How to deal with lost passports and travel documents whilst in India

If you are in India on India visa or Indian Tourist Visa and somehow have lost your passport and important documents, don’t panic. There are ways by which you can get your passport replaced. You will have to take the assistance of local police, respective consulate and also the Airline you used to fly in the country. If you are on for tourism, then the category of Visa applicable to you is Indian Tourist Visa. India Visa is valid for a period of 6 months to 10 years. Indian Tourist Visa allows a stay of up to 6 months, per visit. India Visa should be availed stating the accurate cause of your visit and it cannot be changed later on. India Visa also allows the provision of multiple entries.

 

Once you loose an important document or passport having Indian Tourist Visa, report that to the Indian Authority as soon as you can. This would assist in speedy replacement of your passport containing Indian Tourist Visa. If you know precisely where it was lost or stolen, go to police or suitable authorities that are in the vicinity of that location.

 

Next step for Indian Tourist Visa holders is seeking appointment with the respective consulate. Suppose a U.S citizen having an India Visa has lost his passport and other documents. In this case after reporting the loss he should contact the U.S Consulate. In most cases online appointments can be taken. But if the Indian Tourist Visa holders are scheduled to travel back to their home country, or any other country, in few days Indian Tourist Visa holders possibly won’t have the time to seek an appointment letter. In that case Indian Tourist Visa holders should carry their identification documents and Fees (differs from Consulate to Consulate) to the consulate on working days.

 

Remember that it will probably be shut on Indian holidays as well. The application for passport replacement can also be filed online. But that should be done carefully, especially the address fields. If Indian Tourist Visa holders are in India and need their passport there, don’t provide the home address. Because if you are an India Visa holder, and currently in India, the passport won’t be sent back to the country you belong. Also don’t select the ‘expedite fees’ option as for all foreign locals, passports printed are all automatically expedited. The emergency contact information is to be filled accurately and in detail. After filling up the form, get a print out. You must not sign it, otherwise than in presence of the officer.

 

If you are a tourist in India, you will need to have Indian Tourist Visa in your name. It must be valid at the time of your visit. Be sure to check and counter check this before visiting India. If are not an Indian Visa holder you may land yourself in deep trouble. There are certain documents that you need to have in case you want your passport replaced. Firstly a copy of the police report, proof of your identity and citizenship of respective country and two recent color photographs taken against a white background.