(BARCELONA) What started as a normal morning at a Starbucks for Ayush Panchmiya, co-founder of Blockwee, quickly turned into a travel crisis in Barcelona. Just days after attending the Ethereum Community Conference in Cannes, Ayush lost his small black bag—containing his passport, U.S. visa, credit cards, and cash—after leaving it under his table for only a moment. The theft left him stranded in Spain, facing the daunting task of getting home to India without his most important travel documents.
Ayush’s experience is not unique, but it highlights the real risks travelers face and the steps Indian citizens must take if they lose their passport abroad. His ordeal, which he describes as “the worst 48 hours of my travel life,” shows how quickly a trip can go wrong and how important it is to know what to do next. “If you travel often, especially around Europe, this can happen to anyone,” Ayush warns. His story offers practical advice for others who might find themselves in a similar situation.
A Sudden Loss at Starbucks and Immediate Steps
Ayush realized his bag was missing within moments. He asked Starbucks staff to check their CCTV footage, but was told only the police could access it. At the police station, he learned that retrieving the footage could take up to 15–20 days—far too long, as his return flight was scheduled for Monday. With the Indian embassy in Barcelona closed for the weekend, Ayush had no choice but to wait until Monday morning to seek help.
As soon as the Indian embassy opened, Ayush arrived in person. Thanks to recent improvements in embassy procedures, he received an emergency certificate—a temporary travel document—within four to five hours. By that evening, he was on a flight back to India, relieved but aware that his troubles were not over. He now faces the process of applying for a new passport and reapplying for all his lost visas, including his U.S. visa.
Current Procedures for Indian Citizens in Spain (2025)
Ayush’s case is a clear example of the updated process for Indian citizens who lose their passports in Spain. As of August 2025, the Indian embassy and consulates in Spain have streamlined the steps for issuing emergency certificates (ECs), making it easier for travelers to get home quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide for Lost or Stolen Passports
- ✅ File a Police Report: The first step is to report the loss or theft to the local police and get a written police report, known as a “Denuncia.” This document is required for embassy support and for issuing an emergency certificate.
- ✅ Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate: Visit the nearest BLS International center or the consulate in person during working hours. For emergencies outside working hours, use the emergency contact numbers listed on the embassy or consulate website.
- 📋 Prepare Required Documents:
- Police report (original and copy)
- Proof of Indian citizenship (such as a photocopy of the lost passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, or other Indian ID)
- Passport-size photographs (as per Indian specifications)
- Completed EC application form (available at BLS centers or online)
- Proof of travel (such as flight tickets)
- ✅ Submit the Application: Applications are accepted in person at BLS International centers in Madrid, Barcelona, or Las Palmas. In urgent cases, direct submission at the embassy or consulate may be allowed.
- ✅ Processing Time: Emergency certificates are usually issued within 4–6 hours on working days if all documents are in order. For weekend emergencies, processing may be delayed until the next working day, but emergency contacts can offer guidance.
- 📋 Fees: As of July 2025, the total fee for an emergency certificate is €45.97 (including service, consular, and ICWF fees). Additional courier or optional service fees may apply.
- ✅ Travel to India: The emergency certificate is valid for a single journey to India only. After arriving in India, travelers must apply for a new passport and reapply for any lost visas.
Where to Go for Help
- BLS International is the official partner for Indian passport and consular services in Spain. They have centers in Madrid, Barcelona, and Las Palmas.
- Barcelona BLS Center: Avinguda Madrid, 9, 08028 Les Corts, Barcelona
- Helpline: +34 917693741 (English & Hindi), +34 911985138 (Spanish)
- Email: [email protected]
- Official website: BLS International Spain
Recent Policy Changes and Improvements
- Faster Processing: Most emergency certificates are now issued within hours, not days, if all documents are ready.
- Digital Tracking: Since March 2025, applicants can track the status of their emergency certificate or passport application online through the Passport Seva portal for embassies and get SMS or email updates.
- Expanded Weekend Support: The embassy has increased its emergency hotline coverage on weekends, though full document processing is still limited to working days.
- Fee Updates: The fee structure was last updated in June 2025, with small increases to service and consular fees.
