What should friends do if they accidentally lose their passport while traveling abroad? How can they apply for a replacement if they lose their passport domestically? Can they still use valid multiple-entry visas that have been in effect for many years? Do they need to reapply or process a visa transfer?
Generally, the solutions after losing a passport are:
1. Apply for a new passport.
2. Reapply or process a visa transfer according to the requirements of each country's visa.
I. What to Do If Your Passport Is Lost Abroad?
Generally, you need to follow these steps to apply for a travel document or replace your passport:
(1) Immediately report the loss to the local police and obtain a written report of the loss or theft of your passport.
Only with this proof can you proceed to the Chinese embassy or consulate to handle subsequent procedures. You may need to present this loss certificate when applying to return home for a replacement passport or to reissue a visa;
(2) Personally take the passport loss proof to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, submit the corresponding documents, and apply for a temporary travel document or formal passport. The issuance time may vary based on the location of the embassy or consulate;
However, not all Chinese embassies and consulates can issue formal passports, and processing times may differ. Travelers should call the local Chinese embassy or consulate to inquire in advance.
If the embassy or consulate can issue a formal passport, the required time is generally 15 working days, while travel documents may take a shorter time, and expedited processing can often be arranged;
(3) If the embassy or consulate cannot issue a formal passport, travelers need to carry a blank travel document, a copy of the original passport, and the police-issued loss certificate from the host country back to China, and visit the local public security bureau to obtain a loss certificate for passport applications for future visa applications in other countries.
In addition to the above situations, if you encounter special circumstances after checking in, such as losing your passport in the airport transit isolation area or on the aircraft, please immediately call the Chinese Consular Protection Hotline: 0086+10+12308. After dialing the number, press 0 and then 9 to enter the manual service, or call the Chinese consulate in that location for assistance.
II. What to Do If You Lose Your Passport Domestically?
You need to visit the public security bureau in your household registration area to obtain a loss certificate for your passport, then proceed with the passport replacement procedures. The application materials for passport replacement include:
1) A copy of the original passport or other materials that can prove the applicant's Chinese nationality and identity (such as a household registration book, resident identity card), both originals and copies;
2) 2-3 color photos with a white background, size 48×33mm;
3) If the passport is lost or stolen, relevant explanations must be provided.
For example, if the passport is lost or stolen abroad, you need to provide the original loss certificate issued by the local police station, a copy, and a translation recognized by the Entry and Exit Administration; also provide the personal information page of the travel document processed abroad and its copy. If the passport is lost or stolen domestically, you need to provide the loss certificate issued by the public security bureau in your household registration area.
III. After Replacing the Passport, Can Valid Multiple-entry Visas Still Be Used? Do You Need to Reapply or Process a Visa Transfer?
Application for a visa or processing a visa transfer:
Currently, it is quite common that multiple-entry visas are generally required to be reapplied when lost along with the passport, but the requirements may vary.