Lost, Stolen or Damaged Passport

In case your passport gets lost or stolen, immediately report it to the nearest available police station. Follow it up by contacting the responsible Indian Post/ Indian Mission in the country. You can get an EC (Emergency Certificate) from them, which will let you return to India after verification of details have been made. 

What is a Damaged Passport?

Depending on the extent of damage to your passport, there are two types of damaged passports:

• Partial Damage: a slightly damaged passport, i.e. the name is legible, the passport number is readable and the passport photo is intact. 
• Damage beyond recognition: No details are legible. 

What to do in case of Lost or Damaged Passport? 

In case of your passport tear, loss or other damage, you cannot renew damaged passport India. For a damaged passport replacement you will have to apply for new passport online via the Indian passport seva. The criteria for applying to re-issue damaged passport and even the steps for the same are different compared to applying for a fresh passport online. According to passport damage rules, there can be two situations where your passport can be lost or damaged. You will require different actions for lost or damaged passport reissue in these situations. 

• Passport Loss or Damage Abroad

The highest probability of losing your passport is when you are carrying it abroad. Damaging or losing it can be a serious issue as it is a mandatory ID for your stay in a foreign country but is also required for your safe return to India. Suppose your passport is lost, stolen or damaged abroad. In that case, you must immediately report it to the nearest police station and contact the Indian Embassy in that country as soon as possible. 

The Indian Mission/ Embassy will guide you to get the lost and damaged passport replacement. You will have to submit a complete list of documents required for an Indian Passport along with a duly filled passport application form. Upon thorough verification of your nationality, you will be issued an Emergency Certificate. Using this EC you will be able to return to India. 

• Passport Loss or Damage in India

If your passport is stolen or lost, immediately file an FIR at your nearest police station. In case of an Indian passport damaged by water or passport tear, you can directly apply passport online for re-issue. Start a fresh application in the reissue category. Along with the required documents for fresh Indian passport, you will also have to submit proof like the FIR, ID proof, address proof and copy of your previous passport (if available). If a copy of the previous passport is not available, provide other nationality proof like birth certificate, etc. 

Complete the remaining passport re-issue process and pay the damaged passport replacement fee as per the PSK. make your passport interview appointment at a PSK and attend the interview. Once your documents are verified, your application will be processed. You can also track your passport status online while waiting for the new passport issuance. 

Damaged Passport Fee for Indians

To get your passport re-issued, you will have to pay a damaged passport replacement fee. The damaged passport fee depends on the number of pages in the booklet, the reason for re-issue, the scheme opted and the validity of the new passport. 

The damaged passport replacement fees are as follows:

A lost or damaged passport replacement cost is way higher than compared to a normal fresh passport. It is important to take care and keep your passport safe at all times. Holding travel insurance does come in handy in case of theft or vandalism which offers coverage for your loss. 

Damaged Passport India Replacement Processing Time

Your new passport processing time depends on your passport scheme and the requirement of police verification. 

If you only have a slightly damaged passport, then you can easily apply for re-issuance under the Tatkaal scheme; i.e. in 1-3 working days. If your visa is severely damaged or lost and your application requires police verification, your new passport will be processed in almost 30 working days. If you don’t require any police verification, your passport will be re-issued within 7 working days. Regardless, it is the say of the passport office/ authorities. 

Apply for your passport online and plan the best adventures with it. A reputed travel agency like Akbar Travels also provides the best visa services online, online cheap flight bookings, all-inclusive and affordable tour packages and great discounts on online hotel bookings as well. Get tripping!