It’s a terrifying and frightening event. When you travel overseas and misplace your international passport, not even African black magic can rescue you. It is not a good idea to visualize a nightmare because anything can go wrong. Which is why we are considering the five steps to take when your passportis lost while traveling abroad.
When traveling overseas, a passport becomes the most valuable item you can own. It grants you the flexibility to travel and opens doors to other countries. Nevertheless, when it is lost or stolen, everything is different. If you are unsure of what to do, you can make more blunders or get yourself into trouble with immigration. This is a survival guide in the event that you misplace your passport:
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Make A Police Report
As soon as you become aware that your passport has been lost or stolen, you should locate the closest police station and report it missing. As proof of your lost passport, make sure you obtain the police report. You can then apply for a new passport or an emergency travel certificate from the embassy of your nation with the assistance of the police.
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Speak with the consulate or embassy
To get assistance with your urgent problem, you should go to the consulate or embassy of your nation.
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File for a New Passport or an Emergency Certificate.
There are two things you can do if you lost your passport:
a.) Obtain an emergency certificate first.
b.) File for a fresh passport.
You don’t get a duplicate passport, therefore getting a new one takes at least a week. However, if passports are unavailable or there are other logistical issues, this delay may extend.
Actions to Take Prior to Obtaining a New Passport
- Fill out an application form detailing the loss or damage’s conditions.
- Send in your fingerprints.
- Proof of your Nigerian nationality, such as a certified copy of your passport, your birth certificate, or your NIN.
- A duplicate of the police report or affidavit
- A pair of 35x45mm photos.
- Evidence of current address
- Evidence of birthdate
- A self-attested photocopy of the front and back of the previous passport, if one is available.
- Your passport’s number, issue date, expiration date, and issue location are all missing.
- Request A New Visa Issue
You forfeit your existing visa, including foreign ones, if you misplace your international passport overseas. As a result, you must go to the embassy of each nation where you are issued a visa. You do, however, need a copy of the previous visas and a police report.
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Change the Date of Your Trip
It is impossible for you to make your planned flight if your passport goes missing. It is advised that you postpone your travel until the problem with your passport is resolved. If you have travel insurance, you should get in touch with your insurer. Keep in mind that you may need to provide your insurance provider with invoices for the costs incurred as a result of your lost passport along with a police report.
Is There a Cost to Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport? Indeed. The standard passport application fee is charged when you apply for a new passport overseas. Nevertheless, in a few unique situations, like:
- A calamity has claimed your life; or
- A major crime has victimized you;
Additionally, you lack the funds to pay before moving on with your journey. The embassy may offer a passport with limited validity or waive the passport price in conjunction with your travel.
You must pay the fee when you apply for a passport with full validity after you return home.
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What Takes Place if I Misplace My Passport and Any Approved Visas?
Your passport number will change upon issuance of a new document, therefore you must update these travel authorizations if you are registered for visa waivers, online visas, or any other type of visa.
Consequently, any visas that you have previously been granted would be lost.
How to Travel with Your Passport Secured
Invest in a reasonably priced sling purse to hold your necessities for convenient access. Keep important items in storage, like bus or airplane tickets, cash, a passport, and trip insurance.
When you reach your destination, keep your passport and valuables in a secure location. You may utilize the safe in your hotel room, for instance.
- Make duplicates of your passport, preferably two or three, and store them in different bags.
- Give a copy to a relative or acquaintance who lives at home.
- Store a digital replica of your passport on Dropbox or Google Drive.
- Keep a copy of your passport on you at all times instead of your actual passport.