Lost or damaged your Indian passport abroad? Here's what to do

If an Indian passport is lost or damaged while travelling overseas, the Ministry of External Affairs advises travellers to act quickly. The passport holder must report the matter immediately and apply for a re-issued passport. A duplicate passport is not issued in such cases; only a re-issue under the “lost/damaged” category is possible.

The first step is to file a complaint with the local police and obtain a written report. At the same time, the traveller must contact the nearest Indian Mission or Consulate. Officials will guide on how to apply for an emergency travel document or a re-issued passport.

It is important to note that the Tatkaal scheme does not apply if the passport has been lost or damaged beyond recognition. Such applications are processed only under the regular route.

Quick Checklist for Travellers
1. Report Immediately
- File a complaint at the local police station.
- Collect a copy of the police report.

2. Contact Indian Authorities
- Approach the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.
- Provide details of the incident.

3. Apply for Re-Issue
- Submit application under “lost/damaged passport” category.
- Only a re-issue is given, not a duplicate.

4. Documents Required
- Police report copy
- Completed application form
- Proof of Indian nationality (such as Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, or old passport copy, if available)
- Recent passport-size photographs

5. Important Note
- Tatkaal service is not available.
- Processing time may vary by location.

Emergency Helplines

• MADAD Portal:
  
  
• 24x7 Helpline at Indian Missions: Most Embassies and Consulates operate emergency hotlines for Indian citizens. Contact numbers are available on their official websites.
  
  
• MEA Control Room (New Delhi): +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905
  
  

Travellers are also advised to keep scanned copies of their passports in email or phone before travelling. This speeds up verification in case of emergencies.