals. An official statement of loss is an important step that provides legal support.
- Obtaining a copy of the protocol or a certificate of loss of the passport
- After submitting the application, the police will issue a supporting document – a copy of the protocol or a special certificate. This document certifies that your passport has been lost or stolen and can no longer be used. This protocol is an official confirmation of the fact of loss and will be needed when applying to Ukrainian diplomatic institutions abroad.
- Contacting the Ukrainian consulate or embassy
- The next important step is to contact the nearest Ukrainian diplomatic or consular mission. You should take a copy of the police report with you. At the consulate, you can apply for a new passport or, if you need to return to Ukraine immediately, issue an identity card for return. Consulates and embassies are created to help Ukrainian citizens in difficult situations abroad, and they provide support and assistance in all matters related to the loss of documents.
- Obtaining an identity document for returning to Ukraine
- If you need to return to Ukraine as soon as possible, the consular office can issue a temporary identity card for returning to Ukraine. Usually, it is issued within one business day, but in some cases the procedure may take up to five days from the date of submission of all necessary documents. The certificate is valid for 30 days, which allows the citizen to return to Ukraine and then start the procedure for obtaining a new passport.
- Actions upon arrival in Ukraine
- Upon returning to Ukraine, you should contact a branch of the State Migration Service (SMS). The Migration Service ensures that a new passport is issued quickly for persons who have lost their documents abroad. It is worth noting that you can apply to the SMS at any office in Ukraine, regardless of your place of residence. This greatly facilitates the process for people who have limited access to their permanent place of residence.
- Getting a new passport abroad
- For those Ukrainians who are abroad and are unable to return to Ukraine in the near future, it is possible to obtain a new passport at diplomatic missions or through the passport service of the State Enterprise ‘Document’. This greatly simplifies the lives of those Ukrainians who have decided to stay abroad for a longer period of time or do not plan to return.
- Requirements for men liable for military service
- For men aged 18 to 60 who are liable for military service, the procedure has an additional requirement. When applying for a new passport at diplomatic missions, they must provide a military registration document in electronic format through the Reserve+ system. This ensures that information about Ukrainian citizens liable for military service is stored, which is important for military records even when they are abroad.
The importance of legal support and documentary compliance for refugees
For Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to leave their homes, proper documentation is critical to life abroad. Without the necessary documents, there are serious restrictions on their legal status, which, in turn, makes it difficult to access social services, medical care, education and employment. Therefore, it is extremely important not only to know the procedure in case of loss of a passport, but also to follow all the steps to restore the documents. Thus, thanks to the coordinated actions of Ukrainian consular offices and diplomatic missions, citizens can receive proper legal assistance and quickly restore the necessary documents.
Competent actions and timely application to the competent authorities in case of loss of documents are extremely important for Ukrainians abroad. The security and reliability of documents, such as a passport, helps to maintain the legal status of Ukrainian citizens abroad and protects them from possible abuse. Knowing a clear procedure allows you to avoid lengthy and complicated situations related to the loss of documents and ensures the protection of your rights and interests in the territory of another state.
Thus, proper storage of documents and knowledge of the procedure in case of loss are mandatory for all Ukrainians abroad, especially in the context of mass migration and temporary stay outside their home country.
