Get an emergency certificate to travel to India

If your passport is lost, damaged or expired and you must travel to India urgently, the Indian mission can issue an emergency certificate for a one-way journey to India.

Keep these ready

Police report, for a lost passport
Passport photos
Copy of the old passport or other proof of citizenship

Steps

If the passport was lost or stolen, report it to the local police and get a copy of the report.
Contact the Indian embassy or consulate, or apply on Passport Seva for missions abroad, choosing emergency certificate.
Go in person with photos and any proof of Indian citizenship you have, such as a copy of the old passport, and pay the fee.
Travel to India within the validity of the certificate. Apply for a new passport after you reach India.

Last checked 28 Oct 2026. General information, not advice. Always check the official source before you act.

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