Visa & Entry · critical
My passport was lost or stolen in China — what do I do?
Last updated:
Quick Answer
Symptom: Your passport is gone (theft or loss) and you're in mainland China without travel documents.
Cause: This is a multi-step emergency — you cannot exit China without a valid passport or emergency travel document.
Solution: Step 1: Report to local police (110) and get a loss report (报案证明). Step 2: Visit your embassy/consulate in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Wuhan. Step 3: Get an emergency travel document (usually 3–5 business days). Step 4: Apply for a new Chinese exit visa at the Public Security Bureau.
What you see
Your passport is gone (theft or loss) and you're in mainland China without travel documents.
Why it happens
This is a multi-step emergency — you cannot exit China without a valid passport or emergency travel document.
How to fix
Step 1: Report to local police (110) and get a loss report (报案证明). Step 2: Visit your embassy/consulate in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Wuhan. Step 3: Get an emergency travel document (usually 3–5 business days). Step 4: Apply for a new Chinese exit visa at the Public Security Bureau.
Read next
These guides cover the related functionality in full.
Other Visa & Entry problems
My China visa was denied — what now?
Your L visa application was refused at the Chinese consulate and your trip is in 2–4 weeks.
Can I extend my 30-day visa-free stay inside China?
You entered on the 30-day visa-free scheme and need more time but don't want to leave China.
Why can't I book a Tibet trip on my own?
You try to book Lhasa flights and hotels yourself but the booking fails, or you're turned away at the Lhasa airport without a permit.