Lost Your Pakistani Passport in the UK? Here’s What to Do

Losing your passport can be a stressful experience, especially when you’re living abroad. If you’re a Pakistani citizen in the UK and have lost your passport, the situation can feel even more overwhelming. Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to recover from this setback and replace your lost passport.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on what to do if you lose your Pakistani passport in the UK.

1. Report the Loss of Your Passport Immediately

You must report the incident immediately when you realise your Pakistani passport is lost or stolen. Whether your passport was lost accidentally or stolen, reporting the loss is essential to ensure that it cannot be misused.

How to Report a Lost or Stolen Pakistani Passport in the UK

• Contact the Local Police: Report the loss to your nearest police station. The police will issue you a loss or theft report, which you will need when applying for a replacement passport. Keep this report safe, as it will be required throughout the replacement process.
• Inform the Pakistan High Commission or Consulate: After reporting the loss to the police, contact the Pakistan High Commission or Consulate in the UK. You will need to submit an official report to them as well, informing them that your passport is lost. This can usually be done in person or by email, depending on the specific consulate’s procedure.

Reporting your lost passport ensures that it is recorded as invalid and cannot be used by anyone else. In case of theft, this step becomes even more critical to protect your identity from being misused.

2. Gather Required Documents for Passport Replacement

Once you have reported the loss of your passport, the next step is to gather the required documents to apply for a new one. This stage is crucial, as missing or incorrect documents can delay the replacement process.

Documents Required for a Replacement Passport

1. Original Police Report: The report from the police station confirms your passport’s loss or theft.
2. NICOP Card: If you are a Pakistani national residing in the UK, your National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is essential. It serves as your identification and proof of Pakistani citizenship.
3. Photocopy of Lost Passport: If you have a photocopy of your lost passport, it will help speed up the process. If not, provide as many details as possible, such as passport number, issuance date, and place of issue.
4. Two Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Ensure that the photographs meet the specifications for passport applications, such as size and background requirements.
5. Proof of Address in the UK: Utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements can be used to confirm your UK residency.
6. Passport Application Form: You must complete the new passport application form. You can download this form from the Pakistan High Commission website or collect it in person.
7. Fee Payment: You will need to pay the relevant fee for a replacement passport. The amount will vary depending on whether you opt for normal or urgent processing.

It is important to ensure that all your documents are accurate and up to date. Your NICOP card will be especially useful for verifying your identity and citizenship status, so make sure it is valid before proceeding with the application.

3. Visit the Pakistan High Commission or Consulate for a New Passport

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you will need to visit the Pakistan High Commission or a local consulate in the UK to apply for a new passport. Depending on where you are located in the UK, you can visit one of the following consulates:

• Pakistan High Commission in London
• Consulate General of Pakistan in Bradford
• Consulate General of Pakistan in Manchester
• Consulate of Pakistan in Birmingham

How to Apply for a Replacement Passport in Person

1. Book an Appointment: Many consulates require you to book an appointment in advance. Check their website or call to confirm the appointment process. For example, the Pakistan High Commission in London offers an online appointment system.
2. Submit Your Documents: At your appointment, submit all the required documents, including the police report, NICOP card, and proof of address. The consular staff will review your application and verify your identity.
3. Provide Biometric Information: During the visit, you will need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, for the new passport.
4. Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee for the passport replacement service. The fees for a replacement passport vary depending on whether you choose normal or urgent processing. The latter option is quicker but more expensive.
5. Receive Your Passport: After processing, the new passport will either be mailed to your address in the UK or made available for pick-up. The time frame for receiving your passport can vary from a few weeks for normal processing to a few days for urgent service.

4. Replace Other Essential Documents

When you lose your passport, it’s not just the passport that may need replacing. Other important documents, such as your NICOP card or visa, may have been stored with your passport, especially if it was stolen. In such cases, you’ll need to apply for replacements for these documents as well.

Replacing a Lost NICOP Card

If your NICOP card was also lost or stolen along with your passport, you will need to apply for a replacement. The process for obtaining a replacement NICOP card is similar to that of replacing your passport, and you can apply for it through the NADRA portal.

• Online NICOP Application: The easiest way to replace your NICOP card is by applying online. Visit the NADRA website or the Pak-Identity Portal, fill out the required information, upload the necessary documents, and pay the fee online.
• In-Person NICOP Replacement: Alternatively, you can visit a NADRA center in the UK to apply for a new NICOP card. Similar to the passport replacement process, you’ll need to provide biometric information and pay the relevant fees.

Remember, your NICOP card is essential for traveling to Pakistan and proving your citizenship status, so it is important to replace it as soon as possible.

5. How to Renew a Pakistani Passport in the UK

In case your passport was nearing its expiration date when you lost it, you might need to go through the renewal process instead of applying for a replacement. The steps for how to renew a Pakistani passport in the UK are similar to applying for a new one.

Steps to Renew a Pakistani Passport in the UK:

1. Book an Appointment at the Pakistan High Commission: Start by booking an appointment online through the High Commission’s official website.
2. Gather Required Documents: You will need your expired passport, NICOP card, two passport-sized photos, and proof of UK residency.
3. Pay the Renewal Fee: Renewal fees vary depending on whether you choose normal or urgent processing.
4. Biometric Data Submission: You will be required to provide fresh biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph).
5. Receive Your Renewed Passport: Once complete, your new passport will be mailed to you or available for pick-up at the consulate.

Renewing your passport before it is lost or stolen can help prevent any disruptions to your travel plans and reduce stress. Always keep track of your passport’s expiration date and renew it well in advance.

6. Preventing Future Passport Loss

While losing your passport is sometimes unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of it happening again.

Tips for Keeping Your Passport Safe:

1. Use a Passport Holder: Keep your passport in a secure holder or wallet, especially when traveling.
2. Store it in a Safe Place: When not in use, store your passport in a safe place at home, like a locked drawer or safe.
3. Make Copies: Always have a photocopy or digital scan of your passport, NICOP card, and other essential documents. This will make the replacement process easier if you lose them.
4. Avoid Carrying Your Passport Unnecessarily: Only carry your passport when absolutely necessary. For general identification purposes, use your NICOP card or another form of ID.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement Pakistani passport in the UK?

The time it takes to get a replacement passport varies depending on whether you choose normal or urgent processing. Normal processing can take up to 31 days, while urgent processing may take as little as 5 to 7 days.

What should I do if my NICOP card is lost with my passport?

You will need to apply for a replacement NICOP card through the NADRA website or by visiting a NADRA center in the UK. The process is similar to applying for a replacement passport.

Can I travel to Pakistan without my passport?

No, you cannot travel to Pakistan without a valid passport. However, if you urgently need to travel, you may apply for an emergency travel document at the Pakistan High Commission.

Conclusion

Losing your Pakistani passport in the UK can feel overwhelming, but following the right steps can make the process of replacing it much smoother. Reporting the loss immediately, gathering the correct documents, and visiting the Pakistan High Commission or a consulate are crucial steps to get your new passport issued. Additionally, don’t forget to replace any other lost documents, such as your NICOP card.

Finally, taking preventive measures can help you avoid the stress of losing your passport again in the future. Whether you’re replacing or renewing your passport, staying organized and informed will ensure the process is as painless as possible.