Losing a Passport Abroad

Sure, going to the Olympics probably has you teeming with excitement. It is, after all, one of the biggest events of the year. And while the energy runs high, so does the chaos. While you’re busy enjoying your time, the streets of London will be swarming with people. Perhaps because of this, or perhaps because your head’s in the clouds, you may not notice that something is missing.

It could be your watch, some loose change, your wallet, your purse or – knock on wood –  not your passport! I don’t know if this has ever happened to you, but a lost or stolen passport while traveling is a huge pain in the bum and one of the easiest mood killers for a trip.

The main concern that comes with losing a passport is, “what if I’m a victim of identity theft?” and “how am I ever going to get back home?” The panic attack that ensues is completely justified. Replacing your passport requires you to file a police report (if it was stolen), schedule an appointment with the nearest U.S. Embassy (may take days), and pay $85 for a replacement. To do all this you may need internet access (which you may or may not have), not to mention the possibility of a language barrier.

Fortunately, a disaster like this no longer has to become a mood kill thanks to On Call International, a leading provider of medical, security, travel, and concierge services. For any emergency, like the loss of a passport, On Call International will do the work for you. They’ll call all the right people and provide translation services if needed. They’ve recently released Searchlight, an online and mobile application that provides travel preparation, tracking, interactive communication and social media integration. In the Searchlight portal, not only can you access any information about your upcoming trip, but you can also store important travel documents such as copies of your passport. Additionally, Searchlight offers a direct line of communication between travelers and administrators.

It’s $55 for a single trip and $225 for an annual membership. There are also special corporate membership packages that depend on the number of travelers and the level of support needed. Basically, for any travel emergency, On Call International has got you covered.