Lost Your Passport Overseas | Lost or Stolen Passport Abroad
Travel
by Priyadarshini
4 April 2022
We’ve all read the news stories about how the Singapore passport is the most powerful in the world in terms of the number of countries it allows us to enter visa-free. But what if you misplace that little red book? In this blog, we tell you what you should do in case you have lost your passport overseas.
Lost Your Passport Overseas
Lodge a complaint with the Local Police
Whether you’ve been the victim of theft or just misplaced your passport, you’ll almost certainly need to provide proof of loss to the Embassy/High Commission and your insurer. So go to the nearest police station and file a police report right away. In non-English speaking countries, attempt to secure a written translation of what you want to say ahead of time or, better yet, bring a bilingual local with you to the police station.
Contact your Travel Insurance Provider
You should be able to file a claim if your travel insurance coverage covers the loss of a passport or other items. Contact your insurance as soon as possible to find out what documentation you’ll need to file a claim. Many insurance companies include a 24-hour helpline where you can get help. They can direct you to the nearest embassy and aid you in the event of a misplaced passport, so make full use of them.
Depending on your plan, you may be able to reclaim the costs associated with your lost passport. This may include travel and hotel charges paid while attempting to reach the embassy, the cost of a new ticket if you are forced to miss a trip, and the cost of replacing your passport.
Related – Best Travel Insurance
Reach out to Your Embassy or High Commission
Before leaving Singapore, always check the location of the nearest Singapore Embassy or High Commission at your destination, as well as the hours of operation. If you lose your passport, the Embassy or High Commission should be your first point of contact. They are the only ones who can issue you with a Document of Identity that allows you to leave the country and re-enter Singapore.
If they are closed when you discover the loss of your passport, email them right away and follow up with a phone call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with an officer. If you are not in the capital, where most embassies are located, be prepared to travel. You will be required to bring many documents to your appointment, including your identification card, two or three passport photos, a police record, and your airline itinerary.
Do your best to provide all of the essential documents, as the Embassy will be unable to provide you with the Document of Identity if you do not. In typical Singaporean efficiency, obtaining your document of Identity usually takes between one and a few hours.
Reschedule Your Flight – Lost your Passport Overseas
You would be unable to travel without a passport, and re-issuance can take several days. As a result, you should consider rescheduling your flight if necessary. Inform your airline about the incident to avoid any future complications.
Related – Travel Tips for Overseas Travelling
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