For Indians travelling overseas — whether solo, with family or in a group — the key is to act quickly and in the right order. Panic often makes the situation worse. Instead, there are specific steps that must be followed to secure identity, protect travel plans, and return to India without unnecessary delays.

Secure your identity first

The moment a passport is found missing, the priority is to lock down one’s identity. This step is non-negotiable. Whether the incident happens in a city like Bangkok, Dubai or anywhere else abroad, travellers must approach the nearest police station or local authority and file a lost passport report. This report serves as formal proof that the passport is no longer in the traveller’s possession and helps prevent misuse.

Once the report is filed, it is important to:

• Collect a physical copy of the police report
• Take a clear photograph or digital copy of the document

These will be required repeatedly during interactions with the embassy, airlines, and immigration authorities.

Contact the Indian embassy without delay

After securing the police report, the next step is to immediately contact the Indian embassy or consulate in the country of travel. Only the Indian Mission has the authority to help an Indian citizen exit a foreign country after a passport is lost.

Airlines do not accept explanations such as “the passport was lost,” even if the return flight is scheduled within the next two days. Travellers must inform the embassy that they require an Emergency Certificate (EC) or a temporary travel document to return to India. While approaching the mission, travellers should carry all available supporting documents, including:

• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• Driving licence
• Passport-size photographs
• The police report

Information and contact details for Indian embassies and consulates across the world can be accessed through the official government portal igod.gov.in.

Protect visas, immigration status, and hotel stays

Losing a passport can also affect visas and immigration records. In many countries, visas and entry stamps are directly linked to the passport, which means exit formalities may not be straightforward once the passport is lost. Travellers should consult the Indian embassy to understand what exit procedures are required for that specific country.

Depending on local regulations, travellers may need to:

• Inform local immigration authorities
• Obtain an exit permit
• Secure a replacement visa letter

At the same time, digital copies of the passport and visa should be kept readily accessible. Hotels often require valid identification at check-in, and these copies can help avoid accommodation-related issues while the matter is being resolved.

Confirm travel documents with the airline in advance

Before heading to the airport, travellers must inform the airline about the loss of the passport and the use of an Emergency Certificate. The final decision on boarding rests with the airline, and document acceptance can vary by route.

There have been instances where travellers reached the airport only to be denied boarding because their Emergency Certificate was not accepted for that particular journey. To prevent this, travellers should:

• Call airline customer care in advance
• Confirm acceptance of the Emergency Certificate
• Check if any additional paperwork is required

On the day of travel, passengers should arrive early at the airport, as verification and processing can add an extra one to three hours to the usual check-in time.

Steps to follow after returning to India

Once back in India, travellers must apply for a re-issue of their passport. The Emergency Certificate or temporary travel document is valid only for the return journey and cannot replace a regular passport.

What happens to your existing visas?

Travellers should also understand the impact on existing visas. If the lost passport contained a physical sticker visa, such as a US visa or a Schengen visa, that visa is considered lost along with the passport. It cannot be assumed that the visa can be transferred immediately.

In most cases:

• A fresh visa application will be required
• Even where a transfer process exists, a new passport is mandatory

Knowing these steps in advance can prevent the situation from turning into a prolonged travel crisis involving unnecessary delays or costs.