Losing your passport in Bali can be a stressful and unpleasant experience, but it’s important to remember that there are certain steps you can take to resolve the issue and continue enjoying your stay on the beautiful island of Bali.
Regardless of whether you lost your passport, burned it, dropped it in the ocean, or had it stolen, the course of action will always be the same:
1. Report to the police about the loss.
After discovering the loss of your document and checking all your cabinets, pockets, and bags, head to the nearest police station and file a report about the loss (or theft) of your document, as well as any other belongings that may have been lost along with your passport.
The police should provide you with a certified copy of your report, which you will need to bring to your country’s embassy. It’s important to keep all the copies and documents you receive, as they will be necessary for passport replacement.
2. Contact your embassy for further instructions and recommendations.
Call the consular department of your country’s embassy, explain the situation, and schedule an appointment. The embassies of many countries are located in Jakarta, on the island of Java.
You should prepare the following documents for your embassy appointment:
- Certified copy of the police report
- Two photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- National ID card or any other documents that can prove your identity
- If you don’t have any other documents with you, explain the situation, and they will advise you on how to proceed in such a case. Sometimes the embassy may ask you to bring two citizens of your country to confirm your identity.
The embassy will issue a temporary document that will allow you to travel and return home. This document has a limited validity period, so you need to leave Indonesia before it expires.
If your identity couldn’t be verified on the spot, don’t worry; they will still issue you an exit document, but it may take a little longer. The embassy will initiate a request with the issuing authority of your passport. Once your identity is confirmed, you will receive permission to leave. Usually, the process takes anywhere from one to several days.
3. Visit the immigration office.
Next, you need to confirm the validity of your visa. With the police report and the exit permit, visit the immigration office in Bali or Jakarta.
4. Contact your airline company
Call the airline with which you have your return ticket and inquire about any additional requirements and procedures that may be necessary for your return home.
5. Restore your passport in your home country.
Upon arrival in your home country, contact the appropriate authorities to replace your passport. Different countries have different timeframes for reporting lost documents.
Remember, it’s not so scary! But let’s admit that it’s unpleasant to deal with such issues instead of enjoying a peaceful vacation in Bali.
Always try to be very attentive and careful with your personal documents to avoid such situations. Here are a few useful tips:
- Before traveling, make scans of your documents and email them to yourself. This way, no matter what happens, you can always access them on your phone and print them out.
- Prepare a certified copy of your national ID card.
- Keep your documents in the hotel safe.
- Do not carry your passport with you on a walk; usually, a copy of the document is sufficient for traveling to neighboring islands.
- Do not leave your bag with your passport unattended.
- Never leave your passport as collateral with rental providers
- If you’re taking your passport on a yacht or boat, make sure to put it in a waterproof case.
These eight simple recommendations will help you keep your documents safe and not spoil your vacation.
