Official-source guide

Lost Indian passport in the UAE

Last checked: 19 October 2026 · Destination guides

Short answer

Report the loss to police in the UAE emirate where it occurred, then contact the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi or Consulate General in Dubai. India's Passport Seva says a lost passport must be reported to police and the passport authority, and a reissue application is required ¹. If urgent return to India is necessary, the mission can assess an Emergency Certificate. Update the UAE residence record after receiving the new passport ^2,3.

UAE report: Police in the emirate where the loss occurred
Indian report: Indian embassy or consulate and Passport Seva route ¹
Application: Passport reissue for loss ¹
Urgent return: Emergency Certificate may be assessed by the Indian mission ²
After issue: Update the UAE residence record ³

Make the UAE police report

Report the loss or theft to police in the emirate where it happened and keep the certificate or case reference. The Indian mission will tell you what local attestation or translation, if any, is needed.

Keep copies of the missing passport, UAE identity and residence evidence, and any visa page available.

Contact the Indian mission

Use the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi or Consulate General in Dubai according to the mission's jurisdiction. Passport Seva says lost-passport cases use a reissue application and require the police report and loss details ¹.

Prepare identity and citizenship evidence, the old passport copy if available, photos, UAE status documents, and the mission's application record.

Urgent return to India

If a full passport cannot be issued before necessary return, ask whether an Emergency Certificate is appropriate. Indian missions issue it for one-way return after nationality and identity checks ².

Confirm route acceptance and any UAE exit requirement before booking. The certificate does not serve as a normal passport for return to the UAE.

Update UAE records

After a new passport is issued, use the federal or Dubai residence authority route that applies to update the passport number linked to UAE residence ³.

A lost residence card or visa record is a separate matter. Follow the UAE authority's official instructions for that record.

Common questions

Who handles the passport?

The Indian embassy or consulate and India's passport authority ¹.

Is a UAE police report needed?

Make the report in the emirate where the loss occurred and retain it.

Can I get a one-way document?

The Indian mission can assess an Emergency Certificate for return to India ².

What happens to UAE residence data?

Update it through the responsible UAE authority after the new passport is issued ³.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Sources

Lost or stolen Indian passport
What to do if your Indian passport is lost or stolen: police report, Annexure F, official fee check, reissue, and Emergency Certificate abroad.
Lost passport in the UAE for residents
Official-route steps for UAE residents with a lost foreign passport: police report, embassy replacement, emergency document, and residence update.
What to do when a lost passport held your residence status
Replace the passport first, report any missing residence card or visa separately, update the new passport number, and confirm return permission.
Emergency travel documents and emergency passports
What an emergency travel document is, how it differs from an emergency passport, and the rules in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the EU.