Losing your passport in Vietnam requires 3 immediate steps: report to local police within 2 working days, contact your embassy for emergency replacement, and obtain an exit visa from Vietnamese Immigration. U.S. embassies can issue emergency replacement passports in 1 business day, but Vietnamese Immigration requires 3-5 working days (Hanoi) or 5-7 working days (Ho Chi Minh City) to process exit visas before you can legally depart.
This comprehensive guide provides verified procedures, official contact information, and exact timelines for foreign teachers and education professionals working in Vietnam. All information is confirmed from official U.S. Department of State, Vietnamese Immigration Department, and legal government sources current as of December 2025.
How Quickly Should You Report a Lost Passport in Vietnam?
Report your lost passport to local police within 2 working days of discovery using Form TK05, the official lost passport report form. According to Vietnamese law (Decree 144/2021/ND-CP), failing to report within this timeframe may result in an administrative fine of VND 500,000-2,000,000 ($19-74 USD).
The police report must be filed at the station closest to where the loss occurred—not at your residence or workplace. Police will complete Form TK05 (APPLICATION FOR LOST PASSPORT), issued under Circular 68/2022/TT-BCA, which became the official form on January 1, 2023. Processing typically takes 1 working day from receipt of your application.
What to bring to the police station:
- Valid identification – driver’s license, national ID, or passport copy
- Vietnam visa documentation – entry stamp details or visa approval letter
- Hotel/residence confirmation – proof of where you’re staying
- Passport information – number, issue date, issuing country (if known)
The police officer will complete Form TK05 in Vietnamese. Request an official English translation at the station, as both Vietnamese Immigration Department and your embassy require translated documents for processing.
Critical timing requirements:
- Day 1: File police report (same day you discover loss)
- Day 2-3: Schedule embassy appointment with police report
- Day 3-4: Receive emergency replacement passport
- Day 4-9: Vietnamese Immigration processes exit visa
- Day 10+: Legal departure from Vietnam possible
Vietnamese authorities will not accept police reports filed in different jurisdictions than where the loss occurred. For example, losing your passport in Hanoi’s Old Quarter requires filing the report at Hoan Kiem District police—reports from Ba Dinh or your residence district will be rejected.
When navigating Vietnamese procedures during this stressful period, foreign teachers should remain vigilant against opportunistic scammers. Learn about common scams targeting foreigners in Vietnam to protect yourself when you’re without primary identification.
Which Embassy Office Should You Contact for Passport Replacement?
Contact the embassy location based on your current location in Vietnam: U.S. Embassy Hanoi serves northern Vietnam (Hue and north), while U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City serves southern Vietnam (Hue and south). Both offices provide identical passport services with the same processing times.
U.S. Embassy Hanoi (Northern Vietnam):
- Address: Rose Garden Building, Second Floor, 170 Ngoc Khanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Mailing Address: 7 Lang Ha Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Emergency Phone: (024) 3850-5000 (24/7, including after-hours)
- International: +84-24-3850-5000
- Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-11:30am, 1:00pm-3:30pm
- Closed: Friday afternoons, Vietnamese and U.S. holidays
- Jurisdiction: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong, Sapa, and all areas north of Hue
U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City (Southern Vietnam):
- Address: American Citizen Services, 4 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Emergency Phone: (028) 3520-4200 or (028) 3520-4600 (24/7)
- International: +84-28-3520-4200 or +84-28-3520-4600
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-11:30am, 1:00pm-3:30pm (closed Wednesdays)
- Closed: Vietnamese and U.S. holidays
- Jurisdiction: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Can Tho, and all areas from Hue south
When calling emergency lines, state clearly: “This is a U.S. citizen emergency—my passport has been lost/stolen in Vietnam.” Emergency operators provide immediate guidance and typically schedule appointments within 24-48 hours.
For other nationalities, consult your country’s embassy website for current contact information and specific procedures, as requirements vary by nationality.
What Documents Are Required for Emergency Passport Replacement?
You need 4 mandatory documents for emergency passport replacement: completed Form DS-11, official police report (Form TK05) with English translation, one passport photo (2″x2″ or 5cm x 5cm), and payment. Missing any document will delay your replacement.
