Losing your passport while traveling abroad can be a stressful situation. However, obtaining the new passport is possible with the appropriate procedure and paperwork. You’ll explore the lost passport process for Indians, this article will help you through every step of the procedure to obtain a new one.
1. Report Loss to Local Police
The first and most important step is to immediately lodge a complaint about your lost passport at the nearest police station in the country you are currently staying. The police will register your complaint in a First Information Report (FIR). It is crucial to obtain a copy of this FIR as it will be needed subsequently to apply for an emergency travel document from the Indian embassy.
2. Inform Passport Office in India
As the second step, you need to notify the concerned Regional Passport Office or Passport Seva Kendra back in India about the lost passport. This is achieved by sending a email to a RPO with the important information, such as the passport number, and country of the issuance, along with a date of a issuance. It is recommended that you retain the copy of this email for the future reference when you replace a device.
3. Apply for Emergency Certificate
Visit the nearest Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate in the country you are in with the required documents to apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC). The documents required are:
- Passport size photographs
- FIR copy
- Email sent to Indian RPO informing about lost passport
- Filled EC application form
- Applicable fees
An EC allows you to travel back to India. It is a one-time travel document issued for lost passport cases.
4. Return to India with EC
The Emergency Certificate or EC issued by the Indian embassy/consulate is a one-time travel document that allows you to return to India from the country you reported your lost passport in. You should book travel arrangements to India using the EC. Ensure you carry all documents related to reporting the lost passport to local authorities abroad along with the EC for verification on your return to India.
5. Apply for Police Clearance Certificate
Once back in India, visit the local police station with proof of address and apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). A PCC states that you have reported the lost passport to local authorities.
6. Apply for Fresh Passport
Now you can apply for a fresh passport. Visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra with required documents:
- Completed passport application form
- Address proof
- Birth certificate
- 10th certificate
- PCC
- 2 passport size photographs
- Fees
Submit all documents and application. Your new passport will be issued within a few weeks once the verification process is complete.
7. Important Tips
It is crucial to report the lost passport right away to avoid any legal complications. Make copies of all documents and carry them carefully. Apply for the Police Clearance Certificate and fresh passport without delay to avoid further issues. The Emergency Certificate issued is a one-time travel document, so protect it carefully. Inform others about your lost passport in case it is found by someone.
Conclusion
Losing a passport abroad can be stressful but following the proper process step-by-step will help you get a replacement passport issued smoothly. You may return home and obtain a new passport without any issues with the appropriate paperwork and prompt applications. Using a zero forex markup card during this period ensures convenient access to funds for immediate travel expenses, without added currency conversion costs.
