Lost Your Passport in Saudi Arabia? Here's What to Do (Step-by-Step for Expats)

Jeddah Translation Office
May 12
3 min read

Updated: May 27

Losing your passport while living or traveling in Saudi Arabia can feel overwhelming—but don’t panic. Whether you’re an expat worker, student, or tourist, there is a clear process to follow to stay compliant with Saudi regulations and get a replacement or exit permit.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if your passport is lost in Saudi Arabia, including the required documents and when you’ll need a certified translator.

🔍 Step-by-Step: What to Do if You

✅ 1. Report the Loss to the Local Police

Your first step is to visit the nearest police station and report the loss.

Ask to file a "Balagh Faqdan" (بلاغ فقدان) – which means “loss report.”
The officer will give you a copy of the official police report, which you’ll need for your embassy and other government offices.

📝 Translation Tip: If your original documents are not in Arabic (like your national ID or a copy of the lost passport), you may need to provide certified Arabic translations for the police or later steps.

✅ 2. Contact Your Embassy or Consulate

Next, go to your country’s embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia. Bring:

A copy of the police report
A copy of your Iqama (residency permit) or national ID
A copy of the lost passport, if available (digital or print)

The embassy will guide you on how to:

Apply for a new passport
Or get an emergency travel document if you need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently

📝 Translation Tip: Some embassies require the police report to be translated into English or your native language by a certified translator, especially for records or insurance claims abroad.

✅ 3. Notify Jawazat (Saudi Passport Office)

In most cases, you’ll also need to report the passport loss to Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports). This is especially important if:

Your visa was stamped inside the lost passport
You need to exit or re-enter the Kingdom
You're applying for a new Iqama or visa

Your sponsor (kafeel) may need to accompany you.

✅ 4. Apply for a Replacement Passport or Travel Document

Depending on your embassy's procedures:

You may receive a new passport in a few days to weeks
Or an emergency travel certificate valid for one trip home

This document must be presented to Saudi authorities for an exit permit if you’re leaving the country.

✅ 5. Get Your Visa Reissued or Final Exit Permit

If your old passport had a valid visa inside (e.g. residency, work, or visit visa), it must be reissued or officially canceled by:

The Saudi immigration department
Or your embassy, depending on the visa type

Your final step may include:

Reapplying for a re-entry visa
Or getting a final exit visa (if you're leaving the Kingdom permanently)

📝 Documents Often Required for Translation by Certified Translator

In the process of replacing your passport, these documents may need certified Arabic translation:

Document	When Translation is Required
Police report (Balagh Faqdan)	Required in Arabic for Jawazat and some embassies
National ID (if not in Arabic)	For use with police, embassy, or Jawazat
Copy of old passport	If presented to Saudi offices or translated for embassy documentation
Emergency travel certificate	May need Arabic translation for border processing
Affidavit of Loss (if required by embassy)	Often must be translated into Arabic for legal use

⚠️ Only use translators licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce. Their stamp, license number, and declaration must be on the translated document for it to be accepted by government agencies.

🛡️ Pro Tips to Avoid Trouble

Always keep a digital copy of your passport and visa pages.
Save your embassy's emergency contact info in your phone.
Avoid delays—Saudi authorities expect quick reporting of lost passports.
Hire a certified translator early if you know translation will be needed.

✅ Final Thoughts

Losing your passport in Saudi Arabia is stressful, but not unmanageable. By reporting the loss promptly and working with certified professionals—including translators—you can avoid fines, delays, or legal complications.