Losing a passport is stressful. Losing it abroad, with no immediate way home, is a crisis. The rules for replacement are strict, the documentation is specific, and the process differs depending on whether you are in Ghana or overseas. But there is a clear path through it. Here is exactly what to do, what to bring, and how to get a new passport—or an emergency travel document—as quickly as possible.
Step One: Report It to the Police
This is non-negotiable. Whether your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report the matter to the police and obtain a Police Report or Police Extract.
The Ghana Embassy in Brussels lists a Police Report as a mandatory requirement for lost, damaged, or stolen passports. The Ghana High Commission in London requires a Police Report of lost passport . The Toronto Consulate requires a Police Extract or Report of lost passport . The Washington Embassy requires an Original Police Report indicating loss of passport .
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If you are abroad, report to the local police in that country. In the UK, for example, you can report online or via 101, the police non-emergency number . Keep the crime reference number.
Do not skip this step. Without a police report, your application will be delayed or rejected.
Step Two: Prepare the Replacement Documents
The exact requirements vary slightly by mission, but the core documents are consistent.
For Lost or Stolen Passports (Applying Abroad)
The London High Commission lists the following requirements :
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Copy of the bio-data page of the lost passport, or any other official Photo ID
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Original birth certificate (authenticated by the Judicial Service of Ghana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana)
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Police Report of lost passport
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Affidavit or notary declaration by the applicant
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Any other relevant supporting documents
The Toronto Consulate adds a sworn affidavit or notary declaration by the applicant .
The Brussels Embassy requires documents to support identity (originals and photocopies), a copy of the missing/damaged previous passport if available, a Police Report, a birth certificate legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Accra and Judicial Services, an affidavit, and proof of identity .
For Damaged Passports
The same documentation applies. Bring the damaged passport itself if you still have it. The Brussels checklist groups “Lost, Damaged or Stolen Passports” together with the same requirements .
The Standard Application Requirements Still Apply
Even for a replacement, you must complete the standard application process. That means:
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Printed and signed online application form (witnessed and stamped by a professional)
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Two guarantors (18+, known you for at least 2 years, may be relatives)
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One professional witness (not a guarantor, known you for at least 2 years)
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Photo uploaded during the online application
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Online payment (cash is not accepted)
Step Three: Apply Online and Book an Appointment
Go to passport.mfa.gov.gh and log in or create an account . Start a new application and select the appropriate category—MISSING_OR_DAMAGED—and upload your police report and affidavit.
Complete the form, upload your photo, pay the fee online, and book an appointment at your nearest Passport Application Centre (PAC) or Ghanaian mission.
Attend the appointment in person for biometric capture. Do not wear white .
What If You Need to Travel Urgently?
If you are abroad and need to return to Ghana urgently—for a family emergency, for example—you may not have time to wait for a full passport replacement. In that case, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC).
The London High Commission describes the ETC as a document issued to Ghanaian nationals who need to travel to Ghana urgently and do not possess a valid Ghanaian passport. It is valid for a single journey to Ghana only, typically for one month, and becomes void upon entry into Ghana .
Eligibility: You must be a Ghanaian national without a valid passport. Your passport must not have expired for more than one year .
Required documents :
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Proof of travel (confirmed flight ticket to Ghana; for medical emergencies, a supporting letter from a hospital or GP)
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Proof of nationality (copy of passport bio-data page or other Ghanaian photo ID)
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Two recent passport-sized photographs
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For minors, a consent letter from parents or legal guardian
Fee: £65.00 .
Processing time: Five working days .
Submission: In person at the Consular Section, 13 Belgrave Square, London, Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Visits are by online appointment only .
The Toronto Consulate notes that for genuine emergencies, ETCs are typically issued within 24–48 hours .
The Costs: What You Pay
Fees vary by mission and currency.
| Mission | Lost/Stolen Replacement Fee |
|---|---|
| Washington DC | $230.00 |
| Japan | ¥20,000 (32-page) |
| Brussels | Consular fee applies; confirm locally |
In Ghana, the standard passport fee is GH¢350 for a regular application. A one-day emergency service costs GH¢2,000.
Important: All consular fees are non-refundable once paid, including for incomplete or withdrawn applications .
What Not to Do
Do not travel on a lost passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, it is no longer valid. Attempting to travel on it is not possible.
Do not use a middleman. The Ministry has repeatedly warned against “goro boys.” Apply through the official portal and deal directly with the mission or PAC.
Do not assume an ETC will get you back to your country of residence. An ETC gets you to Ghana. Returning to the UK, for example, depends on your UK immigration status documents. If your BRP or visa was lost with the passport, contact the UK Home Office about replacements before travelling .
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| First Step | Report to police and obtain Police Report |
| Online Portal | passport.mfa.gov.gh |
| Application Type | MISSING_OR_DAMAGED |
| Key Documents | Police Report, affidavit, birth certificate, ID, photo |
| Emergency Travel Certificate | Single journey to Ghana; £65 in London; 5 working days |
| Washington Replacement Fee | $230.00 |
| Refund Policy | Non-refundable |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the first thing I should do if my Ghana passport is lost or stolen?
Report it to the police immediately and obtain a Police Report or Police Extract. This is a mandatory requirement for replacement applications .
2. Can I replace my Ghana passport if it was stolen abroad?
Yes. You apply through the Ghanaian mission in your country of residence. You will need a police report, an affidavit, a copy of your lost passport’s bio-data page if available, and your birth certificate .
3. What documents do I need to replace a lost Ghana passport?
Police Report, affidavit or notary declaration, copy of the lost passport’s bio-data page or other photo ID, original birth certificate (authenticated where required), and any other supporting documents .
4. How much does it cost to replace a lost Ghana passport?
Fees vary by mission. The Washington Embassy charges $230.00 for a lost/stolen application . The Japan Embassy charges ¥20,000 for a 32-page booklet . In Ghana, the standard fee is GH¢350.
5. Can I get an emergency travel document if I need to return to Ghana urgently?
Yes. An Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) is available for Ghanaian nationals who need to travel to Ghana urgently and do not have a valid passport. It is valid for a single journey to Ghana .
6. How long does an Emergency Travel Certificate take?
The London High Commission processes ETCs within five working days . For genuine emergencies, some missions issue them within 24–48 hours .
7. What if my passport was damaged rather than lost?
The process is the same. Report it to the police if required, and apply for a replacement with the damaged passport and supporting documents .
8. Is the passport replacement fee refundable?
No. All consular fees are non-refundable once paid, including for incomplete or withdrawn applications .
9. Do I need a police report if my passport was damaged in a flood or natural disaster?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced expedited replacement for passports lost or damaged in specific flood events. In July 2026, applicants were asked to contact a dedicated line (055 936 8563) for fast-tracked replacement . Outside such special arrangements, a police report is generally required.
10. Can I travel on an Emergency Travel Certificate back to my country of residence?
No. An ETC is valid for a single journey to Ghana only. Returning to your country of residence depends on your immigration status documents. If your visa or residence permit was lost with your passport, contact the relevant immigration authority before travelling.
11. What should I do if my passport was lost and I have no copy of the bio-data page?
You can use other official photo ID as proof of identity. The London High Commission accepts “any other official Photo ID” in place of a copy of the lost passport .
12. Do I need guarantors and a witness for a lost passport replacement?
Yes. The standard application requirements apply, including two guarantors and one professional witness.
Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
