What should I do if I lose my passport overseas?
If you have lost your passport overseas, we advise to do the following:
Step A: Report the loss of your passport
- Check and confirm the loss of your passport as passports reported lost will be cancelled and cannot be used again, even if recovered after reporting.
- Upon confirming the loss of your passport, report the loss to ICA immediately online. Please fill in the fields accurately. You must ensure that the country/place of loss is not filled in as Singapore.
- If you have lost your passport as a victim of a crime, you may wish to report the crime to the local police. Please contact your nearest Singapore Overseas Mission if you require consular assistance.
- For more information on reporting the loss of a Singapore passport, please visit the ICA website or write to ica_feedback@ica.gov.sg.
Step B: Decide if you require a Document of Identity
- If you are returning to Singapore, you will need to apply for a Document of Identity (DOI), which is an emergency travel document meant for one way travel back to Singapore. Singaporeans issued with a DOI should not attempt to continue their travel or cross borders between countries. If necessary, do check with the relevant immigration authorities and airlines if you are allowed to continue with your travel.
- If you are working or studying in the foreign country, you may wish to apply for a new passport and collect it at the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission (Read about applying for a new passport here). Processing time for new passports overseas is around four to six weeks.
Step C1: Apply for a Document of Identity Online with SingPass
- You can apply for a Document of Identity (DOI) via ICA e-Services and collect it at your nearest Singapore Overseas Mission. You will be prompted to apply for a DOI after you have reported the loss of your passport in Step A (2). Alternatively, you may apply via the ICA website here.
- ICA will process your application for the DOI. Once your DOI application is approved and ready for collection, the Singapore Overseas Mission you have selected will contact you.
- Upon your return to Singapore, you may wish to apply for a new passport at the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Please note that Payment for the DOI (SGD 15) can be made online with a credit card or PayNow. As the application will be made through ICA e-Services, you do not have to prepare passport-sized photographs or prepare a local police report. In addition, you may also wish to note that an application for a DOI will require the verification of your particulars and other essential information by ICA. As such, processing time may vary. Please expect that your application will be not approved immediately and revise your travel plans accordingly. The Overseas Mission that you have selected as your collection point will contact you when the DOI is ready for your collection.
Step C2: Application for a Document of Identity for Singaporeans who do not have access to SingPass
- Once you have discovered that your passport is lost, you must lodge a police report with the local police immediately and contact your nearest Singapore Overseas Mission.
- The Singapore Overseas Mission will advise you on the next steps to take. In the meantime, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- the police report;
- two recent passport-sized photographs; and
- documentary proof of your citizenship status and identity (e.g. Identity Card, Birth Certificate).
- Our Overseas Mission will issue a Document of Identity (DOI) to enable you to return to Singapore after your particulars have been verified. The DOI application fee is SGD15 (or local currency equivalent) to be paid in cash.
- Upon your return to Singapore, you may wish to apply for a new passport at the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
You may wish to note that an application for a DOI will require the verification of your particulars and other essential information by ICA. As such, processing time may vary. Please expect that your application will be not approved immediately and revise your travel plans accordingly. The Overseas Mission that you have visited to apply for the DOI will contact you when the document is ready for your collection
Step D: Return to Singapore
1. As the DOI is an emergency travel document, you will need to abide by local immigration regulations on the use of the DOI to exit the country.
2. Upon your return to Singapore, you may wish to apply for a new passport with the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).