𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 In Foreign Country: What to Do?

A passport is a vital document, contains important data regarding the person and becomes more crucial when travelling abroad. Unfortunately,, if your original passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed in a foreign country, the Indian government will assist in granting a duplicate. Unquestionably, losing a passport can create inconvenience while travelling abroad for business or on vacation with family. This blog assists you in finding the procedure for losing your passport, applying for a re-issuing passport and much more. 

What to Do After the Loss of a Passport?

Your passport is an important travel certificate that confirms your individuality and grants you entry to incredible locations all over the world. As a result, when travelling abroad, you should be vigilant and regard it as if it were gold. Still, you lose your passport in Foreign Country, and some factors are mentioned below for your protection. 

File a Complaint

If your passport is missing or stolen, file a report at the closest police station. In addition, carry  a replica of the report to document the missing passport. Further, it is required when applying for an emergency certificate or a new passport.

Contact Your Country’s Embassy

In case of a missing or stolen passport; an individual can contact their country’s Embassy. Every country has another country’s delegates working under that Embassy office. These Embassies are built to assist their residents living in a particular country. However, you can fill up the application form for a missing passport or emergency certificate by visiting the embassy.

Re-issuance of Visa

When you lose your passport, you might have a visa. In that case, you can visit the embassy of your country that has granted the visa. However, applying for a re-issue of a Visa, the procedure is the same. Carry a copy of your previous visa along with a police report. 

Flight Reschedule

Yes; indeed, you are not unable to commute without a passport, and re-issuance can take a few days. Thus, rescheduling the flight will be the best option for you if necessary. Moreover, you should inform flight companies like airlines, Vistara, etc., from where you have booked your flight booking to avoid future hassle.

Contact Travel Insurance

If you have taken travel insurance for your trip, explaining the situation will be less stressful and costly, as most proposals cover missing and stolen passports claim. The insurance companies also aid in locating local law enforcement to make a complaint and obtain a substitute passport.

How to Apply for Re-Issuance of a New Passport Online?

Some of the steps are mentioned below for re-issuance of a New Passport Online, losing your passport in a foreign country:

Step 1:Visit the official portal of the passport seva – https://passportindia[dot]gov[dot]in/

Step 2: Under the ‘Home’ category, if you haven’t registered on the website, then first register yourself. In case, if you have already registered, then login into your account. 

Step 3: Refer to the ‘About Us’ tab, go to the ‘Forms and Affidavits’ category, and select the ‘Download e-Form’ option, present on the left side of the panel.

Step 4: Select the type of category, you want to apply for and fill out the credentials like valid ID, passport number, name, DOB (date of birth), etc.

Step 5: Under the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’ tab, choose the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’ option to book the appointment and click on the payment mode.

Step 6: Download the application form and upload it on the website. 

How to Apply for a Re-issuance of a New Passport Offline?

To apply for a Re-issuance of a New Passport offline, follow the following steps:  

Step 1: Go to the official website of passport seva – https://passportindia[dot]gov[dot]in

Step 2: Under the ‘Forms and Affidavits’ category, click on the ‘Download e-form, present on the left side of the panel. 

Step 3: After clicking, several options for a passport will appear on your screen. Select the ‘Fresh or Re-issue of Passport’ option.  

Step 4: Fill out the details like applying for, valid ID, passport number, name, DOB (date of birth), etc.

Step 5: Go to any regional passport office, and submit the form with some charges.  

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Documents Required for a Re-issuance of New Passport

If you have lost your passport in Foreign Country, provide the following documents for passport re-issuance depending on the form of application, category, employment type, and other requirements:

• A detailed affidavit of how a passport was lost or destroyed 
• Certificate of No Objection/Letter of Prior Intimation
• Current Residence Proof
• Other proof such as Aadhaar Card, water bill, Employer’s Certificate, Voter ID, electricity bill and more
• Duplicate copy of spouse’s  and parent’s passport (if applicable)
• Registered Rental Contract (if applicable)
• FIR copy of lost passport
• 10th and 12th matrix educational certificate 
• A municipal government or an authorised agency issued a birth certificate
• Candidates who are uneducated or educated need to submit an affidavit stating their location and DOB (date of birth)
• If available, make a replica of the 1st and last pages of the last passport (ECR/Non-ECR pages)
• Recent passport-size photographs

What is an Emergency Certificate?

An emergency certificate is a one-way travelling paper that enables you to return to your home country if your passport is destroyed or missing. It is issued following verification of your nationality and other credentials by the High Commission, such as:

• Losing or stealing a passport 
• Users that have been denied a new passport
• For a long time, the authenticity of a passport has expired
• Individuals subject to deportation orders

Individuals can apply for an emergency certificate by visiting the corresponding embassy. This certificate may require a personal interview process. Likewise, they can apply online by visiting the official portal of the passport seva.

How to Apply for an Emergency Certificate Online?

Some of the simple steps are mentioned below to apply online for an emergency certificate in case of losing or stealing a passport:

Step 1: Go to the official website of ‘Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates’. 

https://embassy[dot]passportindia[dot]gov[dot]in/

Step 2: Choose a particular country from where you want to apply for passport services.

Step 3: You will be directed to the new page, click on the ‘Register’ link. 

Step 4: Log in with the valid ‘login ID’ and ‘Password’. 

Step 5: Under the ‘Applicant Home’, select the ‘Apply for Ordinary Passport/Emergency Certificate’ option to fill out a new application.

Step 6: After filling out the application form, take a printout and upload the document.

Wrapping Up

Losing a passport is an unforeseeable event that can cause inconvenience while commuting. However, keep the guidelines mentioned above in mind. If you come across these kinds of circumstances, it can easily prevent a hassle-free process.

FAQ’s about Lost Passport in Foreign