Image: Henley Passport Index
Step 1: Report the Loss to the Local Police
This is the most critical first step. You cannot proceed with getting a replacement document without an official police report.
Go to the nearest police station. It is essential to go to the police station closest to where you believe the passport was lost or stolen. The police may not assist you if you go to a station in a different district.
File a police report. You will need to provide details about the incident, including when and where it occurred. It's helpful to bring a hotel staff member or a local friend who can help with translation if you do not speak Vietnamese.
Obtain the stamped report. Make sure you receive a stamped and signed copy of the police report. This official document is required by both your embassy and the Vietnamese immigration department.
Step 2: Contact Your Country's Embassy or Consulate
Your country's embassy or consulate is your primary resource for a replacement travel document.
Find your embassy/consulate: Most embassies are in Hanoi, and many countries have a consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City. There are no major foreign embassies or consulates in Da Nang or Hoi An. You will likely need to travel to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact them immediately. Call or email your embassy or consulate to inform them of your situation. They will guide you through the process of applying for a replacement passport or an emergency travel document.
Prepare your documents. You will typically need to provide:
The police report from Step 1.
A passport application form (often available online).
Passport-sized photos (it's wise to have a few extra).
Other proof of identity, such as a photocopy of your lost passport, a driver's license, or a national ID card. Having photocopies of your passport and visa, stored separately, is a huge advantage here.
Step 3: Get an Exit Visa from the Vietnamese Immigration Department
Even with a new passport, you cannot leave Vietnam without a valid exit visa.
Find the Immigration Department. You will need to go to the Provincial Immigration Office in Da Nang. The address for the Da Nang Immigration Office is at 78 Le Loi, Hai Chau District, Da Nang. You might also find an office at 7 Tran Quy Cap, Hai Chau, Da Nang.
Bring your documents. You will need your new passport and the police report to apply for the exit visa. Your embassy or consulate will often provide a letter to the Immigration Department to assist with this process.
Be patient. Obtaining a new visa can take several working days (3-7 days is common). This is an important factor to consider when rebooking any flights.
Important Tips to Remember:
Keep copies of everything: Before you travel, make and save both physical and digital copies of your passport, visa, and any other important documents. Store them separately from the originals.
Use your hotel's help: The staff at your hotel or guesthouse can be a great resource. They often have experience with these situations and can help with translations or navigating local bureaucracy.
Have cash: Be prepared to pay fees for the police report, the new passport, and the new visa. These fees are often paid in Vietnamese Dong.
Don't delay: The sooner you start this process, the sooner you can get back on your way. Do not attempt to travel to a different city or leave the country without following these steps.
