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  • What to Do if You Lose Your Passport
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What to Do if You Lose Your Passport

Ikky Ma June 14, 2025
What to Do if You Lose Your Passport

Losing your passport in China is a serious situation that requires immediate action and careful navigation of both Chinese bureaucracy and your home country’s consular services.

This guide provides specific, actionable steps based on current procedures and real costs involved.

Immediate Emergency Response (First 24 Hours)

1. Secure Your Safety and Assess the Situation

If your passport was stolen along with other valuables, prioritize your immediate safety.

Contact local police (dial 110) if you suspect criminal activity.

Document the incident with photos if safe to do so.

2. Gather Essential Information

Before visiting authorities, collect what you can:

  • Hotel registration receipt (住宿登记表)
  • Any photocopies of your lost passport
  • Photos of the passport on your phone
  • Entry stamp information if available
  • Police report number if theft was involved

3. Report to Public Security Bureau (PSB)

Visit your local PSB Entry-Exit Administration office (出入境管理处) within 24 hours.

Bring:

  • Your hotel registration
  • Any identification you have
  • A Chinese speaker if possible (many PSB offices have limited English)

Important: The PSB will issue a “Loss Report” (遗失证明) – this document is absolutely required for all subsequent steps.

Embassy and Consulate Procedures

Major Embassy Contacts in China

CountryBeijing EmbassyShanghai ConsulateGuangzhou Consulate
United States+86-10-8531-3000<br>25 Anjialou Road, Chaoyang District+86-21-8011-2400<br>1469 Huaihai Middle Road+86-20-3814-5000<br>43 Huajiu Road, Tianhe District
United Kingdom+86-10-5192-4000<br>11 Guang Hua Lu, Chaoyang District+86-21-3279-2000<br>968 Beijing West Road+86-20-8314-3000<br>2 Linjiang Avenue, Tianhe District
Canada+86-10-5139-4000<br>19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie+86-21-3279-2800<br>1376 Nanjing West Road+86-20-8666-0569<br>12 Zhujiang East Road
Australia+86-10-5140-4111<br>21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie+86-21-2215-5200<br>22 Zhongshan East Road+86-20-3814-0111<br>12 Zhujiang West Road

Source: U.S. State Department

Required Documents for Passport Replacement

Document TypeRequirementsWhere to Obtain
PSB Loss ReportOriginal document in ChineseLocal PSB Entry-Exit office
DS-11 Form (US Citizens)Completed applicationU.S. Embassy website
Passport Photos2 recent photos, 2×2 inchesPhoto shops near embassy areas
Proof of IdentityBirth certificate, driver’s license, or previous passport copyBring originals + copies
Proof of Travel PlansFlight itinerary or hotel bookingsPrint confirmations

Processing Times and Costs (2024 Rates)

U.S. Citizens

Service TypeProcessing TimeCostAdditional Fees
Emergency Passport1-3 business days$165$60 expedite fee
Regular Passport6-8 weeks$165N/A
Passport Card6-8 weeks$65Not valid for international travel

UK Citizens

Service TypeProcessing TimeCost
Emergency Travel DocumentSame day (if before 12 PM)£100
Replacement Passport4-6 weeks£83

Source: UK Government Services

Canadian Citizens

  • Emergency Passport: 24-48 hours, CAD $190
  • Regular Replacement: 4-6 weeks, CAD $120

Source: Government of Canada

Chinese Immigration Procedures

Temporary Stay Permit Application

After obtaining your PSB loss report, you must apply for a Temporary Stay Permit (临时住宿证明) to remain legally in China:

Required Documents:

  • PSB loss report
  • Hotel registration
  • Passport photos (2 pieces)
  • Completed application form

Cost: ¥100-200 (varies by city) Validity: Usually 30 days, renewable once

Important: Without this permit, you’re technically in China illegally and may face fines or detention.

