Emergency Travel Documents & Consular Assistance
If you have lost your passport, been a victim of crime, or face an emergency while abroad, Pakistan embassies and high commissions provide urgent consular assistance.
Need Help Now?
Contact your nearest Pakistan embassy immediately. Most missions have an after-hours emergency telephone number for Pakistani citizens in distress.
MOFA Emergency Helpline: +92-51-9210334
Lost or Stolen Passport
Step-by-Step Guide
- File a police report — Report the loss or theft to local police immediately. Obtain a written police report with a reference number. This is essential for your embassy application.
- Contact the Pakistan embassy — Call during office hours or use the after-hours emergency line. Inform them of your situation and ask about the next available appointment.
- Visit the embassy with:
- Police report (original)
- Any photocopies of your lost passport (if available)
- NICOP or CNIC card
- Two passport photographs
- Any other photo ID
- Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) if you need to travel urgently, OR apply for a replacement passport if you can wait 4-6 weeks.
- Collect your ETD — typically issued within 1-2 working days for genuine emergencies.
Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
| Validity | Single journey to Pakistan only |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 1-2 working days (emergency cases: same day) |
| Fee | $20-$50 (varies by mission) |
| Issued when | Passport lost, stolen, expired, or damaged and you need to travel urgently |
| Limitations | Valid only for direct travel to Pakistan. Cannot be used for onward travel to other countries. Not valid for return journey. |
Once you arrive in Pakistan on an ETD, you must apply for a new passport at a regional passport office before you can travel internationally again.
Other Emergency Assistance
Arrest or Detention
If arrested abroad, you have the right to contact your embassy. The embassy can: visit you in custody, ensure fair treatment, provide a list of local lawyers, and notify your family. They cannot intervene in legal proceedings or pay legal fees.
Medical Emergency
The embassy can help locate medical facilities, contact family members, assist with insurance claims, and arrange medical evacuation in extreme cases. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Death of a Citizen Abroad
The embassy assists with: obtaining a local death certificate, liaising with local authorities, arranging repatriation of remains to Pakistan (or local burial if preferred), and notifying next of kin. Repatriation costs are borne by the family.
Natural Disaster or Civil Unrest
In emergencies affecting multiple citizens, the embassy coordinates evacuation efforts, establishes communication channels, and works with local authorities. Register with your embassy to receive emergency notifications.
Emergency Contacts
MOFA Helpline:
+92-51-9210334
Pakistan High Commission London:
+44-20-7624-0202
Pakistan Embassy Washington:
+1-202-239-8010
Find your embassy:
Full embassy directory