Lost Passport & China Visa

What to Do If My Passport & China Visa is Lost or Stolen?

In order to travel internationally, visitors are required to possess and present an original physical version of their passport. If you happen to lose your passport in your home country before traveling abroad, it is crucial that you promptly schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility to obtain a replacement. This will help prevent any unauthorized individuals from using your identity for malicious purposes.

If you find yourself in China with a China Visa on a lost passport, it is important to know the best course of action to take. Below, we offer the most effective solution to address this unfortunate situation.

5 Steps to Do When Passport & China Visa is Lost

During your trip to China, it is essential that you keep your passport with you at all times. We highly recommend that you create both electronic and paper copies of your passport (for example, a printed paper copy or an extra photocopy on your phone or sent by email). Additionally, be sure to fill in the emergency contact information on the last page of your passport in case of any unexpected events.

If, unfortunately, your passport with a China Visa is lost or stolen while you are in China, it can completely disrupt your entire itinerary. You may be left wondering how to book tickets, if you can still board your flight as scheduled, or what to do if you need to leave China soon. However, there is no need to worry as China Discovery is always available to assist you in resolving any issues that may arise. Simply follow the detailed procedures for a “Passport is Lost” situation.

Step 1 – Try Your Best to Find It

If you have recently visited any places, attractions, restaurants, shops, bars, or markets, consider returning to see if you can locate your lost passport. It is advisable to seek assistance from the Lost and Found department at these locations. There is a possibility that you may be able to recover your lost passport. If not, proceed to the next step in the process.

Step 2 – Report the Lost Passport to Local Police Station

If you discover that your passport is indeed lost, do not panic. Take a deep breath and remain calm. Many people have found themselves in the same situation before, and there is always a solution.

The first step is to locate the nearest local police station where the loss occurred and make an official report for the lost passport as soon as possible. You can ask the hotel receptionist or other staff for assistance. Once the report is accepted, you will receive a “Receipt of Report” issued by the police station. This document is only available in Chinese.

Please be advised that once you report your passport as lost or stolen, it will become invalid and cannot be used for international travel. You will need to obtain a new passport in order to travel internationally.

Step 3 – Apply Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport

To obtain a “Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport” (护照报失证明) in both Chinese and English, visit the Exit & Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau where your passport was lost. The following materials are required for the application:

1. Original and copy of the police “Receipt of Report.”
2. Copy of the lost passport or other identity proofs, such as ID Card, Social Security Card, Driving License, etc.
3. 2 recent front bareheaded full-faced photos measuring 2 inches.
4. Completed report form (available at the bureau) with clear and accurate personal information, including contact number.

After submitting the required materials, you will need to wait for processing. Typically, it takes about 2 working days for the confirmation to be processed and issued.

Step 4 – Apply for A Replacement Passport or Temporary Passport

The confirmation issued is only valid for 30 days. Within this time frame, it is imperative that you obtain a replacement passport and a new China Visa. Failure to do so may result in fines or even detention.

To ensure a smooth process, it is essential that you promptly visit your Embassy/Consulate in China to obtain a new regular or temporary passport. You must apply for the new passport in person and bring all necessary documents. The consular staff will provide their utmost assistance to facilitate this process.

If you are a US citizen, bring the following items:

To apply for a replacement passport, you will need to provide the following documents:

● Original “Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport”
● 1 recent color passport photo (2″X2″)
●  Completed passport application forms (DS-11 and DS-64, which can be filled out during the application process)
●  Proof of individual identity (such as a photo ID, driver’s license, or student ID)
●  Evidence of US citizenship (such as an original birth certificate, expired passport, or other documentation)
●  Travel itinerary (including flight, train, or cruise tickets)
●  Statement detailing the loss of your passport
● Passport application fee

Please ensure that all documents are accurate and up to date before submitting your application. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us.

How Much to Replace A Lost Passport?

“The cost of the new passport is nearly the same as your regular passport application in your home country. Your Embassy/Consulate may accept payment in foreign currency or Chinese RMB. Please inquire with them for further details.”

