Sometimes Mexico gets the best of us and too much tequila leads to misplacing our passports. While the thought of getting “stuck” in Mexico surrounded by warm beaches is probably your dream, eventually you must return home. With hopes that you never encounter such a situation, we’ve asked the experts anyway and learned the steps to take to prevent and solve a lost passport.
In the midst of vacation excitement, take precaution prior to departure and check out where the nearest consulate to your vacation destination is. If you do lose your passport, you will need to visit the consulate in person, so knowing where they’re located in advance will save you time.
Another step to take prior to leaving is to make sure to take two (or more) photocopies of your passport. Take one photocopy with you and leave another behind with a relative or friend. When you arrive in Mexico, be sure to separate your actual passport from your photocopy, so as not to lose both. Knowing your passport number, and the date and place your passport was issued by heart will likewise be helpful.
According to the United States Diplomatic Mission to Mexico, once you notice that your passport is missing the first thing you should do is report it to protect yourself from the possibilities of identity theft. Even if you think you simply misplaced it, it is best to report it either way. You can do this through a number of websites, or physically at the consulate.
When at the consulate you will be able to fill out a new passport application and be required to answer a series of questions about your identity and citizenship along with an affidavit of loss/theft. Immediate passports with limited validity are available or the usual 10 year passport can be purchased for the normal fee.
Below is listed the US Consulate locations in common tourist destination locations.
US Consulate in Cabo San Lucas
Blvd. Marina Local C-4, Plaza Nautica, Col. Centro,
Telephone (52)(624)143-3566.
US Consulate in Puerto Vallarta
Paseo de los Cocoteros #85,Sur Paradise Plaza
Interior Local L-7,Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit
Telephone (322) 222-0069
US Consulate in Mexico City
Reforma 305, Col. Cuauhtemoc, Del. Cuauhtemoc
Telephone (01) (55) 5080-2000 ex. 0
US Consulate in Cancun
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13 ZH, Torre La Europea, Despacho 301
Cancun, Quintana Roo C.P.77500
Phone:(52)(998)883-0272
US Consulate in Playa del Carmen
“The Palapa” Calle 1 Sur, entre Avenida 15 y Avenida 20
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710
Phone:(52)(984)873-0303
For more information visit: www.travel.state.gov
Photo: Jessica Hunter