Troubleshooting & FAQ
Lost or stolen passport or visa in Russia: what to do
Losing your travel documents abroad is stressful but recoverable. Follow these steps in order to leave Russia legally.
Short answer
If your passport, visa or migration card is lost or stolen in Russia, report it to the local police immediately and obtain a written report. Then contact your country's embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document, and approach the local Russian migration office (GUVM) to restore your migration card and exit visa so you can leave the country legally. Do not attempt to depart without these documents.
Immediate steps
- 1Report the loss or theft to the nearest police station and obtain a written report (you will need it for the embassy and migration office).
- 2Contact your own country's embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency travel document or replacement passport.
- 3Visit the local Russian migration office (GUVM) to restore your migration card and obtain an exit visa.
You need an exit visa to leave
Without a valid visa and migration card you cannot lawfully leave Russia. The GUVM exit visa is the document that authorises your departure after a loss — arrange it before booking a new flight.
Before you travel: reduce the risk
- Keep colour copies (and secure digital copies) of your passport, visa and migration card, stored separately from the originals.
- Note your embassy's address and emergency number for the city you are visiting.
- Leave a copy of your documents with someone you trust at home.
How to leave Russia after losing your passport or visa
- 1
File a police report
Report the loss/theft and get a written report with a reference number.
- 2
Contact your embassy
Apply for an emergency travel document or replacement passport from your own country's mission.
- 3
Restore the migration card
Go to the local GUVM office to reissue your migration card based on the police report.
- 4
Obtain an exit visa
Request the exit visa from GUVM that authorises your lawful departure, then book travel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to do if my passport is stolen in Russia?
Report it to the local police and get a written report. You will need that document for both your embassy and the Russian migration office.
Can I leave Russia without my visa?
No. You need a valid visa and migration card to exit. After a loss, the local GUVM office issues an exit visa that authorises your departure.
Who replaces my passport?
Your own country's embassy or consulate issues an emergency travel document or replacement passport — not the Russian authorities.
How can I prepare in advance?
Carry colour copies and secure digital copies of your passport, visa and migration card, and note your embassy's emergency contacts before you travel.
RussianVisa.co is an independent guide and not a government body. Russian entry and migration rules change frequently — always confirm the current requirements with the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate that serves your country before you book or travel.
All help topics