A large number of people from India travel abroad for work, tourism, or other reasons. But what if your passport is lost during your travels? It's a scenario that can induce stress and bring significant challenges, potentially ending your trip. However, there's no need to panic. Instead, promptly take the necessary steps. Here’s a guide on what to do if you find yourself in such a situation.
File a Police Report
In the unfortunate event of losing your passport, your first step should be to report the loss at the nearest police station. Submitting a formal complaint and keeping a copy of the police report is crucial as this document is necessary for applying for a new passport or an emergency travel certificate through the Indian embassy.
Contact the Indian Embassy
Locate the Indian embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting and reach out to them. Their official websites provide contact lists by country. Embassy officials will assist you in matters of the lost passport and provide you with all the details needed to obtain a new one.
Apply for a New Passport or Emergency Certificate
You can apply for a new passport (which may take around a week) or an Emergency Certificate (EC), a temporary travel document that allows you to return to India.
Documents Needed for a New Passport
If applying for a new passport, provide proof of your current address, proof of date of birth, an affidavit detailing how the passport was lost, original police report, and if available, the first copy of your lost passport. If you don’t have a photocopy, try to provide critical information like the passport number and issuance date.
Apply for a Visa
Losing your passport typically means losing your visa too. Visit the embassy of the country that issued your visa with a copy of your previous visa, police report, new passport, or emergency certificate. Visa reissuance processes may vary depending on the country's rules.
Reschedule Your Flight
In case of delays, talk to your airline to amend your travel schedule. Some airlines may waive rebooking charges under such circumstances.
Inform Your Travel Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the passport loss and your new travel plans to ensure they do not deny coverage for any claims.
