A large number of people from India travel abroad every year—whether for work, vacation, or other reasons. But imagine if your passport gets lost while travelling in a foreign country. This situation can be stressful and may even disrupt your trip. However, there’s no need to panic. Instead, you must act quickly and follow the necessary steps. Here’s what you should do if you ever face such a situation:
1. File a Police Report
As soon as you realise your passport is lost, your first step should be to visit the nearest police station and file a report. Make sure to get a copy of the police report, as this document is required to apply for a new passport or an emergency travel certificate through the Indian Embassy.
2. Contact the Indian Embassy
Find and contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the country you are in. The official website of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs provides contact details based on country. Embassy officials will guide you through the process and help you recover your passport.
3. Apply for a New Passport or Emergency Certificate
You can either apply for a new passport (which may take at least a week) or an Emergency Certificate (EC), which is a temporary travel document that allows you to return to India.
Also Read-: Passport Will Not Be Issued Without This Document, Government Amends Rules
4. Documents Required for New Passport
To apply for a new passport, you’ll need:
- Proof of your current address
- Proof of your date of birth
- An affidavit explaining how the passport was lost
- Original police report
- First page copy of your lost passport (if available)
- If you don’t have a copy, try to provide important details like the passport number and date of issue.
5. Apply for a New Visa
Losing your passport often means your visa is also lost. In this case, you must visit the embassy of the country that issued your visa with:
- A copy of the old visa (if available)
- Police report
- New passport or emergency certificate
Each country has its own rules for reissuing a visa, so follow the process as per their guidelines.
6. Reschedule Your Flight
If your travel is delayed due to the passport issue, contact your airline to change your flight. Some airlines may waive the rebooking fee in such cases.
7. Inform Your Travel Insurance Company
Notify your travel insurance provider about the lost passport and any changes to your travel plans. This helps avoid claim disputes later.
By staying calm and following these steps, you can manage the situation efficiently and safely return home.