Complete Document Checklist:
1. Form DS-11 Application (Required)
- Complete online at https://pptform.state.gov
- Print application with barcode (handwritten forms not accepted)
- Do NOT sign until in front of consular officer
- Note: Cannot list “Country” in Emergency Contact section—list U.S. contact only
2. Police Report Form TK05 (Mandatory)
- Original Vietnamese police report
- Official English translation (from police station or certified translator)
- Must show report filed where loss occurred
- Processing: 1 working day from police station
3. Passport Photo (Required)
- Size: 2″ x 2″ or 5cm x 5cm
- White background
- Taken within last 6 months
- Photo shops near embassies charge approximately VND 100,000-150,000 for 6 photos
4. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (If Available)
- Copy of lost passport (if you made copies)
- Birth certificate copy
- Previous U.S. passport
- U.S. driver’s license
- Note: Without citizenship proof, processing may require additional 2-3 days for verification
5. Payment (Required)
- Exchange rate: $1 USD = 27,000 VND (effective May 5, 2025)
- Accepted payment methods:
- Cash: U.S. Dollars or Vietnamese Dong
- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
- Debit cards: Major U.S. bank cards only
- NOT accepted: Foreign debit cards, checks, payment plans
- No ATM available at embassy locations
6. Vietnam Entry Documentation (Helpful)
- Visa approval letter or e-visa confirmation
- Entry stamp information
- Hotel registration showing legal temporary residence
Embassy staff recommend bringing photocopies of all documents (2 sets) to expedite processing. Appointments typically last 30-45 minutes, and you’ll receive a collection receipt.
How Long Does Emergency Passport Replacement Take?
U.S. embassies in Vietnam issue emergency limited-validity passports in 1 business day, while full-validity replacement passports require up to 6 weeks for processing in the United States. However, Vietnamese law requires an additional 3-5 working days (Hanoi) or 5-7 working days (Ho Chi Minh City) for exit visa processing before legal departure.
Two Passport Replacement Options:
Option 1: Emergency Limited-Validity Passport (Recommended for Immediate Departure)
- Processing time: 1 business day (collect next business day after appointment)
- Validity: Limited duration (typically 12 months)
- Use case: Urgent departure required
- After returning home: Can exchange for full-validity passport within 1 year at no extra cost
- Note: Still requires 3-7 day Vietnamese exit visa before departure
Option 2: Full-Validity Passport Replacement
- Processing time: Up to 6 weeks (sent to U.S. for processing)
- Validity: 10 years (adults) or 5 years (minors under 16)
- Use case: No immediate travel urgency, continuing work in Vietnam
- Note: Still requires 3-7 day Vietnamese exit visa before departure
Complete timeline example:
- Monday: File police report, obtain translation
- Tuesday: Submit application at embassy
- Wednesday: Collect emergency passport
- Wednesday afternoon: Submit exit visa application to Immigration
- Following Monday-Wednesday: Exit visa approved (3-5 working days)
- Following Thursday: Legal departure possible
Vietnamese Immigration Exit Visa Processing:
After receiving your replacement passport, you must visit Vietnamese Immigration to obtain an exit visa. The embassy provides a diplomatic note requesting Immigration’s assistance.
Hanoi Immigration Office:
- Address: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Phone: (024) 3825-7941 (within Vietnam) or (84-24) 3825-7941 (internationally)
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-11:30am, 1:30pm-4:00pm
- Processing: 3-4 working days typically
- Website: https://xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office:
- Address: 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: (028) 3920-1701, (028) 3920-0353, (028) 3920-2300, or (028) 3838-6425
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-11:30am, 1:30pm-4:00pm
- Processing: 5-7 working days typically
Da Nang Immigration Office:
- Address: 7 Tran Qui Cap Street, Thach Thang, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- Phone: (0236) 3822381
- Processing: 5-7 working days typically
Important: Vietnamese Immigration cannot expedite exit visa processing, even for emergency situations. The U.S. Embassy cannot expedite Vietnamese government processing. Teachers with registered employers may have slightly faster processing through official sponsor channels.
Can You Travel Domestically in Vietnam Without a Passport?
No, you cannot legally travel domestically in Vietnam without valid identification after losing your passport. Vietnamese law requires all foreigners to present valid travel documents at hotels, airports, and police checkpoints. Attempting travel without documentation risks detention and fines.
Legal Movement Options:
Permitted with Police Report + Embassy Letter:
- Local movement within your city/province
- Travel to embassy/consulate for appointment (with authorization)
- Essential errands (banking, healthcare, workplace)
- Hotel stays if property accepts temporary documentation
NOT Permitted:
- Domestic flights – all Vietnamese airlines require valid passport
- Inter-provincial bus/train – long-distance transport checks identification
- Hotel check-in in different city – most hotels require passport
- Rental vehicles – motorbike/car rentals require passport
- Tourist attractions – many sites require passport
For teachers in wrong jurisdiction (e.g., working in Da Nang but need HCMC embassy appointment):
- Contact your embassy explaining situation
- Request special “travel letter” authorizing movement
- Coordinate with employer’s HR for documentation support
- Travel with: police report + embassy letter + employment contract
- Note: Still risk complications at checkpoints despite documentation
Many teachers working in cities like Da Nang or Nha Trang face this challenge. Solution: Request employer arrange formal documentation and potentially coordinate travel assistance. Schools registered with Department of Labour have authority to facilitate emergency travel.
