What to Do If You Lose Your Passport?

Preparing a 4×6 photo, storing money and credit cards in different places is a way to be more flexible if you lose your passport.

What to Do If You Lose Your Passport?

Passports are considered as keys that unlock doors to various lands around the world. However, you can encounter unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, despite being careful in safeguarding your personal documents. Below are some tips you should equip yourself with before traveling abroad.

In Vietnam

According to Hanoi Police Department, if your passport is lost within the country, within 48 hours of discovery, you must submit a report to the Immigration Department.

If submitting the application directly, present a valid ID card for verification. If sending by mail, the application must be accompanied by confirmation from the local police department where you reside.

The fee for reissuing a lost passport is 400,000 VND.

In other countries

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in case of loss or theft of a valid passport abroad, to prevent exploitation by criminals and protect personal details, you should immediately report the loss to the local police and the nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission.

The report should include: Full name, date of birth, address of residence, passport number, date of issue, issuing authority, time, place of loss, and reason for passport loss.

What Do You Need to Do?

Fill in all required information on the Lost Passport Report Form as per the Passport Form published on the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Affairs Portal. Then, email the Consular Department at [email protected] and the Vietnamese Diplomatic Mission where you are present, along with two 4×6 cm photos.

Submit along with a copy of the police confirmation of passport loss.

Be present at the Diplomatic Mission.

The information provided in the Lost Passport Report Form (Passport Form) will be entered into the database of the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) and the invalidation of that passport will be notified to most countries around the world.

Once a lost passport has been invalidated, it cannot be reinstated, and you cannot reuse it if found. You need to apply for a new passport.

Processing Time for Vietnamese Diplomatic Mission to Reissue Passport or Travel Document:

If you have other documents proving Vietnamese nationality such as ID card, valid entry documents (airline ticket, entry declaration) within 5 working days, you will receive your passport if continuing your journey to another country; if returning to Vietnam, you will be issued a Travel Document.

If you travel with a tour group or delegation, members of the group must present their individual passports to confirm your membership, you will be issued a Travel Document within 24 hours.

If you do not have any other documents and do not fall into the above categories, the Vietnamese Diplomatic Mission must verify. Within 5 working days, you will be considered for a passport reissue or Travel Document.

Note on how to store personal documents and prepare for emergencies

1. Always keep your passport with you: Purchase a specialized pouch to securely hold your passport inside your clothing as well as store money and other important documents.

2. Prepare documents in advance to save time in emergencies: Carry at least three 4×6 photos (white background, facing forward, no headwear, no colored glasses), photocopies of passport information page, ID card, and visa if applicable. Be sure not to clip important documents, money, or credit cards inside your passport.

3. Look up and save the addresses and phone numbers of the Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad.

4. Learn a few basic communication phrases: You can practice a few basic English phrases, for other languages you can take notes or capture necessary communication phrases in a notebook or on your phone.

With the advancement of technology today, make sure to download automatic translation software or apps to your phone. Don't forget to download the language of the country you're visiting, so you can use the app even without internet.

5. Keep calm when faced with emergencies: Travel with a warm heart but solve problems with a cool head. If you're stressed, close your eyes, take deep breaths, and drink water to stabilize your mood.

According to Phạm Huyền/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour