Lost passport emergency in Rio de Janeiro
    Safety

    Lost Passport in Rio

    Quick answer: stay calm, file a police report at DEAT (Tourist Police, Leblon, 24/7), email your consulate the BO, and book the next consular appointment online. Most travelers fly out within 2–3 business days with an emergency travel document. Travel insurance reimburses the consular fees and any rebooked flights.

    Here is the exact step-by-step, with addresses, phone numbers and the small things that save days — written specifically for travelers in Rio de Janeiro.

    Step 1 — File the BO (police report)

    A Boletim de Ocorrência is required by every consulate before they issue a replacement document. Two options:

    • Online (fastest, free): delegaciavirtual.policiacivilrj.net.br — available in English, takes 15 minutes, PDF emailed instantly. Use this if your passport was lost (not stolen with violence).
    • In person at DEAT (Tourist Police): Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco 159, Leblon. 24 hours, English-speaking. Best for theft and the only option if you need to support an insurance claim with a stamped original.
    • If theft happened with violence (gun, knife): go to DEAT in person and request a "BO de roubo" — required for full insurance reimbursement.

    Step 2 — Contact your consulate

    All major English-speaking consulates are in Rio:

    • USA: Av. Presidente Wilson 147, Centro. +55 21 3823-2000. After-hours emergency: +55 21 3823-2029. Book appointment at ais.usvisa-info.com.
    • UK: Praia do Flamengo 284, 2nd floor, Flamengo. +55 21 2555-9600. Emergency Travel Document GBP 100.
    • Canada: Av. Atlântica 1130, 13th floor, Copacabana. +55 21 2543-3004.
    • Australia: Honorary Consul in Rio, +55 21 3824-4624. Main consulate is in São Paulo.
    • Ireland, NZ, South Africa: represented via São Paulo or Brasília — call first; emergency-pass holders may be sent via courier.

    Step 3 — Gather what you need

    • Police report (BO) PDF or printed copy.
    • One passport-size photo (any photo shop, R$15 — there are several inside Shopping Leblon and on R. Visconde de Pirajá).
    • Proof of US/UK/CA/AU citizenship: photo of old passport, birth certificate, driver's license, or expired passport.
    • Onward flight itinerary (printed).
    • Means of payment for consular fees (USD 165 US, GBP 100 UK).
    • Brazilian entry stamp evidence if available — important for Polícia Federal exit (more below).

    Step 4 — Polícia Federal exit registration

    Before flying out of GIG with an emergency document, you must visit the Polícia Federal at Galeão Airport (Terminal 2, arrivals level) to update your entry record to the new passport number. Allow 30–60 extra minutes at the airport. They are open 24/7. Without this, the airline may deny boarding.

    What to cancel immediately

    • Credit and debit cards via your bank app (most cancel in 30 seconds).
    • If your phone was stolen: contact Vivo / Claro / Tim to block the SIM. Better — use an eSIM next trip so a stolen phone doesn't lock your number.
    • Activate Find My iPhone / Find My Device remote wipe.
    • Notify your travel insurance within 24 hours to keep claims valid.

    If you also lost your money

    Western Union has a branch on Av. NS Copacabana 581 and inside Shopping Rio Sul — cash transfers from family arrive in under an hour with passport-photo ID and the police report. Your consulate can also wire emergency funds via the Overseas Citizens Services Trust (US). Read our ATM guide for safe withdrawals once you have a new card.

    How to avoid losing your passport in the first place

    • Leave the original in the hotel safe; carry a colour photocopy + driver's license for ID — this is legally accepted by Polícia Militar in Rio.
    • Photograph all ID pages and email them to yourself + a family member.
    • Never carry your passport to the beach, to Carnaval blocos or to nightlife in Lapa.
    • Use a slash-proof crossbody bag in Centro and around Cristo Redentor.
    • Read our full scams guide and Rio safety guide.

    Frequently asked questions

    What do I do first if my passport is stolen in Rio?

    Within 24 hours: (1) file a police report (BO) online at delegaciavirtual.policiacivilrj.net.br or in person at DEAT, the Tourist Police on Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco 159, Leblon — open 24/7. (2) Email your consulate with the BO PDF. (3) Cancel cards via your bank app. The BO is mandatory for an emergency travel document.

    Where is the US Consulate in Rio?

    US Consulate General Rio de Janeiro is at Av. Presidente Wilson 147, Castelo, Centro — open Mon–Fri, emergency passports issued same-day or next-day. Phone +55 21 3823-2000. After-hours US-citizen emergencies: +55 21 3823-2029.

    Can I fly home without a passport?

    Not on an international flight. You need either (1) an emergency travel document (ETD) from your consulate, or (2) a new emergency passport. Both require an in-person consulate visit, the police report and a passport photo. Allow at least 1–3 business days. Domestic flights inside Brazil accept your driver's license + the BO.

    How much does an emergency US passport cost in Rio?

    USD 165 for an adult emergency passport, payable in Reais at the consulate (cash or card). Replacement of a stolen passport waives no fees. Some consulates (UK, Canada, Australia) charge similarly: GBP 100–CAD 335.

    Where is the Tourist Police (DEAT) in Rio?

    Delegacia Especial de Atendimento ao Turista (DEAT) is at Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco 159, Leblon, next to the Cândido Mendes university — open 24 hours, English-speaking officers on duty, reports issued in 30–60 minutes. Phone +55 21 2332-2924.

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