EU Emergency Travel Documents (EU ETD)

If you are abroad in an emergency situation (for example, you need to travel back and you have lost your passport or it has been stolen) and you are unable to obtain a new passport in time, Italian diplomatic and consular representations can issue a provisional travel document (EU ETD – Emergency Travel Document). It is valid for one single journey back to Italy or to your country of permanent residence, or, in exceptional cases, to another destination. Please note that within the Schengen area, as part of their commercial policies, some airlines may allow boarding upon presentation of the theft or loss report filed with the local Police authorities.

To obtain an EU ETD, you must present yourself at the Consulate with the following documentation:

1. EU ETD application form;
2. report of loss or theft of the passport or other travel document, issued at the Consulate pursuant to Articles 46, 47 and 76 of Presidential Decree 445/2000;
3. report of theft, loss, or destruction of the passport or other travel document filed with the local Police authorities;
4. one digital or scanned photograph of the applicant, compliant with the ICAO photo guidelines;
5. the travel ticket, if available.

The EU ETD may also be issued to citizens of European Union member States, after obtaining the formal authorization from a diplomatic or consular representation or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the applicant’s country of citizenship, and upon presentation of the following documentation:

1. the applicant’s personal details;
2. report of loss or theft of the passport or other travel document, issued at the Consulate pursuant to Articles 46, 47 and 76 of Presidential Decree 445/2000;
3. report of theft or loss of the passport or other travel document filed with the local Police authorities;
4. a facial image of the applicant, compliant with ICAO guidelines;
5. a copy/scan of an identification document.

Issuing the EU ETD is free of charge. Once you have reached your destination, you must hand the EU ETD over to the border Police or to the Consular office with jurisdiction over your destination.

Please note that on the days preceding public holidays and on holidays themselves, this type of assistance may not be available due to the closure of the offices and may be postponed – except in cases of proven emergency – to the next working day.

Honorary Consulates are not authorized to issue the ETD, they can only forward the applications to the competent Consular office and, if necessary, deliver the document. The costs of sending the documentation from the second-category Consular office and of shipping the personalized EU ETD from the first-category Consular office are your responsibility.

Always remember to keep a photocopy of your most important documents (passport, ID card, credit card) in a place separate from where you keep the originals, to facilitate assistance procedures in case of theft or loss.

Last update: 12 December 2025.