Lost Or Stolen Indian Passport: What To Do Next

A valid proof of identity is required for international travel, and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issues passports as such. In case of a lost Indian passport, it is important to report it immediately to the nearest Indian embassy or consulate and apply for a new one. Losing or damaging your passport can cause significant stress, but taking prompt and informed steps can minimise inconvenience.

If Passport is Lost What to Do

1. Report to the Local Police

If Lost in India:

• Visit the nearest police station as soon as you realise your passport is lost or stolen.
• File a formal complaint and request a First Information Report (FIR). An FIR is an official document that will serve as proof of the loss and is mandatory for applying for a duplicate or replacement passport.

If Lost Abroad:

• Approach the local police in the country where the loss occurred.
• File a police report and request a copy for your records. This report will be essential for notifying the Indian embassy or consulate and for securing an emergency travel document or a replacement passport.

2. Notify the Authorities

In India:

• Contact the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the regional passport office. You can do this online through the Passport Seva Portal or in person.
• Provide the FIR obtained from the police station along with other required documents (e.g., proof of identity, address, and citizenship) to initiate the process for a duplicate passport.
• Submit an affidavit or declaration about the circumstances of the loss, as required by the authorities.

While Abroad:

• Locate the nearest Indian embassy or consulate and inform them about the lost passport immediately.
• Depending on your travel needs and urgency, the embassy or consulate may:
  1. Issue an Emergency Certificate (EC): This document enables you to return to India but cannot be used for international travel to other countries.
  2. Assist with the application for a new passport if you intend to continue your stay abroad.
• Submit the local police report, passport details (if available), and any identification proof to expedite the process.

3. Additional Steps to Protect Yourself

• Prevent Identity Theft: Losing your passport increases the risk of identity theft. Report the loss to the immigration authorities if you suspect misuse.
• Monitor Travel Plans: Notify airlines or travel agents if you are travelling soon, as you may need to adjust plans while resolving the situation.
• Apply for a New Passport or EC:
  • Gather all necessary documents, including the police report, old passport details (if you have a copy or note of the number), and photographs.
  • Follow the process as directed by the passport office in India or the Indian mission abroad.

Application for Lost of Passport

To obtain a new passport after losing or damaging your current one, follow these steps:

1. Gather Required Documents:

• FIR or police report.
• Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card).
• Proof of address (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements).
• Previous passport details, if available.
• Annexure F (affidavit detailing how and where the passport was lost or damaged).

2. Submit an Online Application:

• Visit the official Passport Seva website and complete the application form under the ‘Re-Issue’ category with the reason specified as Lost Indian Passport.
• Pay the applicable fee online and book an appointment at your nearest PSK.

3. Attend the Appointment:

• Carry all the required documents and arrive on time. During the appointment, your biometrics will be captured, and an interview may be conducted to verify your details.

4. Track the Application:

• After submission, track the status of your passport application online. Processing times may vary depending on the verification process.

Emergency Certificate for Urgent Travel

If you lose your passport abroad and need to return to India urgently, the Indian Embassy or Consulate can issue an Emergency Certificate (EC). The EC allows one-way travel to India and requires verification of your Indian nationality. Once back in India, you can apply for a new passport following the regular process.

Tatkaal Scheme for Faster Processing

If you need a new passport urgently and your damaged passport is still partially legible, you can apply under the Tatkaal scheme. This expedited service is subject to additional charges and the discretion of the passport authorities. Note that the Tatkaal scheme is not available for passports damaged beyond recognition.

Lost Passport Fees in India

The fees for replacing a lost Indian passport as of January 2025 are:

• 36-page passport: ₹3,000
• 60-page passport: ₹3,500
• Tatkaal processing fee: Additional ₹2,000

These fees are subject to periodic revision, so checking the official Passport Seva website for the latest fee structure is advisable.

Protect Your Passport with Travel Insurance

While losing a passport is stressful, having a travel insurance policy offers peace of mind. Royal Sundaram International Travel Insurance covers unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, misplaced luggage, or loss of passport.

Conclusion

Losing or damaging your passport can be a challenging experience, but knowing the proper steps to take can make the recovery process smoother. Always ensure you carry photocopies of your passport and other identification documents while travelling. Additionally, consider investing in international travel insurance to safeguard against unforeseen events.