Lost or stolen UK passport in Vietnam: what to do

Losing your passport in Vietnam means paperwork on both sides: cancelling it and getting a replacement from the UK, and a police report and exit visa from the Vietnamese authorities.

Name on GOV.UK: Cancel a lost or stolen passport

Updated: Sources: GOV.UK: Cancel a lost or stolen passport, GOV.UK: British Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City, GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice

Bản tiếng Việt

Quick answer

If you lose your UK passport in Vietnam, get a police report, cancel the passport on GOV.UK, then apply for an emergency travel document (£125) if you travel within 6 weeks, or a replacement passport (£116.50 adult) if you have time. Before flying you need an exit visa from Vietnamese immigration.
Travelling within 6 weeks
Emergency travel document, £125
More time
Replacement passport, £116.50
Vietnam paperwork
Police report + exit visa
Exit visa
Up to 5 working days
On this page

4 steps after losing your passport

  1. Report it to the police

    Report the loss at the police station nearest to where it happened and get a police report. You need it for the exit stamp.

  2. Cancel the passport

    Cancel it on GOV.UK as soon as possible. If you apply for an emergency travel document, cancelling is part of that application.

  3. Choose a replacement

    Travelling within 6 weeks and no time for a new passport: emergency travel document. More time: apply online for a replacement passport.

  4. Get an exit visa

    Take your new document and the police report to Vietnamese immigration for an exit visa before you fly.

The police report is in Vietnamese; you pay for an official translation if your insurer needs one. GOV.UK recommends taking a translator with you.

Emergency travel document or replacement passport

An emergency travel document covers one urgent journey. A replacement passport is applied for online with HM Passport Office at the normal overseas fee; for a lost or stolen passport someone must confirm your identity online. If you travel in more than 3 weeks, the Consulate advises checking whether a new passport can arrive in time.

Fees after losing a UK passport
FeeAmount
Emergency travel document£125
Adult passport – online application from overseas£116.50
Child passport – online application from overseas£75.50
Standard DHL delivery to international address£14.32

Updated: Sources: GOV.UK

Leaving Vietnam

  • Vietnam requires you to enter and exit on the same passport, so a new passport or emergency travel document needs an exit visa from the Immigration Department.
  • This takes up to 5 working days, longer if you have overstayed and a fine has to be decided first.
  • A passport reported lost or stolen is cancelled. Do not use it even if you find it — you can be refused entry.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to leave Vietnam after losing my passport?
An emergency travel document is usually ready 2 working days after you apply, then the exit visa takes up to 5 working days. It can take longer if more documents or an appointment are needed.
Do I really need a police report?
Yes. The Consulate General says you must show the police report at Vietnamese immigration when you apply for the exit stamp.
Can someone else pay the fee for me?
Yes. For an emergency travel document a relative or friend can pay if you cannot, for example because your wallet was stolen too.