Germany’s Quito embassy lists documents for a return visa after passport loss

Identify which documents were lost

The German Embassy in Quito’s checklist dated 13 November addresses residents seeking to return to Germany after loss or theft of a passport containing a German visa or residence document.

Check what remains available before filing. Someone with a valid residence card in hand and a separately lost passport has different evidence from someone who lost the only passport containing their residence endorsement. Berlin’s passport transfer service distinguishes an electronic card with its supplement from a permit attached to an old passport. Take copies of any retained documents and identify the issuing authority.

Use the specific return visa checklist

Complete VIDEX and bring the printed form to a personal appointment. Quito requests the current passport and identity page copy, two biometric photos, applicable Ecuadorian residence evidence, copies of old travel and residence documents where available, and the police report.

Prepare a signed and dated statement in German giving the reason and duration of the absence and the intended return date. The embassy also asks for evidence of the person’s current activity and former address in Germany, the registration certificate and the responsible foreigners authority’s contact and file number if known. Identify the evidence matching your status, such as current university enrolment or an employment contract.

Read the paragraph on a provisional residence certificate

Section 81 of the Residence Act distinguishes a provisional stay while a person applies lawfully without a residence title from continuation of an existing title after a timely renewal or change application. The latter is addressed in Section 81(4). The statute provides for a certificate showing the effect of the application. Locate the actual certificate and check the paragraph printed on it instead of using an appointment confirmation as proof. Section 81(4) excludes a short-stay visa under Section 6(1), so check the category of the earlier visa as well as the date of the application.

The Quito notice cautions about travel outside Schengen with a provisional certificate. Berlin’s immigration service gives a more specific distinction. A valid certificate under Section 81(4) can allow re-entry, while one under Section 81(3) does not itself allow it. Both cases require checking the person’s passport, certificate and route. When the documents are missing or expire during the trip, ask the mission how to establish the position.

Check whether the underlying title remains valid

Section 51 lists circumstances in which a residence title can lapse, including departure for a reason that is not temporary or failure to return within six months or a longer period fixed by the authority. It also contains exceptions and special rules. If your stay abroad has become longer than planned, provide the relevant dates and any written extended return deadline when contacting the authority. Replacement of a physical document and confirmation of continuing residence are separate tasks.

Confirm the appointment fee and what happens after return

Quito’s general national visa page lists a €75 adult charge paid in US dollars at the embassy’s daily rate, and €37.50 for minors. It specifies cash at the appointment and says the fee is retained if the application is refused or withdrawn. Check the current payment instructions and any applicable exemption. Quito’s return visa processing depends on the German foreigners authority.

The general Quito instructions say to arrive on time and bring an additional identity document if possible because the entrance requires visitors to leave identification at reception. If you cannot attend, use the cancellation link in the booking message. The appointment process and cash payment instructions are local to Quito.

After return, contact the authority responsible for the underlying permit about replacement or transfer. Berlin’s service, for example, sends applicants whose old passport is missing to the immigration office rather than the ordinary citizens’ registration office. It asks for the new passport and, if available, the old passport, relevant permit evidence or police report. Applicants elsewhere should follow the procedure for their own address.