How Long to Replace a Lost Passport?

Embassies and Consulates do not issue passports on weekends or public holidays. If you require assistance outside of regular business hours, you may contact the after-hours officer for further help. Please be aware that obtaining a new passport can take over 2 weeks, or even longer. Expedited services, which can provide a new passport within several working days, are typically only available in your home country.

If you are planning to travel back home soon and need a passport urgently, you may apply for an Emergency Travel Document, also known as an Emergency Passport. This document can be issued within 24 hours, but it is only valid until the completion of your travel. Therefore, it is important to apply for a regular passport upon returning to your home country.

Step 5 – Apply A New China Visa from PSB

Once you have obtained a passport or temporary travel document, it is essential to promptly apply for a new China Visa from the Exit & Entry Administration Department of your local Public Security Bureau. It is important to note that even individuals from countries such as Singapore, Japan, and Brunei, who typically enjoy visa-free entry to China, must still obtain a valid visa before exiting the country. This is due to the lack of an entry stamp on the new passport. Failure to obtain the necessary visa could result in complications and delays during your travels.

Here is the required materials to apply for China Visa:

◆ Official “Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport”

◆ A photocopy of the lost passport or a copy of another form of identification with a personal photo (such as an ID Card, Driver’s License, Work Permit, Seaman’s ID, insurance card, etc.).

◆An identity confirmation letter from your Embassy/Consulate is required if you are unable to provide any related proof.

◆Temporary accommodation registration record.

Please retain the registration receipt when checking into a hotel or department after entry. Those staying with a host family or Chinese friend must provide the same receipt obtained from the Public Security Bureau beforehand.

◆ One 2-inch white-background passport photo (5cm × 5cm).

◆China Visa application fee. (check detailed schedules of visa fees).

The PSB may request additional documents if necessary. Once all application requirements are received, the PSB typically takes around 7 working days to process and issue a China Visa. Failure to obtain confirmation from the local Exit & Entry Administration may result in denial of your application.

Useful Links: China Visa Application Form | China Visa Photo Requirements

Note: If a lost China visa expires during the replacement/visa application process, or if a visa-free stay exceeds 15 days, foreigners must exit China as soon as they receive a valid passport and visa.

More FAQS and Useful Tips about Lost Passport in China

Q1: I reported my lost passport, which contained a 2-year China Tourist Visa, and applied for a new passport. However, I later found my lost passport. Is my China Visa still valid?

This is a common situation that many travelers find themselves in. It’s important to note that once you report your passport as lost, it becomes invalid. However, the visa remains valid if you still have the original China Visa. To utilize it, you must travel with both the new passport and the expired passport containing the current China Visa.

Q2: I had a long-term China visa that I lost along with my old passport, but it has not yet expired. Can I transfer the visa to my new passport?

Unfortunately, since the original visa is lost, you will need to apply for a new China Visa in order to travel to China. This process will require completing the necessary paperwork and paying the appropriate visa fees as you did before. Visa transfer services are not available.

Q3: I have a flight booked to leave China soon, but obtaining a new China Visa is taking longer than expected. Can I board the airplane by showing a copy of my valid China Visa from my lost passport to the Immigration Officer? Or should I provide documents proving that I lost it?

Attempting to leave China without your original China Visa and a valid entry stamp in your passport will raise suspicion and could lead to detention during check-in. It is not worth the risk. Follow our guidelines to obtain a new visa for a safe departure.

Q4: Do I need to carry my passport with me at all times? Can I leave it at the hotel and bring a copy instead?

Officially, you are required to carry your passport with you at all times, even though you may not be frequently checked by authorities. However, not having your passport with you during certain situations, such as meetings, could lead to trouble. It is recommended to carry your passport, take good care of it, and make copies

Q5: Which documents should I have on hand when booking a hotel during the replacement and new visa application process?

It is recommended to have either the “Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport” or the “Receipt of China Visa Application” when checking in at the hotel.