Imagine being on a trip and suddenly realizing that your passport is missing.
Panic sets in, but there's no need to worry—it happens to many travelers, especially during busy times like China's Golden Week or even one of the world's biggest trade fairs.
In fact, Guangzhou South Railway Station received around 1,000 lost identification documents within just six days of the last national holiday.
Losing your passport can be stressful, but here's what you need to do to ensure a smooth recovery and get back on track.
Step 1
Try to Retrieve It
First things first, retrace your steps.
Go back to the attractions, restaurants, or shops you visited, and ask the Lost & Found departments if they have seen your passport.
In many cases, you might be lucky enough to find it.
But if not, stay calm and proceed to the next steps.
Step 2
Report the Loss at the Local Police Station
Once you've confirmed that your passport is indeed lost, head to the nearest local police station.
If you're staying at a hotel, the hotel staff can help you find the nearest one.
‘Receipt of Report’ (报警回执). Image via Shenzhen Nanshan Police Station
When reporting the loss, you'll receive a ‘Receipt of Report’ (报警回执, only available in Chinese) from the police.
Keep this receipt safe—it will be crucial for the next steps in recovering your passport.
Step 3
Get the "Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport"
Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport. Image via Shenzhen Nanshan Police Station
After reporting the loss, you need to apply for a ‘Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport’ at the local Public Security Bureau's Exit & Entry Administration office.
Be prepared with your police receipt, copies of your lost passport or other identification documents (like a driver's license), and two recent passport-sized photos.
This document confirms the loss of your passport and is valid for 30 days, so it's important to act quickly.
Step 4
Apply for a Replacement Passport or Temporary Passport
Now that you have your confirmation, visit your country's embassy or consulate in China.
Bring all necessary documents, including the confirmation from the Public Security Bureau, a passport photo, and any other identity proofs you may have.
The embassy will guide you through the process of obtaining a replacement or temporary passport.
For example, US citizens will need to bring their police confirmation, a passport photo, and submit a statement about the loss of their passport.
Other nationalities may have similar requirements, so it's best to check with your respective embassy.
Step 5
Get a New China Visa
Once you've secured a replacement passport, head back to the Exit & Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau to apply for a new China Visa.
Remember, even if your country enjoys visa-free entry into China, you'll still need a valid visa in your new passport before you can leave the country.
You will need to submit:
The ‘Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport’
A copy of the lost passport or another form of identification
Proof of temporary accommodation, like a hotel registration receipt
A passport-sized photo and the visa application fee
Processing typically takes about seven working days, so it's best to plan your schedule accordingly.
Expert Tip
Keep Copies!
A lesson for future trips: Always keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and important travel documents.
This will make replacing lost items much easier.
While losing a passport in a foreign country might seem like a nightmare, rest assured that there are clear steps to recover.
With the help of local authorities and your embassy, you'll be back on track in no time.
And if you find yourself traveling to China's busy transportation hubs, such as Guangzhou South Railway Station during peak times like Golden Week, keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid adding to that stack of lost IDs!
April 15 also marks the start of the 137th Canton Fair, which will last until May 5, so travelers and business attendees alike should be extra mindful of keeping their identification safe during this busy period.
Have you ever lost your passport? Share your experiences with us, and follow our WeChat official account, ThatsGBA, for more travel tips and guides!
[Cover image via Unsplash]
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