- Security Warnings: The embassy has issued several advisories in 2025 warning Indian travelers about pickpocketing hotspots in Spain, especially in tourist areas like Barcelona.
Practical Advice from Ayush Panchmiya
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended—even for a moment. A brief lapse can lead to days of stress and trouble.
- File a police report right away if your documents are stolen. This is required for embassy help and for insurance claims.
- Visit your embassy or consulate in person as soon as it opens. Emergency certificates can often be issued in just a few hours.
- Keep digital and physical backups of all important travel documents. This makes it much easier to get replacements in an emergency.
- Share your experience. Telling your story can help others prepare for the unexpected.
What Happens After You Return to India
The emergency certificate only allows you to travel back to India. Once you arrive, you must apply for a new passport and reapply for any lost visas, such as your U.S. visa or Schengen visa. This process can be time-consuming and may require extra paperwork and fees.
Insurance and Financial Implications
A police report is also needed to file a claim with your travel insurance for lost or stolen documents and valuables. If you lose credit cards or cash, contact your bank immediately to block your cards and prevent unauthorized use.
Expert and Official Perspectives
Embassy officials stress the importance of acting quickly. “Report thefts immediately and visit the embassy or consulate in person for urgent cases,” they advise. Travelers should always keep backup copies of their documents and consider registering with the embassy when traveling abroad.
Travel security experts have noted a rise in thefts targeting tourists in Spain, especially in cities like Barcelona. They recommend using anti-theft bags, never leaving belongings unattended, and using hotel safes for valuables.
Recent traveler reports from 2025 show that most people who arrive at the embassy or consulate early and have all their documents ready receive emergency certificates the same day.
Background: How the Process Has Improved
Since 2022, the Indian government has worked to make the process of getting emergency certificates faster and easier. The introduction of BLS International as the official service provider and the launch of the Passport Seva portal for embassies have helped reduce waiting times and improve the experience for travelers.
The government continues to focus on digitalization and real-time tracking for overseas consular services, with ongoing upgrades in 2024 and 2025.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Indian Travelers in Spain
- More Digital Services: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is testing a fully digital emergency certificate application and biometric verification system in some European countries. Spain is expected to be included by late 2025.
- Weekend Processing: There are talks about allowing limited weekend emergency certificate processing at major consulates in busy tourist cities like Barcelona and Madrid by early 2026.
Official Resources and Contact Information
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official embassy or BLS International websites:
| Resource | Website/Contact |
|---|---|
| Embassy of India, Madrid | https://www.eoimadrid.gov.in |
| Consulate General of India, Barcelona | https://www.cgibarcelona.gov.in |
| BLS International Spain | https://www.blsinternational.com/india/spain/passport-services.php |
| Passport Seva Portal (for embassies) | https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in |
| Emergency Contacts | These are listed on embassy and consulate websites and are updated regularly. |
Key Takeaways for Indian Travelers in Spain (2025)
- Never leave valuables unattended, especially in tourist hotspots like Starbucks or busy city centers.
- File a police report immediately if your passport or other important documents are lost or stolen.
- Visit the nearest BLS International center or Indian consulate as soon as possible. Emergency certificates can often be issued within hours on working days.
- Keep digital and physical backups of all travel documents. This will save time and stress if you need replacements.
- Use embassy emergency contacts for after-hours guidance.
- Be ready to reapply for all lost visas once you return to India.
A Real-Life Lesson for All Travelers
Ayush Panchmiya’s story is a reminder that even experienced travelers can face unexpected problems. His calm response, quick action, and willingness to share his experience provide a valuable guide for others. As he puts it, “Stay calm, file a police report immediately, and visit your embassy in person for an emergency certificate, especially when your flight is imminent.”
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the growing number of thefts in European cities like Barcelona has led to faster embassy response times and better support for Indian travelers. However, the responsibility still lies with each traveler to stay alert and prepared.
For more information on emergency certificates and passport services, visit the Passport Seva portal for embassies, which offers official forms, tracking, and contact details.
By following these steps and learning from real cases like Ayush’s, Indian travelers can reduce stress and get home safely, even when the unexpected happens.
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