Losing your passport or phone while traveling is seriously one of the worst things that can happen. It’s stressful and can leave you feeling pretty lost.
But if you stay calm and know what to do, you can get through it without too much trouble. Here’s a simple guide to help you if your passport goes missing while you’re out exploring Report the Loss: If you're certain your passport is lost, report it immediately. Contact the local police to file a report, which can be helpful when dealing with embassies and authorities. Additionally, inform your country's embassy or consulate about the loss. They will guide you on the necessary steps to obtain a new one. Visit the Nearest Embassy or Consulate: Head to the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. Bring a copy of your police report, if applicable, and any other identification documents you may have. The embassy staff will guide you through the process of obtaining an emergency travel document or a replacement passport. Provide Proof of Citizenship and Identity: Embassies and consulates will require proof of citizenship and identity to issue a new passport. Carry any backup documents, such as photocopies or digital copies of your passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. These documents can expedite the replacement process. Apply for a new passport or an Emergency Certificate Travellers have two options: you can either apply for a new passport (which takes a minimum one week to come) or get an emergency certificate that allows you to return home or continue your journey. This temporary document is usually valid for a specific period and serves as a substitute until you can get a new passport. Can You Get A Duplicate Passport? No, duplicate passports are not provided; however, a new passport with a different passport number and fresh validity may be issued. To apply for a new passport, ensure you have the following documents:
- Proof of Present Address
- Proof of Date of Birth
- Affidavit stating how and where the passport got lost/damaged (Annexure 'F')
- Original police report
- Self-attested photocopy of the first two and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page of the old passport, if available.
When you lose your passport, you also lose all visa details. To retrieve your visa, visit the embassy of the respective country that initially issued the visa. Bring along a copy of your previous visa and the filed police report.
