A passport is crucial while travelling abroad as it proves your Indian citizenship to foreign authorities. Losing it can lead to a ruined vacation, sleepless nights, and extra expenses. In such a situation, one needs to know about the right modus operandi to retrieve the old passport or get a new one. Here are some steps that one must follow to ensure a safe return to India.
In the event of passport loss, it is essential to report the incident to the Indian Mission promptly. Typically, after verifying your Indian nationality and personal information, an Emergency Certificate (EC) will be issued. This certificate is a temporary travel document, allowing you to return to India under such circumstances.
It's essential to report the loss to the nearest police station, the Passport Office, or the Indian Mission. If needed, you can apply for a passport "Re-issue."
When applying for a passport re-issue due to loss, the following documents, as per the MEA guidelines, are required.
Proof of your current address.
Proof of your date of birth.
An affidavit explaining how and where your passport was lost or damaged (Annexure 'F').
The original police report.
Self-attested photocopies of your old passport's first two and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page, if available.
The original EC/Seizure Memo.
Pro-Tip: When dealing with a lost, damaged, or stolen passport, providing a photocopy of the old passport isn't mandatory, but it should be submitted if available. When you fill out the passport application form, you must have the previous passport details, such as the passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and place of issue. Contact the relevant Mission/Post for assistance if you need this information.
Travelling without a passport is impossible; getting a new one can take several days. So, if necessary, think about changing your flight dates. It's good to inform your airline about the situation to prevent future complications.
Contact your travel insurance provider and inform them about the situation. Keep the police report and receipts for expenses related to passport loss easily accessible.
Similar steps also apply in the case of a damaged passport, which refers to a situation where the passport number remains readable, the name is legible, and the photo remains intact. On the other hand, a passport is considered "damaged beyond recognition" when it has sustained severe damage to the point where it can no longer be identified or used for its intended purpose. For more details, contact Passport Seva.