When traveling outside your home country, it is very crucial to take care of your identity cards. Out of everything, it is very important that you keep your passport safely. At times, you may misplace or forget the passport unintentionally. Losing your Indian passport in a foreign country can be stressful. However, if you maintain calm and take the right steps, you can either retrieve your lost Indian passport in USA or apply for a new one.
What to do if you lost Indian passport in USA?
No matter if you are on a tourist visa or an H1B visa, you can get a replacement of your lost Indian passport in US if you act quickly. Continue reading to find the steps that you need to take after losing your passport in USA.
Also Read: Why You Shouldn’t Post Your Boarding Pass Online
Step 1: Stay Calm and Try to Look for Your Passport
No matter what the situation, the first step is to stay calm. We all know that it’s easier said than done; but being in your senses will help you find the next plan of action. Losing your Indian passport can be overwhelming, but retracing your steps might help. Check the places you have been recently, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, transport services, where you may have left it.
Step 2: File a Police Report
In case you are unable to locate your passport, it is essential to file a police report without delay. Proceed to the nearest police station and provide a detailed account of the circumstances. This report will act as verification of the passport loss, which may be necessary when you apply for a replacement.
Step 3: Report the Loss to the Indian Embassy or Consulate
Contact the Indian Embassy if you are in or around Washington D.C. You can also contact the Indian Consulates in the USA. The concerned officials there will guide you on the next steps. Provide them with details like your passport number, visa status, along with the police report copy.
The Indian Embassy in USA is located at Washington D.C. Apart from this, there are several Indian consulates in many major US cities. Find the address of the Consulate General of India in USA below:
Chicago: 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr Suite 850, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
New York: 3 E 64th St, New York, NY 10065, United States
Atlanta: 5549 Glenridge Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30342, United States
San Francisco: 71 Stevenson St #2200, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States
Houston: 4300 Scotland St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Seattle: 3101 Western Ave suite 700, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
Address for Embassy of India at Washington, D.C.
Contact Number: (202)-939-9845
2107 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. (The Chancery)
2536 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. (The Consular Wing)
Step 4: Apply for a New Passport
If you want to get a replacement passport, you need to submit an application for a duplicate passport. For this, you need to visit the official website of the Indian Embassy and fill out the online passport application form.
What are the documents required for lost Indian passport in USA?
After losing your passport, you need the following documents to fill the online passport application form in USA:
- A copy of the lost passport (if available)
- Police report
- Proof of residence in USA
- Passport-size photographs (number shall be shared by the authorities)
- Visa copy or any other proof of legal stay
- A duly filled passport application form
Step 5: Apply for an Emergency Certificate (If Required)
If you need to return to India urgently and do not have enough time for a new passport, you can apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC). This document allows you to travel from the USA to India but is not valid for re-entry into the US.
Step 6: Inform the US Authorities
If you hold a valid US visa, you need to notify the US authorities about your lost passport. You can get further guidance by visiting the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or a local immigration office.
Step 7: Monitor the Application Process
After submitting your application, you can track its status through the Indian Embassy website. Remember, passport issuance may take a few weeks, so you need to plan accordingly.
Step 8: Update Travel Documents
Once you receive your new passport, you need to update your travel and identification documents, including visas, flight tickets, and travel insurance.
Travel Diary guides ensure your travel between India and USA remains seamless. Here are some tips to keep in mind when traveling:
- Keep photocopies or digital copies of your passport and visa.
- Use a travel pouch to store important documents securely.
- Register with the Indian Embassy upon arrival in the USA for emergency assistance.
Losing your passport or any other travel document is inconvenient, but following these steps will help you recover it efficiently. Once you get your new passport, you can book your flights to India with Indian Eagle. You will not just get the best available airfare but 24/7 customer support throughout your journey. For any flight-related query, dial the only Indian Eagle phone number: 001-800-615-3969!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian embassies are there in the USA?
There is only one Indian Embassy in USA, which is located in Washington D.C. Apart from an Embassy, India has several consulates in major US cities.
Can I call the Indian Embassy in the USA?
Yes, you can call the Indian Embassy in specified timings for various services. If you have passport-related queries, call +1-202-939-9899 between 3 PM and 5 PM.
How do I contact the Indian Embassy in the USA?
You can either call the Indian Embassy directly, email them if you have a query.
What is the Consulate of India?
The Consulate of India is an official diplomatic office that offers services such as visa processing and passport renewal. In general, it provides assistance to Indian citizens abroad. It represents the Indian government in a foreign country like the USA and helps strengthen bilateral ties.
How many Indian consulates are there in the USA?
There are several Indian Consulates in USA that are located in major cities such as Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, San Francisco, Seattle and New York.
Who to contact if lost Indian passport in USA?
As mentioned above, contact the Indian Embassy or a nearby Indian Consulate if you lose or misplace your passport.
| Disclaimer: Indian Eagle claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the image whenever possible and found. However, if we miss acknowledging the owner’s source, please contact us. In case, owners don’t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer. |
