Passport Lost While Abroad? Here Are Steps to Overcome It!

As a document that must be owned by foreign citizens coming to a country, a passport becomes a very important document. In addition to containing clear identification including nationality, this document is also related to entry permits and the duration of the visit to a country. So, what should be done if the passport is lost?

Losing a passport while you are in Indonesia may not be a major issue, as you can directly go to the relevant office and apply for a new passport. It is not a very simple matter, but it will not be as difficult as imagined because it is supported by an online system and adequate services.

But what happens if your passport is lost while you are traveling abroad? Practically, the important document that is a requirement for entering that country is no longer in your possession. Does this mean you have to leave the country immediately?

Lost Passport Abroad, What Are the Causes?

A trip abroad is usually planned well in advance, especially for business purposes. Even for a vacation, you surely create an itinerary or at least a simple agenda and prepare for it sometime beforehand.

However, there can be unforeseen circumstances that cause a passport to be lost while abroad. Some of the most common reasons for this happening are as follows:

Negligence, ranging from forgetting, dropping or losing items from your bag, unsafe storage, or even accidentally throwing them away
Theft by irresponsible individuals
Accidents that cause passports or other items to be lost
Unexpected conditions occurring beyond your control
Damage to the passport, such as exposure to water, fire, tearing, or folding

The causes of a lost passport can occur when you are not careful in storing and carrying such important documents. This is why many people suggest that you have a separate bag specifically for storing your passport and other important items, so they are not easily left behind, lost, or scattered.

Also read: Confused about how to claim compensation for flight delays? Check this article!

So what should you do if your passport is lost abroad?

Clearly, no one wants to lose their passport while overseas, as it creates a new problem that needs to be resolved immediately. However, it is wise to understand what to do when this situation occurs.

There are at least five basic steps you can take in dealing with this situation. They are as follows.

1. File a Police Report.

When you realize that your passport is lost, immediately go to the local police station. File a report for the loss of the passport you own and request a loss report which may be needed when you go through the process of reissuing your passport. The police in charge will fully understand the procedures that must be followed in responding to reports of lost passports that come from tourists or foreign nationals.

2. Contact the Embassy.

After that, contact the embassy to report the lost passport. You can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, or the Trade and Economic Office of Indonesia in the country you are visiting. Make sure to contact the correct number and follow the procedures that have been clearly provided.

3. Create a New Travel Document.

Create a new travel document by applying for an emergency certificate. This document is also referred to as a Travel Letter Equivalent to a Passport or SPLP, which serves as a temporary travel document.

The embassy staff will guide you to meet all the specific requirements, procedures, and various matters related to its creation. This replacement document is valid for two years but can only be used for one trip.

4. Reissue of Passport.

Furthermore, the Embassy will issue a new passport with a new number and validity date. This passport is not a duplicate and does not use the validity period of the previously reported lost passport.

5. Reapplying for a Visa.

With the loss of your passport, the visa attached to it is also lost. Therefore, you can apply for a visa at the relevant embassy to obtain a visitor or residency permit again according to the regulations.

You will need to bring a copy of your old visa, your passport, a police report, accommodation details, a flight plan, and proof of funds as requirements to obtain the visa again.

Requirements for Making SPLP. A little additional information for making SPLP in the case of a lost passport is quite simple. Among them are as follows:

Filling out the passport application form
Filling out the self-registration form for those of you who are not yet registered at the embassy
1 colored passport photo
A copy of one of the identity documents or proof of residence
A copy of the birth certificate
A copy of the old passport if available
Loss Certificate from the local police
Paying the processing fee, for a new passport with 48 pages worth US$50, for a new passport with 24 pages worth US$10, and for SPLP worth US$5.

Once the new document is issued, the lost old passport can no longer be used and is declared revoked by law.

Make Sure to Have Reliable International Travel Insurance.

Unexpected situations such as losing a passport can always occur, along with other conditions that may disrupt your overseas travel. This is why, in addition to creating an itinerary and knowing the important steps to take when a passport is lost, you should also have reliable International Travel Insurance.

Reliable international travel insurance can provide comprehensive protection. Starting from personal accidents, medical expenses, inconveniences during travel, loss of luggage and personal belongings, cash benefits for hospitalization, to additional protection that may be necessary. In this context, the insurance you have can also help cover the costs of obtaining a new passport or SPLP, so you don't have to allocate additional expenses that must be paid for making the replacement travel documents.

Also read: 7 Tips to Prepare for Hiking Abroad and Enjoy the Excitement

PT AXA Insurance Indonesia. Understand that unexpected conditions can occur anywhere and anytime. This is the basis for one of our products, the SmartTravel International Insurance, which is a reliable International Travel Insurance for you. The optimal protection provided for your travels, including the cost of creating a new file due to a lost passport, will greatly help keep your agenda during your time abroad on track. Easy to obtain, practical, and economical without sacrificing benefits, this insurance from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia will be a reliable travel partner anytime.