What to do if I lose my passport during Umrah?
Losing your passport during Umrah can be stressful, but staying calm and taking the right steps can help resolve the situation quickly. Whether it was misplaced, stolen, or accidentally left behind, there are ways to get assistance and secure a replacement.
In this guide, we will outline step-by-step actions to take if you lose your passport in Makkah or Madinah during your Umrah journey.
1. Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps
The first thing to do is not to panic. Losing a passport can happen to anyone, and there are procedures in place to help you get a replacement.
✅ Check your belongings carefully—sometimes, passports are misplaced inside bags, hotel rooms, or prayer areas.
✅ Retrace your steps—think about the last place you had it (hotel, airport, masjid, taxi, or shopping area).
✅ Ask hotel staff if they have found any lost items.
2. Report the Loss Immediately
Once you are sure the passport is lost, you must report it as soon as possible.
A. Inform Your Hotel or Group Organizer
✅ If you are traveling with a group, inform your group leader or travel agency.
✅ Hotel staff can assist by checking CCTV footage or directing you to the nearest authorities.
B. Visit the Nearest Police Station
✅ Go to the nearest Saudi Arabian police station and file a lost passport report.
✅ Carry any identification documents, such as a copy of your passport, visa, or national ID card.
✅ Get a copy of the police report—this is essential for getting a temporary travel document.
3. Contact Your Country’s Embassy or Consulate
Your embassy or consulate is the official authority that can issue a replacement passport or an emergency travel document.
✅ Find the nearest embassy (most embassies are in Riyadh or Jeddah).
✅ Provide the required details: full name, nationality, passport number (if available), and travel dates.
✅ Submit a copy of the police report and any identification documents you have.
✅ The embassy will guide you on the next steps to get a temporary travel document or a new passport.
🔹 Tip: If you don’t know where your embassy is, ask hotel staff, fellow travelers, or use Google Maps to find the nearest location.
4. Apply for an Emergency Passport or Travel Document
Depending on your country’s rules, the embassy will issue either:
✅ A temporary travel document to allow you to return home.
✅ A replacement passport (this may take several days, depending on processing time).
💡 Documents Required at the Embassy:
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Copy of the lost passport (if available)
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Police report
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Visa copy
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Flight details
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Passport-size photos
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National ID card (if applicable)
🔹 Tip: If you don’t have a copy of your passport, check your email or phone gallery—you may have scanned it before traveling.
5. Inform Saudi Immigration and Get a Visa Reissue
If you have lost your passport with the visa inside, you will need a replacement visa before leaving Saudi Arabia.
✅ Visit the Jawazat (Saudi Passport Office) or seek help from your embassy.
✅ Carry your police report, new passport/travel document, and proof of Umrah visa.
✅ Your Umrah agent or hotel concierge may help in contacting authorities.
💡 Important: Without a valid visa, you will not be allowed to leave Saudi Arabia, so ensure you get a reissued visa before your flight.
6. Arrange New Travel Plans (If Needed)
Once you have received your temporary travel document or new passport, you may need to adjust your travel plans:
✅ Contact your airline and update passport details.
✅ If your flight is missed, check with your airline for rescheduling options.
✅ Book new tickets if necessary, and confirm departure with the immigration office.
🔹 Tip: Keep digital copies of all your documents on your phone or cloud storage for easy access.
7. Prevent Future Passport Loss
To avoid losing your passport in the future, follow these safety tips:
✅ Always keep your passport in a secure place (money belt, travel pouch, or hotel safe).
✅ Carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport and visa.
✅ Use a passport holder with RFID protection to prevent theft.
✅ When traveling in public, keep your passport in a zippered bag close to your body.
✅ Avoid showing your passport unnecessarily or carrying it in an open pocket.
Final Thoughts
Losing a passport during Umrah can be challenging, but by following the right steps, you can handle the situation smoothly.
1️⃣ Stay calm and retrace your steps.
2️⃣ Report the loss to the police and your hotel.
3️⃣ Visit your embassy for a replacement passport.
4️⃣ Reapply for a Saudi visa if needed.
5️⃣ Adjust travel plans and keep backup copies of documents.
With proper preparation and quick action, you can ensure your Umrah journey continues without major disruptions. May your pilgrimage be blessed and safe!
