Emergency Travel Document (Emergency Certificate – EC)

An Emergency Travel Document (Emergency Certificate – EC) is an emergency passport issued to a person who has lost their passport or had it stolen while abroad. It is a single-use document that allows the holder to return to their country of citizenship. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your passport while abroad, don’t panic! You can apply for an EC at your nearest Embassy or Consulate. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about ECs, including how to apply for one.

What is an Emergency Travel Document (Emergency Certificate – EC)?

An emergency travel document (emergency certificate – EC) is a document that allows you to travel back to your country of origin in the event of an emergency.

If you are a citizen of a country that is not a party to the Convention on the Status of Refugees, you may be issued an emergency travel document if you are unable to return to your country of origin due to war, natural disaster or other emergency.

ECs are valid for one journey only and you must have a valid passport in order to use them.

When is an EC needed?

An EC is only needed if you are traveling from one country to another and you do not have a valid passport. If you have a valid passport, you do not need an EC.

How to apply for an EC?

If you are an Indian citizen and need to travel urgently to India from a foreign country, you can apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) at the nearest Indian diplomatic mission.

The following documents are required for applying for an EC:

1. A duly completed application form.

2. Your passport or any other valid travel document. If your passport has expired or is about to expire, you will need to carry a copy of the passport renewal application form along with supporting documents.

3. A recent photograph (4 cm x 6 cm).

4. A confirmed onward/return air ticket or travel itinerary. In case of land/sea travel, details of mode of transport and booking must be provided.

5. Documents supporting the purpose of your travel such as a letter from your employer or invitation from your host in India etc.

6. If you are travelling on a tourist visa, you will need to provide additional supporting documents such as hotel reservations etc.
In case you are unable to submit all the required documents, the Mission may issue an EC on the basis of self-declaration by the applicant and other documentary evidence available with the Mission. The decision in this regard will be at the sole discretion of the issuing authority

What information is required on an EC application?

An EC application must include the following information:

-The applicant’s name, date of birth, and nationality
-The applicant’s current location and contact information
-The reason for the request (for example, the loss or theft of a passport)
-A description of the emergency situation
-Any other relevant information (for example, travel plans)

How long is an EC valid for?

An Emergency Certificate (EC) is a document that allows a person to return to their country of citizenship in an emergency. It is usually valid for one year from the date of issue, but the validity period may be shorter or longer depending on the issuing country’s regulations.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to travel but don’t have the proper documents, an Emergency Certificate (EC) may be able to help. ECs are issued by embassies and can be used for one-way travel out of the country. Keep in mind that obtaining an EC is not guaranteed, so it’s important to have a backup plan in place in case your request is denied.