“Money Can Solve Problems” – Olivia’s Tips for Handling a Lost Passport Quickly

Picture this: it’s the night before your long-awaited trip, and you realize your passport is missing. For most, this situation is a traveler’s worst nightmare. Olivia, a Singaporean TikTok creator, has been through this ordeal twice in one year and shared her advice on how to navigate this stressful experience.

Head to ICA Early the Next Morning

When you discover that your passport is missing, the first thing you should do is head to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) as early as possible the next morning.

Although ICA opens at 8 a.m., Olivia suggests arriving by 7:45 a.m. to avoid long lines and ensure you get served promptly. By getting there early, you can start the replacement process without unnecessary delays and manage the situation more effectively.

Prepare a Passport-Sized Photo in Advance

Before heading to ICA, make sure you have a passport-sized photo ready. Olivia advises that having this photo prepared in advance will save you time and reduce stress.

However, there is a convenient photo booth located just outside McDonald’s which is directly across from the ICA building.

Skip the Police Report and Head Directly to ICA

While some online sources might suggest that you need to file a police report for a lost passport, Olivia advises against this step. She explains that going straight to ICA will help you get your passport replaced faster and avoid unnecessary delays.

Urgent Passport Replacement and Costs Involved

Once you arrive at ICA, head to Level 2 and tell the staff at the passport information counter that you’ve lost your passport and need a replacement right away. Show them your flight details, like a boarding pass or email, and they will direct you to Level 3 for the next steps.

Additionally, one should be ready for the costs. Getting a new passport will cost about $220 to $240, and if you need it the same day, there’s an extra $120 fee. These costs might seem high, but they are necessary to get your passport in time for your flight.

Collecting Your Passport

If you follow these steps and arrive early, you should be able to collect your new passport between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the same day. However, if your flight is very early, you might unfortunately miss it. Olivia’s insight here is that while money can help solve the problem of a lost passport, it might not always fix timing issues with your flight.

Planning to Avoid Last-Minute Emergencies

Olivia’s final words of wisdom? “Money can solve problems, but not all passport problems.” She emphasizes the importance of packing and checking your documents a couple of days before your departure to avoid such last-minute issues.

Public reaction

Quickly after the video garnered attention, netizens responded to Olivia’s video. Some were questioning how she lost her passport twice while some thanked her for sharing her tips.

Amidst all that, some also shared similar experiences in the comments.

Watch Olivia’s full TikTok video here.

@watcholivia

Info tough to find online: What to do when you lose your passport the day before departure‼️ by a self proclaimed lost passport consultant. Also, i must say maybe this is specifically for Singapore passports in Singapore.

♬ original sound – Olivia – Olivia

Photo and video credits: Tiktok, ICA