I Lost My Passport in India — Who Should I Contact First?

Losing your passport in a foreign country can be one of the most stressful experiences for any traveler. It’s your primary form of identification and your only way out of the country. But if you’ve lost your passport in India—don’t panic. There’s a clear process in place to help you recover or replace it.

This guide explains exactly what to do if your passport goes missing in India, including who to contact first, what documents you’ll need, and how Indian Travel Help can assist you every step of the way.

🆘 First Step: Stay Calm and Secure Yourself

Before anything else, ensure you’re safe. If the passport was lost or stolen:

• Check your bags and hotel room again thoroughly.
• Inform hotel or travel staff—someone might turn it in.
• Take note of where and when you last used it.

Once you’re sure it’s missing, proceed with official steps. Losing a passport is serious but manageable with proper action.

🚨 Step 1: File a Police Report (FIR)

Head to the nearest local police station and file a First Information Report (FIR). This report is crucial and mandatory for:

• Reporting a stolen/lost passport
• Applying for an emergency travel document
• Filing claims with your embassy or travel insurance provider

Important Tips:

• Keep a copy of the FIR—it’s required throughout the process.
• If language is a barrier, ask your hotel or Indian Travel Help to arrange a translator or guide.

🛂 Step 2: Contact Your Embassy or Consulate in India

Your home country’s embassy or consulate is the only authority that can issue a replacement passport or emergency travel document.

When you contact your embassy, they will guide you to:

• Replace your passport
• Issue an Emergency Certificate for exit (if flying soon)
• Assist in identity verification

Prepare the following:

• Copy of lost passport (if available)
• Passport-size photos
• FIR copy
• Proof of travel plans (tickets, bookings)
• Completed passport application form (provided by embassy)

Major Embassies in India (Just for Reference):

• New Delhi (Capital)
• Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad (Consulates)

🧾 Step 3: Apply for a New Visa or Exit Permit from FRRO

If your Indian visa was in the lost passport, you must also apply for an exit visa or new visa at the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office).

Without this, Indian immigration will not allow you to leave the country—even with a new passport.

Documents Required:

• FIR Copy
• New passport or Emergency Certificate
• Passport photos
• Travel itinerary
• Application form (available on https://indianfrro.gov.in)

Note: Processing may take 1–3 days. Always apply immediately to avoid delays in departure.

💸 Step 4: Inform Your Travel Insurance Provider

If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your travel insurance provider. Many policies cover:

• Passport replacement fees
• Emergency travel assistance
• Hotel expenses due to delays

Send them:

• FIR copy
• Embassy correspondence
• Receipts of new passport/visa fees

This may help recover unexpected costs during your extended stay or delayed return.

💬 What If You’re Stranded or Need Help on the Ground?

This is where Indian Travel Help becomes your trusted support system. Our team assists travelers like you with:

• Filing FIRs in local police stations
• Visiting embassies or consulates
• FRRO appointments and form filling
• Booking transportation or temporary stays
• Translators and on-ground local assistance

Losing your passport doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With professional help, the process becomes faster and far less stressful.

⚠️ Pro Tips to Prevent Passport Loss in India

• Always carry a digital and paper copy of your passport and visa
• Store the original passport in a hotel safe or neck pouch
• Avoid carrying your passport unless absolutely necessary
• Use a locked bag or RFID pouch for extra safety
• Register your trip with your embassy if possible

Precaution is the best protection.

📞 Need Help Right Now?

If you’ve lost your passport in India and don’t know what to do next, Indian Travel Help is just one call away. We offer emergency assistance 24/7.

✅ We’ll help you:

• Navigate police paperwork
• Find your nearest embassy
• Apply for an exit visa or new passport
• Communicate with officials clearly
• Make your journey back home smooth and safe

📲 Contact Indian Travel Help Today

📧 Email: support@indiantravelhelp.com
🌐 Website: www.indiantravelhelp.com

We make sure your travel mishaps don’t turn into travel nightmares.