Transportation safety becomes critical when without primary identification. Foreign teachers should understand motorbike safety in Vietnam and avoid solo travel during this period.
What Happens to Your Vietnamese Visa After Passport Loss?
Your Vietnamese visa becomes invalid the moment your passport is reported lost or stolen, requiring complete replacement regardless of original visa validity. You cannot transfer an existing visa from a lost passport—Vietnamese law requires obtaining a new exit visa.
Visa Replacement Process:
Step 1: Obtain Embassy’s Diplomatic Note
- Embassy provides official letter to Vietnamese Immigration
- Letter requests Immigration’s assistance for exit visa
- Valid for 30 days from issue date
- No cost from U.S. Embassy
Step 2: Visit Vietnamese Immigration Department
- Must visit in person (cannot send representative)
- Bring: New passport, embassy letter, police report, passport photos (2 copies)
- Submit required application form
- Pay applicable fee (contact Immigration for current rates)
Step 3: Processing Wait
- Minimum 3-5 working days (Hanoi)
- Minimum 5-7 working days (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Check status by calling Immigration office
- Cannot be expedited
Step 4: Collect Exit Visa
- Immigration stamps exit visa into new passport
- Single-exit visa only – must depart within validity period
- Cannot re-enter Vietnam without new visa from abroad
Work Permit and Residence Card Updates:
For teachers with work permits and temporary residence cards, additional updates are required:
Work Permit Update:
- Work permit remains valid – tied to identity, not passport number
- Must update with new passport details using Form 11/PLI
- Submit to provincial Department of Labour office (not Immigration)
- Required documents: New passport, work permit, employer letter
Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
- TRC requires updating with new passport information
- Submit to Immigration Department
- Processing time varies by province
- Cannot work legally until documentation updated
Critical: Inform your school’s HR department immediately. Schools must coordinate concurrent update processes for work permit, TRC, and visa documentation. Failure to update may affect employment status or result in visa violations.
How Much Does Complete Passport Replacement Cost?
Complete U.S. passport replacement costs $130 USD for adults or $100 USD for minors under 16, payable at the embassy in cash (USD or VND) or by credit card. Vietnamese Immigration fees for exit visas vary—contact the Immigration office directly for current rates.
Verified Cost Breakdown:
U.S. Passport Fees (Current as of May 2025):
- Passport book (adult 16+): $130 USD or 3,510,000 VND
- Passport book (minor under 16): $100 USD or 2,700,000 VND
- Emergency passport (limited validity): $130 USD or 3,510,000 VND
- Exchange rate: $1 = 27,000 VND (effective May 5, 2025)
Vietnamese Government Fees:
- Exit visa fee: Contact Immigration office for current rates
- Work permit update: Contact Department of Labour for current rates
- TRC replacement: Contact Immigration office for current rates
Secondary Essential Costs (Estimates):
- Police report English translation: VND 100,000-200,000 ($4-7 USD) estimated
- Passport photos (6 photos): VND 100,000-150,000 ($4-6 USD) estimated
- Transportation to embassy: Varies by distance
- Transportation to Immigration: Varies by distance
Payment Methods Accepted:
At U.S. Embassy/Consulate:
- U.S. Dollars (cash)
- Vietnamese Dong (cash) – at official embassy exchange rate
- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
- Debit cards: Major U.S. bank cards only
- NOT accepted: Foreign debit cards, checks
- No ATM available at embassy
At Vietnamese Immigration:
- Payment methods vary by office
- Contact specific Immigration office for accepted payment methods
- Bring Vietnamese Dong cash as safest option
Budget recommendation: Plan for $200-250 USD total to cover passport replacement, government fees, translations, transportation, and unexpected costs.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Visa Violations?
Vietnamese law imposes fines for visa violations, with penalties varying based on overstay duration and circumstances. According to verified government sources, short overstays (1-2 days) result in fines of approximately VND 500,000 per day ($19-23 USD per day), while longer overstays result in higher penalties and potential deportation.
Verified Visa Violation Penalties:
Short Overstay (1-2 days):
- Fine: Approximately VND 500,000 per day ($19-23 USD)
- Procedure: Can pay directly at airport Immigration counter when departing
- Note: Payment at airport marks your passport, potentially affecting future visits
Overstay Under 15 Days:
- Fine: VND 500,000-2,000,000 total
- Procedure: Must contact local Immigration office
- Requirements: Pay fine before visa extension or exit visa approval
Overstay Over 16 Days:
- Fine: VND 3,000,000-5,000,000 or higher depending on duration
- Consequences: May face forced deportation
- Future Entry: Potential entry restrictions of 1-5 years
Fake Documents or Fraudulent Immigration Actions:
- Fine: VND 5,000,000-10,000,000 ($185-370 USD)
- Additional penalties: Possible deportation and permanent entry ban
Critical for teachers: Visa violations can result in work permit cancellation and employment contract termination. Always maintain legal status and inform your employer immediately if facing passport or visa issues.
