What should I do if I lose my passport at an Indian airport?

Immediately: (1) Retrace your steps, (2) Report to the nearest airport security or information desk, (3) File a formal lost property report with the airport Lost & Found and get a reference number, (4) Contact your country's embassy if abroad, (5) WhatsApp ParcelGo Global at +91 89763 23555 if you need authorized collection and delivery.

Lost Your Passport at an Indian Airport? What to Do in the First 24 Hours (2026) | ParcelGo Global

Q: How long does an Indian airport hold a lost passport?

Unlike other lost items (which are held for 60–90 days), passports are treated as high-priority items and are typically held indefinitely at Indian airports until claimed. They are not auctioned or disposed of.

⏱️ The first 24 hours are critical — but don't panic. Passports found at Indian airports are held indefinitely (not auctioned). Act quickly and follow these steps.

Losing a passport at a Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or any Indian airport is one of the most stressful travel experiences possible. The good news: Indian airports treat passports as a high-priority item and hold them indefinitely. Here's exactly what to do in the first 24 hours — and how ParcelGo can collect and deliver it to you without a return trip.

🚨 Immediate Priority Actions

1. Stop and retrace your steps immediately
2. Report to the nearest airport security or information desk
3. Report to the airline if lost on the aircraft
4. Contact airport Lost & Found and file a formal report
5. Get a reference number — you will need this

Special Rules for Lost Passports at Indian Airports

Indian airports treat lost passports as a priority.

Passports are not subject to the standard 60–90 day hold period — they are kept indefinitely
Airport security and CISF also maintain separate records of found passports
Indian immigration (FRRO) is notified of foreign passports found at airports
If abroad, contact your nearest Indian embassy to report the loss

Airport Lost Passport Contact Numbers

Airport	Lost & Found Contact
Mumbai (BOM)	+91 22 66851010
Delhi (DEL)	+91 124 337 6000
Bangalore (BLR)	+91 80 6678 2000
Hyderabad (HYD)	+91 40 6654 5370
Chennai (MAA)	+91 44 2256 0551

If Your Passport Has Been Found — How ParcelGo Helps

If the airport has confirmed your passport is in their Lost & Found, ParcelGo Global can act as your authorized representative to collect it and deliver it to you anywhere in the world.

WhatsApp us with your airport name and claim/reference number

We verify the passport exists with the airport Lost & Found

We prepare the authorization paperwork (required for passport collection)

Our agent collects your passport and ships it securely to your address

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately if I lose my passport at an Indian airport?+

1. Retrace your steps and check all areas visited 2. Report to the nearest airport security or information desk 3. Report to the airline if lost on the aircraft 4. Go to the airport Lost & Found desk and file a formal report 5. Get a reference number 6. Contact your embassy if you are abroad 7. WhatsApp ParcelGo Global at +91 89763 23555

How long does an Indian airport hold a lost passport?+

Unlike other lost items (held for 60–90 days), passports are treated as high-priority and are typically held indefinitely at Indian airports. They are not auctioned or disposed of — however, you should still act quickly to recover it.

Do I need to file a police report for a lost passport at the airport?+

In most cases, yes — especially if you are applying for an emergency travel document or replacement passport. The airport Lost & Found report + a police FIR are typically required by the embassy for a replacement passport.

Can ParcelGo Global collect my lost passport from the airport?+

Yes. If the airport has confirmed your passport is in their Lost & Found, ParcelGo Global can act as your authorized representative to collect and deliver it anywhere in India (1–3 days) or internationally (3–7 days). WhatsApp: +91 89763 23555.