What to do if you lose your passport and visas?

Even the most cautious traveler is never completely safe from unforeseen events like losing a passport or document abroad.

The moment you lose it, it looks like it will be swallowed by the earth, but in reality, it feels a little strange. The procedure is usually very simple.

BMI partner Alejandro Arevalo shares his experience of losing his passport in Austria.

"I was traveling in Europe as a tourist and the last time I saw my passport was when I asked which train to take from Slovakia to Austria. I lost it on the train. I don't know if I stole it on the streetcar I was on, but I know it was the most heartbreaking moment since I started traveling. The first thing I did was go to the lost and found office at the station and see if it was there. These documents are often found by staff cleaning toilets and floors. In my case it happened on Friday. I had time so I decided to wait until Monday to see if I was lucky, but it didn't happen.

On Monday, I went to my country's consulate in Austria to ask for help with my case. I was asked for a bank deposit on behalf of the consulate as payment for my passport. Luckily, I knew the details of the passport, such as the issue date and expiry date, ID number, full name, etc., but it's a good idea to have a copy of your passport with you just in case.

After that, I went to the police station to report the loss of my passport, and since I didn't have time during the opening hours of the consulate, my friend made a bank transfer while I finished my appointment with the police. The process is very quick and delays are highly dependent on the people in line in front of you.

I took a photo, returned to the consulate, and received my new passport in less than 30 minutes.

As you can see, tragedy is about fear and uncertainty. Because the process is very simple and easy. It takes time, but usually, the consulate can also issue an emergency document that allows you to return to your home country if your travel is imminent and you are pressed for time. ” visa:

"This problem was also very easily resolved. I had an invitation from a Latvian citizen, so I applied for a Schengen visa at the German embassy representing the Latvian government in my country. My first step The first was to go to the German Embassy in Austria, where I applied for my visa using the number I was given when my visa was granted.

After that, I went to the police station to report the loss of my passport, and since I didn't have time during the opening hours of the consulate, my friend made a bank transfer while I finished my appointment with the police. The process is very quick and delays are highly dependent on the people in line in front of you.

I took a photo, returned to the consulate, and received my new passport in less than 30 minutes.

As you can see, tragedy is about fear and uncertainty. Because the process is very simple and easy. It takes time, but usually the consulate can also issue an emergency document that allows you to return to your home country if your travel is imminent and you are pressed for time. ” visa:

"This problem was also very easily resolved. I had an invitation from a Latvian citizen, so I applied for a Schengen visa at the German embassy representing the Latvian government in my country. My first step The first was to go to the German Embassy in Austria, where I applied for my visa using the number I was given when my visa was granted. 

The 4 Tips.

"I spent several days of travel trying to resolve these issues, lost my hotel booking in the UK, but was finally able to sort out what seemed like a huge mess. Great learning experience, here are my top tips:

1. Before you travel, make copies of all passport pages and useful documents such as visas, credit cards, travel insurance, and IDs. It's best to scan them and have the files available via email or another website for easy access from anywhere.

2. Do not go out with your passport unless absolutely necessary. It is advisable to keep a copy of your passport and visa in the hotel safe or in a safe place and if you are asked to present it to authorities on the road. If you are staying abroad and applying for a visa, you cannot keep your passport as it is your only ID abroad.

3. If not found within a reasonable time, file a police complaint to avoid the problem of using documents other than ID. Then go to the consulate to get new documents.

4. If you have time, please contact the respective consulate or embassy to try to retrieve your lost visa. To save time in preparing the relevant documents you requested, please contact us by phone or email. If you have time, please contact your local consulate regarding the next steps to return to your country. please do not worry. You are not the first to face such problems. Police and consular staff will be on hand to provide any necessary advice and guide you through the process.

If your city does not have a consulate in your country, please contact the nearest consulate. It is your duty to ensure that the problem is resolved.

I hope you don't repeat yourself in a similar situation, but it will be easier to deal with just because you have better tools than I do. ”

Start Your Application Today!!!

At Educare International we help with your processing of visa so as to make it easier for you to start your application process. Contact us or visit our office .