Visa Status Implications

Original Visa TypeImpact After Passport LossRequired Action
Tourist (L)Visa becomes invalid immediatelyApply for exit permit with new passport
Business (M)Must notify sponsoring companyCompany may need to provide support letter
Work (Z)Employer notification requiredHR department must assist with procedures
Student (X)School notification mandatoryAcademic office provides support documentation

City-Specific Procedures

Beijing

  • Main PSB Office: 2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District
  • Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Language Support: English-speaking staff available

Shanghai

  • Pudong Office: 1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
  • Puxi Office: 1365 Minsheng Road, Huangpu District
  • Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Guangzhou

  • Main Office: 155 Jiefang South Road, Yuexiu District
  • Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Emergency Scenarios and Solutions

Weekend or Holiday Emergencies

If your passport is lost during Chinese national holidays or weekends:

  1. Contact Embassy Emergency Line: Most embassies have 24/7 emergency numbers for citizens
  2. Hotel Assistance: Ask your hotel to contact local authorities on your behalf
  3. Tourist Hotline: Call 12301 (national tourism service hotline with English support)

Remote Areas Without Embassy Access

If you’re in cities without consular services:

  1. Contact nearest consulate by phone first
  2. Request guidance for document courier services
  3. Consider traveling to nearest major city with consular services
  4. Use embassy appointment systems to book ahead

Financial and Security Considerations

Banking and Financial Security

If your passport was lost with financial documents:

Priority LevelAction RequiredTimeline
ImmediateFreeze bank cards and credit cardsWithin 2 hours
Same DayReport to bank fraud departmentsWithin 24 hours
Within 48 HoursRequest emergency cash transfers1-2 business days

Digital Security Backup

Before Travel (Prevention):

  • Store passport copies in Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox
  • Email copies to yourself and trusted contacts
  • Use apps like TripIt to store travel documents
  • Keep photos on multiple devices

After Loss:

  • Access cloud storage from embassy or hotel computers
  • Use Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for U.S. citizens
  • Contact Global Affairs Canada Registration for Canadians

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Waiting too long to report: Chinese law requires reporting within 24 hours
  2. Not getting official translations: Some documents may need certified Chinese translations
  3. Traveling without proper permits: Domestic travel requires valid documentation
  4. Ignoring employer/school obligations: Work and student visa holders must notify sponsors
  5. Not keeping receipts: Save all fees paid – some may be reimbursable through travel insurance

Recovery Timeline Expectations

Typical Process Duration

  • Day 1: Report to PSB, contact embassy
  • Days 2-3: Submit application, get temporary permit
  • Days 4-7: Emergency document issued (if requested)
  • Weeks 2-6: Full passport replacement arrives
  • Week 6+: Exit China with new documentation

Prevention for Future Travel

Essential Backup Strategy

  • Physical copies: Keep passport copies in separate luggage
  • Digital storage: Multiple cloud services with strong passwords
  • Emergency contacts: Embassy numbers saved in phone
  • Travel insurance: Verify coverage for document replacement costs
  • Registration: Enroll in government traveler programs

Useful Resources and Contacts

Government Resources

  • U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy China
  • UK Citizens: UK Government Travel Advice
  • Canadian Citizens: Canada-China Relations
  • Australian Citizens: DFAT China Page

Emergency Hotlines

  • Police: 110
  • Tourist Hotline: 12301
  • Fire Emergency: 119
  • Medical Emergency: 120

Translation Services

  • Google Translate: Download offline Chinese pack
  • Professional Services: Available near embassy districts
  • Hotel Concierge: Most international hotels provide assistance

Conclusion

Losing your passport in China requires quick action and patience with bureaucratic processes.

The key is acting immediately, following official procedures precisely, and maintaining copies of all documentation throughout the process.

Most travelers successfully resolve passport issues within 1-2 weeks with proper preparation and embassy cooperation.

Remember that each case is unique, and embassy staff are your best resource for specific guidance based on your situation and nationality.

About the Author

Ikky Ma

Administrator

This page features all articles and posts by Ikky, the owner of the blog named ikkyinchina.com

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