Losing your passport in a foreign country can be one of the most stressful experiences a traveler can face. Your passport is not just a travel document — it proves your identity and nationality. Whether it is stolen or misplaced, knowing the right steps can help you stay calm, avoid legal trouble, and return to India safely.
What to Do If You Lose Your Passport Abroad (Immediate Action Plan)
Follow these steps in exact order when your passport goes missing:
1. Stay Calm and Check Thoroughly
Before assuming it is lost:
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Check your bags, pockets, hotel room, taxi receipts, and safe lockers.
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Contact the airport’s lost & found desk if you lost it during transit.
Sometimes, passports are misplaced — not stolen.
2. Report the Loss to the Nearest Local Police Station
File an official police complaint (FIR or Loss Report).
Why is this important?
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It acts as a legal record of the loss.
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Required by the Indian Embassy/Consulate to issue an Emergency Certificate or new passport.
Make sure the police document contains:
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Your name
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Passport number (keep a digital copy beforehand)
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Place and date of loss
3. Contact the Nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate
Visit the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate office in the country where you lost your passport.
You can find embassy addresses at:
https://www.india.gov.in/indian-missions-abroad
Carry the following:
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Police report
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Copy of lost passport (physical or digital scan)
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Two passport size photographs
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Identity proof (Aadhaar/Driving License/PAN)
If you do not have any document, the embassy will still help you by verifying your identity through the passport database.
4. Apply for an Emergency Certificate or a New Passport
The Indian Embassy will offer one of these options:
| Document Type | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Certificate (EC) | Allows one-way travel back to India only | Valid until you land in India |
| Short Validity Passport (SVP) | Temporary passport issued only in certain cases | Up to 1 year |
| New Passport (Normal/Tatkal) | If you're staying abroad longer and need a full passport | Valid for 10 years |
Emergency Certificate is issued quickly, especially for urgent situations.
5. Inform Your Airline or Travel Agent
Some airlines require additional verification if you’re traveling without your original passport.
Keep copies of:
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Emergency Certificate / temporary passport
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Police report
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Embassy documents
6. Notify Your Bank If Cards Also Went Missing
Often, passports are stolen along with wallets. If your debit/credit cards are missing, block them immediately.
Documents Required at the Embassy
Here’s the checklist:
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Police loss report
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Passport photocopy (if available)
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Aadhaar/PAN/Driving License copy
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Filled passport application form
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2 passport photographs (as per guidelines)
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Flight ticket copy (if you have an urgent travel requirement)
How Long Does It Take to Get Emergency Travel Documents?
| Document Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Emergency Certificate | Same day – 48 hours |
| Short Validity Passport | 2–7 days |
| New Passport (Full valid) | 7–21 days |
Processing time may vary based on verification requirements.
How to Protect Your Passport While Traveling Abroad
To avoid passport loss situations:
✅ Carry digital scans on cloud storage (Google Drive/Email).
✅ Keep the passport in the hotel safe, not in your pocket.
✅ Use a money belt or anti-theft travel pouch.
✅ Note the address and contact number of the nearest Indian Embassy when you arrive.
What Not to Do When Your Passport Is Lost
❌ Do NOT panic
❌ Do NOT delay informing the police
❌ Do NOT try to travel without proper documents — it's illegal
❌ Do NOT accept offers from strangers to "trace" your passport
Conclusion
If you lose your passport abroad, do not panic. Report → Contact Embassy → Apply for Emergency Certificate → Travel back safely.
The Indian Embassy is always there to assist citizens in distress.
At Smotpro.in, we help you with everything related to passport services, including:
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New Passport
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Tatkal Passport
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Passport Renewal
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Minor / Kids Passport
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Name change / Address change
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ECR/ECNR update
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Passport for study, travel, work abroad
We have offices across India to support you throughout the process.
Our office-
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WKoMS6epHDmDhuWG6
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