Thailand is a favourite spot for Indian travellers because of its vivid culture and lovely beaches. Studies suggest that Thailand welcomed over 1 million Indian tourists by mid June this year. And imagine losing your passport while having a great time there.
Losing your passport in another country is stressful. But don’t worry as this guide will help you get new papers and finish your trip safely.
What To Do After Losing Your Passport?
Step 1: Initial Steps
- Search Thoroughly: Check all your belongings—bags, pockets, wallets, and hotel room safes. Sometimes, it’s just misplaced.
- Retrace Your Steps: Think about the places you visited recently—temples, markets, cafes, or your hotel. Go back if possible.
- Ask Around: Speak to hotel staff, shopkeepers, tour guides, or anyone nearby. Someone might have found and kept it safe.
If, after all this, your passport is still missing, consider it officially lost and move on to the next steps in the process.
Step 2: File a Report
Why Do You Need a Report?
You must file a police report at the nearest Thai Police Station. This report serves as official proof for both Thai authorities and the Indian Embassy that your passport is genuinely lost. It also helps prevent misuse of your lost passport. The report typically costs a nominal fee of 20 THB.
How to File a Police Report
- Visit the Nearest Police Station: Go to the closest Thai police station as soon as you realize your passport is lost.
- Report the Loss: Inform the officers that your passport is missing. They will document the details in Thai.
- Request Copies: Ask for at least two signed and stamped copies of the report—one will be required by the Indian Embassy, and the other may be needed by your airline or immigration authorities.
Step 3: Contact Indian Authorities
Immediately tell the Indian Embassy in Bangkok about your lost passport.
Depending on your travel plans, they’ll advise whether you need an Emergency Certificate (for urgent return to India) or a new passport (if you’re staying longer or continuing your travels).
They will give you the best advice which helps you safely travel back to your home.
Step 4: Emergency Certificate or a New Passport
- Emergency Certificate (EC)
- It is a temporary travel document that allows you to return to India only.
- It can typically be issued within one to two working days, if you submit the required documents.
- It’s a great choice if you just want to get back home fast.
- Once you’re back in India, you’ll need to apply for a new regular passport.
- Full Passport Re-issue
- This option provides you with a new passport that lets you stay in Thailand or travel to other countries.
- You can get it within three to seven business days with the right documents.
- Your new passport will include your fingerprints and biometrics and is generally valid for 10 years.
- Its validity may also depend on the Embassy’s workload at the time you applied.
Step 5: Documents Required
Make sure to have these documents before your embassy visit:
- Original or copy of the Police Report (FIR) confirming the loss.
- Photocopy of the lost passport, if available (ID and visa pages).
- A signed letter explaining the circumstances of the loss.
- Photocopy of Alien Registration Card (front and back).
- Photocopy of Thai visa showing your legal entry into Thailand.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (2″ x 2″) with a light or blue background.
- Printout of the online submitted application form.
- Duly filled Personal Particulars Form (Form No. 2).
- Duly filled ‘Annexure D’ by parents (for minors only).
- Photocopy of any two Indian ID/address proofs (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License, Ration Card, Electricity Bill) along with originals for verification.
- Duly filled Miscellaneous Services Form (available at the Embassy or online).
Having them before your visit will ensure a smooth experience at the embassy.
Step 6: How to Apply?
Whether you’re applying for an Emergency Certificate or a Full Passport Re-issue, the process is simple.
If you need to return to India urgently, an Emergency Certificate is your fastest option.
- Create an Account: Register on the Du Digital Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website.
Click here to register – https://duicac.dudigitalglobal.com/th/login/ - Fill Out the Government Application Form:Click here to access the form – https://portal6.passportindia.gov.in/Online/index.html
- Book an Appointment: Schedule your visit to Du Digital ICAC by choosing a suitable date and time.
Click here to book your appointment – https://duicac.dudigitalglobal.com/th/login/ - Prepare Your Documents: Carry your passport, photographs, and all supporting documents as listed in the Documents Checklist section.
- Visit Du Digital ICAC: Visit the designated ICAC (as per your jurisdiction). The address and location will be mentioned in your appointment letter. Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
- Submit Your Application & Pay Fees: Submit your documents and pay the applicable fees at ICAC. Refer to the Fee Details section for exact charges.
- Enroll for Biometrics (if required): Complete biometric enrollment if applicable.
- Application Submission Complete: You’ve successfully submitted your visa application.
- Track Your Application: Monitor your application’s status online.
Click here to track your application – https://duicac.dudigitalglobal.com/th/track-application/
Step 7: Working with Airlines and Immigration
Losing a passport doesn’t just affect your travel documents—it can impact your flights and immigration status too. Here’s what you need to know:
- Speak to Your Airline: Show your police report at the airline counter. Many airlines may help you reschedule or rebook your flight without extra charges, especially in emergencies. Policies vary, so it’s always best to call ahead and confirm.
- Traveling with an Emergency Certificate: Most airlines accept the Emergency Certificate (EC) for one-way travel back to India. Just make sure to carry it along with your police report and flight ticket.
- If You Have a New Passport: If you’ve been issued a new passport, ensure it has a valid Thai visa or an exit stamp before leaving the country. Immigration officers need to see proof that you entered Thailand legally.
- Dealing with Overstay: Thai immigration officers are generally understanding if you have a police report, but keep in mind:
Overstay fines are 500 THB per day, and the total fine can go up to 20,000 THB. Avoid delays and visit immigration if you need an extension. - Airlines Check Passport Condition: Airlines are strict about passport damage. Even a small tear or water damage can be enough for them to deny boarding, so always check your documents beforehand.
Step 8: If Additional Items Were Lost or Stolen
If your bag, wallet, phone, or other valuables were lost or stolen along with your passport, here’s what you should do:
- Check your email or cloud storage (like Google Drive or iCloud) for saved copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and ID documents. These can be helpful for embassy visits and police reports.
- Use free Wi-Fi at airports, malls, cafes, hotels, or hostels to contact your family, friends, bank, or embassy.
- Ask a family member to send you money through Western Union or MoneyGram—both have branches across Thailand. You can collect cash with a valid ID or supporting documents from the Indian Embassy.
- If you have travel insurance, file a claim. Many policies cover theft, loss of luggage, and emergency travel costs. Make sure to keep your police report and embassy receipts as proof.
- Your hotel or hostel staff may be able to assist with temporary support or guide you to nearby help centers or consulates. In some cases, the Indian Embassy may issue a certificate of identity if you don’t have another ID.
Acting quickly and staying composed can make a big difference.
Step 9: Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
- It pays for things like your Emergency Certificate or a new passport.
- Keep your police report and all your embassy receipts to make a claim.
- Make sure your insurance plan covers lost documents. A good insurance company in India will include this.
Having the right insurance means fewer worries and quicker recovery if things go wrong.
Step 10: Things to Do Once You’re Back to India
- Visit the Passport Seva portal to apply for a regular 36-page or 60-page passport. A replacement typically costs around ₹3,000.
- Share your new passport details with your airlines, banks, and immigration authorities, if needed.
- Keep digital copies of all important documents, buy reliable travel insurance, and stay extra cautious on future trips.
Conclusion
Losing your passport while travelling may feel terrible, but it’s a problem you can simply fix. Staying calm and following the steps mentioned in this blog will help you handle this situation with confidence.
Be ready and save digital copies of your documents. Know what your travel insurance covers before leaving. Knowing this will make you a smart traveller who is prepared for anything and can venture around the world safely.
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