Today my day was a nightmare
I'm overseas and I lost my passport
It was in my pocket in one minute
and in the other it wasn't anymore
Oh my God, and then with so much
conflicting information I almost went crazy
I live in United States and I have a green card
And the airline company told me that with the green card alone and other forms of ID
I'd be able to go back to the US
In fact, I saw several cases online of people who did that, they were in a similar situation
And it worked
So, I relaxed right? And didn't worry much but then I remembered one thing
The problem would not be go back to the US, I think that would work
The problem is that some countries also have passport control on the way out
And that's the case here in Brazil
I searched everywhere and discovered I need to apply for an emergency passport
But nothing opens on weekends
Today is Saturday and my flight is tomorrow, Sunday
I had to cancel my flight, extend the reservation here at the hotel at least for another night
And get ready to open up my wallet
Just so that my time and money are not just simply wasted
I decided creating this video to help other people in the same situation
First of all, it's important to know that not everyone
qualifies or needs for an emergency passport
Sometimes just a simple document from the consulate
stating that you are okay to board is already enough
You need to check that with your consulate or embassy because it actually varies from country to country
In my case I needed all documents as if I was applying for a regular passport
And also all documents that prove I really need to fly as soon as possible
Monday! Yesterday I didn't even go to the airport
I just called United Airlines and explained my situation and they left my plane ticket open
for me to rebook once I have a passport
So I'm now on my way to the Federal Police, that's where Brazilians apply for a passport
And you need to check how it works with your country and your consulate
Seven in the morning and I'm already waiting
If you are abroad your consulate will most likely help you get back home
But in my case, I'm in the country where I was born but I live somewhere else
So there's no guarantee I will actually get a passport today
The emergency passport costs more than a regular one and lasts anything from a few months to a year
Once my husband also lost his American passport and the new one was only good for three months
Something else, the idea of leaving
my plane ticket open didn't work
because they asked the e-ticket number,
the confirmation number is not enough
So I called back United and they rebooked me on the flight tonight
It's a huge bet that everything is gonna work
I waited for four and a half hours but the system is not working
What they suggested was that I go back to the hotel, check out
And go back to the police with my luggage and just wait
They are hopeful it's going to work in the afternoon
Let's see
And now, just wait. Pure adrenaline
Now imagine my situation, going back to the police building with these suitcases here
Everybody looking at me
But at least I got my baby, their system went back online and everything worked out in the end
Thank you so much
So, it comes with a huge "emergency" here
It's slightly different from a regular passport
I made it here, now I'm sure it's gonna work
And if you wanna learn more about this whole process
Documentation, expenses and details in general
check out my blog RenataPereira.tv