Explained: What To Do If You Lose Or Damage Your Passport Abroad

A shiver ran down my spine when I couldn’t locate my passport. I usually keep my valuables in one safe spot, but this time, it had slipped my mind. After hours of frantic searching, I finally found it — in the most obvious yet least expected place. There was an instant relief, but the chaos, panic, and anxiety I felt were overwhelming. And this happened in the comfort of my own home, where I still had control over the situation. Now imagine losing or damaging your passport while travelling abroad — in a country where you may not speak the language, know the rules, or have easy access to help.

What To Do If You Damage Your Passport Abroad

When 24-year-old Tenzin Norbu accidentally put his passport through the laundry during a family trip to Switzerland, panic was his first reaction. Not only was he anxious about the consequences, but he was also disheartened to see the Schengen visa stamp on his passport ruined.

Recalling the rigmarole that followed, he says, “I went to the Indian Embassy’s website, filled out a form explaining how the passport was damaged, and booked an appointment for an emergency passport. Since I was a tourist, I could only apply for an emergency document — if you’re in India, the process might differ.”

At the embassy, Norbu handed over his damaged passport, which was officially cancelled. “They told me I’d receive an emergency passport within a few weeks and to collect it from Bern,” he adds, noting that no police report was required since the damage was accidental. 

However, the process of passport recovery may slightly differ if you lose your passport during an international travel. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for the worst.

What To Do If You Lose Your Passport Overseas

Panic is inevitable when you lose your passport in a foreign land. No amount of reassurance can fully calm the anxiety that sets in. But after those first moments of shock, it’s important to gather yourself, think clearly, and act quickly.

Start by retracing your steps — check your hotel room, bags, taxis, and any places you recently visited. Once you’ve confirmed that it’s truly lost, secure every other important document you have, such as your ID cards, visa, and travel insurance. These will be vital in proving your identity and applying for an emergency passport.

The Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India), through its official Passport Seva website, outlines clear steps for Indians who lose their passport abroad. Here are key actions you should take:

Report The Loss Immediately

The first step after losing your passport is to report the incident to both the local police and the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. Filing a police report is essential, as it serves as official proof of loss and may be required for reissue. Once that’s done, contact the respective Indian Mission or Post, providing all relevant details about your situation to begin the recovery process.

Apply For An Emergency Certificate (EC)

If you need to travel urgently to India, you can apply for an Emergency Certificate. This is a temporary one-way travel document that allows Indian citizens to return home. Before issuing it, the Mission will verify your Indian nationality or origin using their records. You’ll be asked to fill out an application form and provide: 

• The police report for your lost passport 

• Any proof of identity or citizenship (PAN, Aadhaar, visa copy, etc.) 

• Recent passport-size photographs

Don’t Have A Copy Of Your Passport? Don’t Worry

If you don’t have a photocopy of your lost passport, it’s not the end of the road. While a copy helps speed up the process, it’s not mandatory. You’ll need to provide as many details as you remember from your previous passport, like: 

• Passport number 

• Date of issue and expiry 

• Place of issue 

Once You’re Back In India 

If you returned to India on an Emergency Certificate, you must apply for a new passport (reissue) through a Passport Seva Kendra. Here’s what you’ll need to submit: 

• Proof of current address 

• Proof of date of birth 

• Affidavit (Annexure F) stating how and where the passport was lost or damaged 

• Original police report 

• Self-attested copies of the first and last pages of your old passport (if available) 

• Original Emergency Certificate (EC) 

Tips For Future Travel

While accidents happen, a few precautions can save you a lot of stress on future trips: 

• Keep digital scans of your passport and key documents in secure cloud storage. 

• Carry two passport-sized photos while travelling — useful in emergencies. 

• Store your passport in a waterproof pouch or hotel safe instead of carrying it around. 

• Keep a note of emergency embassy contact numbers in your phone and wallet. 

• Avoid carrying your passport everywhere — use hotel safes when possible 

FAQs

1. What should I do first if I lose my passport abroad? 
Immediately report the loss to the local police and the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. File a police report and contact the Mission with details — it will help in processing your emergency travel documents. 

2. What is an Emergency Certificate (EC)? 
An Emergency Certificate is a one-way travel document issued by Indian embassies that allows citizens to return home if their passport is lost or stolen abroad. 

3. Can I travel back to India without my passport? 
Yes, if you have an Emergency Certificate issued by the Indian Mission or Consulate, you can return to India legally. You’ll need to reapply for a new passport once home. 

4. What documents do I need to apply for a replacement passport abroad? 
You’ll need a police report, identity proof, passport photos, and an application form. If available, include a photocopy of your lost or damaged passport. 

5. What should I do to prevent losing my passport while travelling? 
Keep digital copies in secure cloud storage, avoid carrying your passport everywhere, and store it in a waterproof pouch or hotel safe. Always note down embassy contacts before you travel.