Your Rights During Immigration Checks:
You have the right to:
- Request English-speaking officer or translator
- Contact your embassy before providing statements
- Review all fines and request written violation report
- Refuse to sign documents you don’t understand
If detained at checkpoint:
- Remain calm and polite
- State: “I am a U.S. citizen. My passport was lost and I’m in replacement process.”
- Show police report + embassy documentation immediately
- Request to contact embassy: (024) 3850-5000 or (028) 3520-4200
- Do not sign documents before embassy representative assistance
- Do not pay unofficial fees – all official fines have receipts
Teacher-specific protection: Schools registered with Department of Labour can provide HR representation and legal coordination during Immigration proceedings. Inform your employer within 24 hours of passport loss to access these protections.
Passport loss is one of many emergency situations foreign teachers may face in Vietnam. For comprehensive guidance on staying safe and prepared while teaching abroad, explore our complete Safety & Emergency resource center.
Discover essential guides on:
- Emergency contact procedures and evacuation protocols
- Healthcare access and medical emergency response
- Legal rights and documentation requirements
- Crime prevention and personal security
- Natural disaster preparedness
- Financial emergency planning
Don’t wait for an emergency—educate yourself now with proven strategies and verified information from experienced educators living in Vietnam.
→ Browse All Safety & Emergency Resources
Frequently Asked Questions: Lost Passport in Vietnam
Can I Leave Vietnam Without My Physical Passport if I Have a Digital Copy?
No, you cannot leave Vietnam with only a digital passport copy. Vietnamese Immigration requires the original physical passport or official replacement document for all exits. Airlines will refuse boarding, and Immigration at airports will deny exit without valid travel documents. Digital copies serve only as reference during replacement procedures but have zero legal validity for travel.
Will Losing My Passport Affect My Current Work Permit in Vietnam?
Your work permit remains legally valid after passport loss—work permits are tied to your identity, not passport number. However, you must update work permit records with new passport details using Form 11/PLI at the provincial Department of Labour office. Contact your employer’s HR department immediately, as they must coordinate this update process. Failure to update may affect work permit renewal or visa extensions.
How Long Can I Stay in Vietnam After My Passport Is Lost or Stolen?
You can legally remain in Vietnam throughout the replacement process, provided you demonstrate continuous progress. File police report immediately (within 2 working days), schedule embassy appointment promptly, and submit Immigration applications without delay. Vietnamese authorities accommodate foreigners actively replacing lost documents. However, any delays or failure to complete the process properly may result in visa overstay penalties starting at VND 500,000 per day ($19-23 USD).
Can My School Help Speed Up the Replacement Process?
Yes, registered employers can assist with Immigration processing through official channels. Schools with work permit sponsorship relationships may have direct contacts at provincial Immigration offices. HR departments can provide supporting documentation (employer letters, work permit verification, residence registration) that may facilitate processing. However, schools cannot expedite embassy passport replacement—only Vietnamese Immigration procedures. Contact your HR department within 24 hours of loss for maximum assistance.
What Happens If I Find My Original Passport After Reporting It Lost?
Your original passport becomes permanently invalid once reported lost—recovery does not restore validity. Even if found before receiving replacement, you must continue with replacement process and cannot use the recovered passport for any legal purpose. Vietnamese law requires the found passport be surrendered to your embassy for cancellation. Attempting to use a reported-lost passport constitutes fraud, carrying serious legal penalties under both Vietnamese and U.S. law.
Do I Need a Police Report if My Passport Was Lost (Not Stolen)?
Yes, Vietnamese Immigration requires Form TK05 police report for both lost and stolen passports. The distinction between “lost” and “stolen” does not affect the requirement. Your embassy cannot issue replacement without official police documentation, and Vietnamese Immigration will not process exit visas without it. File the report at the police station closest to where you last had the passport, within 2 working days of discovering the loss.
Can I Travel to Other Countries While Waiting for My Vietnamese Exit Visa?
No, you cannot leave Vietnam until receiving both replacement passport and Vietnamese exit visa. Vietnamese Immigration controls all exit points (airports, land borders, seaports) and requires valid documentation for departure. Even with emergency replacement passport from your embassy, Vietnamese law prohibits departure until Immigration approves exit visa. Attempting to cross borders without proper documentation results in immediate detention and fines. Plan to remain in Vietnam for the complete replacement process (typically 7-10 days minimum) before any international travel.
