What is an Emergency Certificate (EC)?

Emergency Certificate (EC)

• An Emergency Certificate (EC) is a travel document issued when an Indian national's passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or when they are being deported. This document is mainly issued only for return to India under special circumstances.
• An Emergency Certificate (EC) is issued by the Indian Consulate.
• Indians working in Indian or other MNCs abroad can also obtain this Emergency Certificate (EC) from the Indian Embassy in case of an emergency.
• It can be used only once, and only to return to India in case of emergency; it cannot be used to travel to any other foreign country.
• An Emergency Certificate (EC) will remain valid for 6 months.
• If an Indian citizen is stranded abroad or loses their passport, they must contact the Indian Consulate to arrange their return to India.

When is an emergency certificate required?

• In case of loss/damage of a passport abroad.
• To return to India in an emergency.
• In an emergency, such as an accident, illness, or death of a family member.
• If any company or party seizes your passport, etc.

Documents Required for Emergency Certificate

• EC Application Form.
• Photocopy of lost/damaged passport.
• Proof of Identity (like Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, etc.)
• Local Police Report (FIR) – If a passport is lost.
• A passport-size photograph.
• Confirmed air ticket to return to India.
• Affidavit in case of non-availability of Address Proof.

Note*

In case of any emergency, the Indian Consulate should be contacted first.

How and where is the emergency certificate issued?

• The Indian Consulate issues an emergency certificate.
• To obtain this, you need to fill out an EC application form.
• Provide the list of documents as requested..
• Pay the applicable fee.

How many days does it take to issue an Emergency Certificate (EC)?

An EC Certificate is typically issued within 1 to 10 working days, depending on the countries you are applying from.

What is the Emergency Certificate Fees?

• Emergency Certificate (EC) varies in different countries, whose actual fee can be checked from the respective embassy.
• For Indians, living in the USA, this fee is 17$ USD.