01/07/2026
Several people (Americans) are reporting through travel channels and social media that their passports are being reported stolen (before their trip) and they are being deported back to the US. The common theme I’ve seen is that it’s an interpol alert that shows up when they are trying to clear customs in the destination country. It is always good to make sure your passport is as valid as you can before travel. There’s a few steps you can take as this keeps happening.
1. Have additional identification on you, this can help especially if you need to come back through customs immediately (get put on a plane and deported), or if you can make it to an embassy.
2. Fly into a city with an Embassy. You probably wouldn’t be granted onward travel if your passport is coming up lost or stolen. You are at the mercy of that country’s immigration if you can make it to the embassy.
3. Budget extra, it’s always good to have emergency funds, but in this case if you need to Get an emergency passport, you’re looking at $160 USD starting. Shipping, expediting, passport card etc cost more.
4. On your way back into the states be prepared to be stopped at customs and having to identify yourself there.
5. As of February 1, 2026, there will be an additional $45 charge at TSA if you don’t have adequate ID. If you come back through American customs you usually need to go back through security if you have a connecting flight.
Good luck and stay safe ✈️ 
