Losing my Passport Abroad in Budapest

By: Bridget Newman

Have you ever made a mistake so big you feel like the world is ending and your life is over? I have! This was the feeling I had when I lost my passport on a weekend trip away from my study abroad home base. While losing a purse with your passport and all of your personal belongings sounds like the biggest travel nightmare, it is in fact NOT the end of the world. I wrote this blog for any study abroad student who may be freaking out, like I was in my situation not too long ago. Or for anyone who needs an extra reminder to count your belongings while traveling. 

It was the weekend of the organized CIEE trip to Budapest from Prague (my home base). We had just gotten onto the metro to head to our hotel for the weekend, when I realized I had one less bag with me. My stomach dropped to my feet and my first thought: “this is not happening.”

The rest of the day I was extremely worried and in shock. I kept kicking myself for not double-checking my things like usual. However, in that moment, beating yourself up does not bring a purse back. It does no good, except make you feel worse. So if YOU have this problem… take a deep breath and just step through the next hoops. 

I still was able to tour the city and do some sight-seeing, and sitting in the hotel room would not have helped. After doing everything you can, try to get your mind off of it for the time being, and be in the place you are.

Long story short, I was able to get my purse back (this was the best news of my life and I think I cried tears of joy), but still had to get a new passport and visa stamp. So while everyone’s situation is different, we all have something to figure out abroad. You can and will do it! 

Going to the US Embassy was not as big of a pain as you might think. You do not always need an appointment. Make sure to advocate for yourself and tell them exactly what you need, and they will help you the best they can. Also, go as early in the morning as possible, to avoid standing in line for an hour. My expedited passport arrived in just over a week and I got a new stamp in the following weeks. 

Anyways, it has been a process to say the least, but (most importantly), not the end of the world. It is tough, stressful and incredibly frustrating, but I promise you will get through it. I hope this brings you a little peace of mind that you are not the first one to do this, and it will all be okay. Good luck… and count your belongings.

EXPLORE PRAGUE