A lost passport in India upon arrival immediately disrupts a US traveler’s plans, turning excitement into urgent stress. Many face this lost passport India issue each year and resolve it quickly with basic steps. Avoid panic, as it slows down the process unnecessarily. Follow the right actions to fix everything in a few weeks. Start now with FIR filing, consulate help, and exit permit applications.

Quick Safety Measures to Take

Get to safety and secure belongings right away. Cancel credit cards and notify banks to block fraud. Jot down passport details like number and issue date from memory or photos if available. That info speeds up reports later. Stay put in a trusted hotel or with contacts while you sort next moves. Alert family back home quickly so they know your status and can help from afar.

File an FIR Without Delay

Locate the nearest police station, no matter the hour. Explain the loss or theft clearly. Insist on a First Information Report, called FIR in India. Ask for multiple copies, one certified. Take clear photos of every page. Carry cash or small change for any nominal copying fees they might charge. This document officially records the incident and is mandatory in any Lost Passport India case before approaching the US consulate or Indian immigration authorities. Skipping this step will delay everything.

Contact US Consulate Immediately

Pick up the phone or email the closest US mission based on location. Use in.usembassy.gov to book an appointment for passport services. Mention urgency if a flight waits. Fees go through Pay.gov online ahead of time to shave off delays. Grab a local SIM card cheap if your data dips low for calls. Plan your trip to the office since walk-ins never fly.

US Embassy Contacts India

Choose by your location for lost US passport India.

Emergency travel under 14 days triggers priority processing. Keep calling if slots fill up.

How to Apply for a Lost Passport in India

Prepare a complete document kit ahead of your passport appointment to avoid setbacks. 

• Download required forms directly from travel.state.gov for accuracy. 
• Start by filling out DS-64 to officially report your lost passport, then sign it carefully.
• Next, complete the DS-11 form for your new passport application, but wait to sign until a staff member witnesses it in person. 
• Secure a compliant photo measuring exactly 2×2 inches with a plain white background, best obtained from a local studio familiar with US passport standards.
• Locate proof of US citizenship such as your original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.
• Present any remaining photo ID available, with a driver’s license serving as the strongest option. 
• Have $165 ready in cash or card for adult passport book fees, roughly equivalent to 14,000 rupees.
• For minors under 16, ensure both parents attend the appointment along with all necessary custody documents.

Nail the Appointment Day

Arrive early. Electronics are usually restricted inside consulate facilities. Security checks happen immediately. Bring your printed appointment confirmation. Staff will review documents and take fingerprints. They may capture a new photo if needed. Pay any remaining fees unless prepaid. Replacement passports usually take 2-3 weeks to reach you. Show proof of imminent travel for possible expedited handling. Reporting the loss immediately cancels the old passport number everywhere in the world. Handling a lost passport India emergency becomes much easier when documents are organized and appointments are secured quickly.

Tackle Exit Permit Process

Since India requires visas tied to passports, a loss nullifies your stay, requiring an FRRO exit permit that you apply for online at indianfrro.gov.in or boi.gov.in/frro, where you upload, alongside entry date, visa type, and travel plans, scans of your new passport, FIR, four photos, and a notarized affidavit, before printing confirmation to visit the nearest office in person, which for Hyderabad means Begumpet and for others major cities, all while anticipating 7-10 business days of processing without weekends or holidays at 500-2000 rupees, aided by a US consulate letter. Completing this step is mandatory in any lost passport India situation before departing the country.

Handle All Steps at the Same Time

Get FIR rolling, call the consulate, and jump into FRRO online all today, that parallel grind saves you weeks. Snag a hotel right by the consulate or FRRO if you’re crossing cities. Reference numbers let you track everything smooth. Toss emails and receipts into one folder for quick checks. Your insurance might cover those extra hotel nights or wait times. Airlines? They check the new passport and exit permit every single time at the gate.

Extra Help During Passport Recovery

Immediate advice from the US State Department hotline at +1-888-407-4747 should be sought abroad. Crowd-sourced fixes can be found on Reddit’s r/india or expat forums. Travel insurance must be updated to cover delay fees. Photocopies of all new documents should be carried. A full-validity replacement is applied for at a US post office once home.

How Long the Process Takes

Day 1: Police FIR and consulate call. 

Week 1: Appointment and FRRO submit. 

Week 2-3: Pick up passport, finalize exit permit. 

Total outlay hits 20,000-30,000 rupees including fees, photos, travel, notary. Most folks fly out in 3-4 weeks tops. Airlines offer rebooking flexibility with docs. Grab that FIR copy and dial the consulate today to resolve your lost passport India situation. Momentum crushes this hurdle every time. Safe travels back home soon.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

What documents are required for an emergency passport at a US Consulate in India?
You need Form DS-64, Form DS-11 (unsigned), a police FIR copy, proof of US citizenship, a government photo ID (if available), one 2×2 passport photo, proof of urgent travel (if applicable), and the required fee (usually $165 for adults).

How do I file a police report for a lost passport in India?
Go to the nearest police station and request a First Information Report (FIR). Provide your passport details, date, and place of loss. Ask for certified copies. The FIR is mandatory for passport replacement and exit permit processing.

Where are US Consulates located in India?
US passport services are available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. Appointments must be booked online. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Can I travel domestically in India without a passport?
Most airlines require a valid passport for foreign nationals. Some may accept an FIR copy with alternative ID, but this is not guaranteed. Always confirm with the airline first.

How long does an emergency US passport take in India (ESTA or Visa Waiver travelers)?
Emergency passports may be issued within a few days for urgent travel. Standard processing takes 2–3 weeks. An FRRO exit permit is also required, which usually takes 7–10 business days.

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