How to replace a lost passport

There are two situations when a passport is lost, one is lost abroad or the other is lost domestically.

1. If you lose your passport while traveling abroad, you generally need to follow the following steps to apply for a travel permit or reissue a passport.

1. Immediately report the loss to the local police and obtain a written report of lost or stolen passport. Only after obtaining this certificate can you go to the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area to handle follow-up procedures. You may need to present this lost certificate when returning to your country to apply for a new passport or re-apply for a visa.

2. Bring the proof of passport loss to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in person, hand in the corresponding documents and information, and apply for a temporary travel permit or official passport. However, not all Chinese embassies in the local area can reissue it. For official passports, the processing time is also different. Travelers should call the Chinese embassy or consulate in the area first.

3. If the embassy or consulate cannot issue an official passport, the traveler needs to return to the country with a blank travel certificate, a copy of the original passport, and a certificate of passport loss issued by the police of the country where he/she is located, and go to the Public Security Bureau of the place of residence to issue a certificate of loss of passport. Proof in case you need to apply for visas from other countries in the future.

2. If you lose your passport in China, you also need to go to the Public Security Bureau of the place of residence to issue a certificate of passport loss, and then go through the passport reissue procedures. Application materials for passport reissue include the following.

1. A copy of the original passport or other materials that can prove the applicant’s Chinese nationality and identity.

2. 2-3 recent color photos with white background.

3. If the passport is lost or stolen, relevant instructions are required.

Methods to prevent losing your passport

1. Fill in the address and contact number in the "Emergency Information" column on the last page of the entry-exit document.

2. After using your passport during the trip, put it in your bag and do not keep it in your hand.

3. Do not put your passport and wallet together. Before boarding the plane, do not make a surprise purchase to avoid making mistakes and losing your passport.

4. Just carry a copy of your passport with you. Generally, you only need to use the original when staying in a hotel or taking a flight.