Flying in from Canada one is pretty tired, but made a critical mistake. So whether passports were "lost" or "stolen" is not the issue - mine and younger daughter's went missing.
Scenario is easy - got the airport taxi, loaded bags, hand carried computer bag which had passports inside, and off to home. At home Van taxi was blocking traffic so we rushed a bit to get bags out, give tip of course, and stagger into house for "hello's" and a sleep. But, computer bag not with us.
Too late to do anything that night so next morning called taxi company and was surprised 1. they answered 2. advised they would check with driver (I had the receipt). 3. driver did not see any computer bag?
OK we cannot give up, so off to airport to see staff at taxi company. Pursued event more and offered substantial reward. Come to know after my trip the taxi was passed on to second driver. He was sleeping. We had no choice but to then go to airport tourist police. Have any idea where this drama is going yet????
Nightmare 1 - Airport Police
Made out our police report and the police officer said he wanted to question both drivers, as maybe we should be making a theft report. Well seven hours later I succumbed and said let's just make this a "lost passport" case. Otherwise they arrest the two drivers and hold them for four days downtown, for some serious investigation, and we have to go and make more reports out. So, in end, they had a book that they wrote report in, and told to come next morning to a different office to collect the official police report.
Next morning off to Terminal 1, Hall 1 and find the so called office. If one lives here they know Government Offices are renowned for "ugly". The book with report in was not there - so phone calls were made and asked to wait. What a surprise. Lo' and behold they find book and fellow does a hand written report of same information. But, officer with the stamp is not at work that day. Told to come back tomorrow.
This is now third trip to airport and again man with stamp not a work. After some discussion they called a young boy (low rank servant class) and told him to take to another officer in another building to get stamp. After another hour waiting - got the hand written piece of paper with unreadable stamp. You cannot get a replacement passport without the police report.
Waiting Period......
In some ways local thieves have a good side to them. It is not unusual for them to keep money and computers, or what ever they stole, but will mail documents to you as even they know the "hell" of replacing important documents.
Embassy
This part is fairly straight forward but not without some agro. Canadian passports require special photo size which is best obtained at Mogama (ground floor - they do it correctly). And you need a professional to sign form he knows you and also to endorse a photo on back saying it is a photo of me.
Then off to Embassy and submit papers and it takes about 3 weeks to receive replacement. Of course this is now three trips downtown - one to Mogama, and two to Garden City.
Mogama for new visa and entry stamp...
Here is where the nightmare really begins. But to summarize - 7 trips, biggest headache in world place, some lost tempers and serious discussions with senior officers (takes some doing even to get to this level), and month later, got the visa replaced and entry stamp.
Moral of story: Jeez mate - take care that damn passport
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