Passport Stolen What to Do: Simple Legal Guide for Indians Abroad
Losing your passport in another country can feel scary. It is your main proof of identity when you travel.
If your passport is stolen abroad, do not panic. You can return to India safely by following some simple legal steps.
This article explains what to do, which laws apply, and how to get help from the Indian Embassy.
Lost or Stolen Passport – Know the Difference
- A lost passport means you misplaced it or left it somewhere by mistake.
- A stolen passport means someone took it without your permission. It is a crime.
- As per Section 303 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, stealing important documents like a passport is a punishable offence.
- You must file a police complaint (FIR) immediately.
What to Do When Your Passport Is Stolen
1. File a Police Report (FIR)
- Go to the nearest police station.
- Tell them your passport was stolen.
- Ask for a copy of the FIR.
- You need this copy to apply for a new or emergency passport.
2. Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate
- Find the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate.
- Share your FIR copy, ID proof, and passport details (if you have them).
- They will help you apply for:
- Emergency Certificate (EC) if you need to travel to India soon.
- Duplicate or reissued passport if you can wait abroad.
3. Apply for an Emergency Certificate
- This document lets you travel back to India once.
- You must submit:
- Copy of the FIR or police report
- Two passport-size photos
- Identity proof (like Aadhaar or PAN)
- Passport application form (EAP-II)
- The Embassy checks your details with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) before issuing the certificate.
4. Inform the Passport Office in India
- After you reach India, go to your Regional Passport Office (RPO).
- Submit:
- FIR copy
- Emergency Certificate
- Explanation letter
- The RPO will cancel your old passport to stop anyone from misusing it.
5. Apply for a New Passport
- Once you are home, apply for a fresh passport.
- Provide:
- Copy of FIR and Emergency Certificate
- Proof of address and two photos
- The process usually takes 7–14 working days depending on verification.
What Indian Law Says
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – Section 303: Theft of important documents like passports is a crime.
- Passport Act, 1967 & Passport Rules, 1980: Explain how lost or stolen passports must be reported and reissued.
- Section 175 of BNS: Giving wrong information or hiding facts from police is an offence.
Recent Court Case
- In Rajiv Malhotra vs. Union of India (2024), the Delhi High Court directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to make it easier for NRIs to get new passports abroad.
- The court said Indian embassies must respond within 48 hours in genuine theft or emergency cases.
If You Have Other Legal Matters
- Inform your immigration lawyer immediately if you have:
- Ongoing court or litigation issues
- Business visa or immigration status changes
- OCI or CAA process running
- Pending passport renewal delays
- This prevents legal problems such as look-out circulars or travel bans.
Tips to Stay Safe and Prepared
- Keep scanned copies of your passport, visa, and ID on your phone or email.
- Register on the MEA MADAD portal before travelling.
- Save your embassy helpline numbers.
- Always carry two ID proofs (like PAN and Aadhaar).
- Avoid keeping your passport in your bag all the time; use hotel lockers when possible.
FAQs About Passport Theft Abroad
1. What should I do first if my passport is stolen abroad?
File a police report (FIR) right away and inform the Indian Embassy.
2. Can I travel to India without a passport?
Yes. You can fly with an Emergency Certificate (EC) issued by the embassy.
3. How long does it take to get a duplicate passport abroad?
Usually between 7–15 days, depending on the embassy.
4. Is a police report mandatory for passport theft?
Yes. It is required under the BNS, 2023.
5. Will I face trouble at immigration in India if I travel with an EC?
No. Immigration officials check your records with the Embassy.
6. What if my visa was stolen too?
Report it to the local immigration office and apply for a new visa.
7. How can a lawyer help me?
An immigration lawyer can handle your documents, contact embassies, and ensure legal compliance during reissue or travel.
Outlook: Stay Calm and Follow the Law
Losing a passport abroad is stressful, but staying calm helps you think clearly.
File an FIR, contact the Indian Embassy, and keep all documents safe.
Following these steps protects you from identity misuse, fraud, and immigration trouble.
If you face issues like passport renewal delays, OCI card problems, or visa status change, get help from an expert immigration law firm.
LawCrust Legal Consulting – Trusted Legal Help for Indians Abroad
LawCrust Legal Consulting, part of LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd., is a top legal consulting Services that supports Indians and NRIs facing travel and immigration issues.
We provide:
- Passport theft and reissue help
- Emergency travel document guidance
- Immigration law and deportation defence
- Business immigration consulting services
- OCI, visa, and citizenship renunciation assistance
LawCrust Legal Consulting, a subsidiary of LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd., is a leading firm in the legal industry. We offer a wide range of premium services, including Litigation Finance, Legal Protect, Litigation Management, Startup Solutions, Funding Solutions, Hybrid Consulting Services, Mergers & Acquisitions, and more. With over 50 offices across India and a team of more than 70 specialised lawyers, we provide top-notch support for a variety of legal matters.
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