China Lost or Stolen Passport Guide 2026: Embassy Steps, Police Reports

How fast do I need to act after losing my passport in China?

Where exactly do I file a police report in China?

Go to the nearest local Public Security Bureau station, called a 派出所. Bring any photocopy of your passport, a second ID (driver's license works), and a written statement in English or Chinese describing when and where you noticed the loss. Officers will issue a stamped Police Loss Report (报警回执/报警证明) usually within 30-60 minutes (as of 2026). Ask for two copies: one for the embassy, one for the Exit-Entry Administration.

Sources: China National Tourism Administration — Emergency Assistance for Foreign Tourists, U.S. Department of State — Lost or Stolen Passports Abroad

Which Chinese government office handles the exit paperwork?

Your embassy issues the travel document, but the Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau (出入境管理局) issues the Chinese exit endorsement that lets you leave the country. After receiving your emergency passport, you must visit this office in person with the police report, embassy document, and a visa or stay permit replacement (as of 2026). Processing typically takes 1-2 working days. In major cities, the same office can also cancel your old visa record to prevent identity misuse.

Sources: China National Tourism Administration — Emergency Assistance for Foreign Tourists, Smartraveller (Australia) — Your passport

What does the emergency travel document actually look like?

It is a single-sheet, A4-sized letter or a slim burgundy booklet, depending on your country. US citizens receive a Limited Validity Emergency Passport; UK citizens get an Emergency Travel Document; Canadians and Australians get similar single-trip papers. These are valid for one direct trip home or to a third country where a full replacement can be issued, and typically expire within 7-30 days (as of 2026). They are not valid for onward multi-country travel without a fresh visa.

Sources: U.S. Department of State — Lost or Stolen Passports Abroad, UK FCDO — Replace a lost or stolen passport abroad

How much does replacement cost and how long does it take?

Fees vary by nationality. The US charges USD 145 for an emergency passport as of 2026; the UK Emergency Travel Document is GBP 100; Australia AUD 268; Canada CAD 200. Bring cash or a working bank card since some consulate offices do not accept foreign cards. Most emergency documents are ready in 1-3 business days, but expect a full calendar week if you also need a new Chinese exit endorsement (as of 2026).

Sources: U.S. Department of State — Lost or Stolen Passports Abroad, UK FCDO — Replace a lost or stolen passport abroad, Smartraveller (Australia) — Your passport

Can I fly domestically in China while waiting for the embassy document?

Yes, but only with a Chinese-issued temporary ID or after the police have recorded your loss in the system. Trains in 2026 are easier: most stations accept the police loss receipt plus a photocopy of your lost passport at the manual ticket window. Domestic flights are stricter and may require a Temporary Identity Certificate (临时身份证明) issued by the airport police desk, which takes 15-30 minutes (as of 2026). Book refundable tickets until the paperwork clears.

Sources: China National Tourism Administration — Emergency Assistance for Foreign Tourists, Smartraveller (Australia) — Your passport

What if my passport was stolen, not just lost?

Treat it as a security event. File the police report the same day, then ask the 派出所 to flag the case as theft rather than simple loss, which is recorded in the national system within 24 hours. Contact your bank to freeze cards that were in the same wallet, and change passwords for any apps logged in on a stolen phone. Most travel-insurance policies require a theft-tagged police report for reimbursement, so request a stamped "stolen" version (as of 2026).

Sources: U.S. Department of State — Lost or Stolen Passports Abroad, China National Tourism Administration — Emergency Assistance for Foreign Tourists

How do I prevent this mess on my next trip?

Scan every page of your passport, visa, and entry stamp into two cloud services before you fly, and email a copy to yourself. Carry a second photocopy in a separate bag from the original. Register with your embassy on arrival via STEP (US), LOCATE (UK), or the Australian Smartraveller site, so officials can reach you faster if your passport goes missing. A simple money belt and a hotel safe cut the risk in half (as of 2026).

Sources: U.S. Department of State — Lost or Stolen Passports Abroad, UK FCDO — Replace a lost or stolen passport abroad, Smartraveller (Australia) — Your passport