Canceled passports leave some Americans denied entry abroad

Several Americans reported being denied entry abroad after destination officials said their passports were flagged as lost or stolen; the U.S. Department of State says reporting a passport lost or stolen requires a formal form.

Several Americans say they were denied entry when foreign immigration officials told them their U.S. passports had been canceled or flagged as lost or stolen. These accounts circulated on social media through videos from travellers who said they were stopped after landing. Some travellers said they had used the same passport to board earlier flights without problems. Those affected report contacting U.S. agencies while seeking explanations. Reported details: - Multiple travellers said they were refused entry after immigration officials told them their passports were flagged as lost or stolen, and some were told the alert came via Interpol. - Several travellers reported they were able to board international flights earlier but were stopped by destination immigration on arrival. - The U.S. Department of State describes the process to report a passport lost or stolen as an online, mail or in-person form that requests personal information. - Some travellers said they obtained emergency passports at U.S. embassies and have since sought answers from U.S. agencies but reported limited response. Summary: These reports describe travellers who reached foreign ports only to be denied entry because their passports were reported as lost or stolen. Affected people report difficulty obtaining explanations from U.S. officials and some obtained emergency passports to return or continue travel. Undetermined at this time.