Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya have been sharing beautiful photos and videos from their European trip on social media. However, their joy was cut short when they fell victim to a theft. Valuables worth approximately INR 10 lakh, including their passports, wallets, and recent purchases, were stolen.
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The couple was celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary with a romantic getaway. Vivek revealed they were robbed in Florence. They had arrived in the city with plans to explore when their car was broken into. He added, “Everything about this trip has been incredible, except for this incident. We arrived in Florence yesterday and planned to stay for a day. We went to check out a property we liked for our stay and left all our belongings in a car parked outside. However, when we returned to get our stuff, we were shocked to find that the car had been broken into.”
What to do if your passport gets stolen in Europe?
Traveling in Europe can be an enriching experience, but it can quickly turn stressful if you find yourself in a dire situation such as losing your passport and running out of cash. Here’s a quick guide on what to do if your passport is stolen in Europe, and you urgently need assistance from your embassy.
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The first and most crucial step is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation more challenging to handle. Take a moment to assess your surroundings and what to do now.
Report the theft to local authorities
Immediately report the theft to the local police station. You will need to file a police report, which is a crucial document required for the replacement of your passport. Ensure you get a copy of the report, as you will need to present it at your embassy or consulate.
Contact your Embassy or Consulate
Find the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. Most embassies have emergency contact numbers available online or through local directories. Explain your situation and request immediate assistance. The embassy staff is trained to handle such emergencies and will guide you on the next steps.
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Request an emergency travel document
In most cases, your embassy can issue an emergency travel document, often called a temporary passport or emergency passport, which will allow you to return home or continue your journey to another country where you can get a full replacement. This document is usually valid for a short period and specific travel purposes.
Access emergency funds
If you are out of cash, many embassies offer services to help you access emergency funds. This might include contacting family or friends back home who can send money through international money transfer services. Some countries also offer financial assistance programs for their citizens in distress abroad.
Utilise online banking and emergency services
If you have access to online banking, you might be able to transfer funds to a local account or withdraw money from an ATM if your bank supports international withdrawals. Additionally, some credit card companies offer emergency cash advances and replacement cards.
Stay connected and keep documentation safe
Stay in regular contact with your embassy and follow their advice closely. Store all documentation, including the police report and any correspondence with the embassy, safely. These documents will be crucial for verifying your identity and processing your emergency travel document.
