Lost or Damaged Passport in the Gulf: How to Get an Emergency Certificate (White Passport)

Losing your passport in a foreign country can be distressing, especially if your visa is expiring or you need to return home urgently. Diplomatic missions issue an Emergency Certificate (EC / White Passport) as a one-way emergency travel document for citizens who have lost their original passport.

1. What is an Emergency Certificate (White Passport)?

An Emergency Certificate is a specialized travel document that permits an individual citizen to travel one-way back to their home country. It is valid typically for 3 months and is accepted by airlines and immigration authorities in lieu of a standard passport.

2. Step 1: Filing a Lost Passport Police Report

1. Visit the nearest local police station in your city (e.g., Dubai Police, Riyadh Police, Doha Police).
2. Provide a copy of your lost passport, Emirates ID/Iqama, and explain the loss.
3. Obtain the official Lost Passport Police Certificate (often issued in Arabic with an official stamp).

3. Step 2: Applying at the Embassy / Consulate

Visit your embassy or consular service center (e.g., BLS / VFS / Embassy Consular Wing) with the following:

• Duly filled Emergency Certificate application form.
• Original Police Report and 2 photocopies.
• Photocopy of the lost passport (if available) or Aadhaar/National ID/Birth Certificate.
• 4 passport-size photographs with white background.
• Prescribed consular fee (or request ICWF waiver if destitute).

4. Step 3: Getting Immigration Exit Clearance

Once you receive your Emergency Certificate, you must visit the local Immigration Department (GDRFA/ICP in UAE, Jawazat in KSA, ROP in Oman, NPRA in Bahrain) to have your exit permit/outpass stamp issued prior to booking your departure flight.