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Last Update: Tuesday January 06, 2026

Losing a passport while traveling can be a stressful and challenging experience, especially when you are in transit and preparing to enter a new country. Whether your passport is misplaced, stolen, or damaged, it is important to understand the steps required to obtain an emergency passport or temporary passport and how these documents can be used to secure entry into Vietnam.

This article provides guidance on what to do if your passport is lost in transit and how to apply for a Vietnam visa under these circumstances.

1. Immediate Steps After Losing a Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, you should take the following actions immediately:

• Report the loss: Contact local authorities and obtain a police report if possible, especially in cases of a stolen passport.

• Contact your embassy or consulate: Your country’s embassy can issue you an emergency passport or temporary passport that allows you to continue traveling.

• Inform your airline: Some airlines may require updated documentation before you can continue your journey.

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2. Emergency and Temporary Passports

An emergency passport or temporary passport is typically issued by your home country’s embassy abroad. These documents are valid for a short period and are intended to allow you to travel home or continue your trip.

However, it is important to note that not all countries accept these travel documents automatically. You will need to confirm with the Vietnamese authorities whether your emergency or temporary passport is eligible for entry.

3. Applying for a Vietnam Visa with an Emergency/Temporary Passport

When entering Vietnam, travelers typically require a valid visa. If you only have an emergency passport or temporary passport, you have two main options:

a) Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Travelers can apply for a visa on arrival if they are flying into Vietnam.

• You must first obtain an approval letter from an authorized agency before boarding your flight.

• Upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, present your emergency passport or temporary passport, the approval letter, and passport-sized photos at the Visa on Arrival counter.

b) Visa Application at the Embassy

• If you prefer not to use VOA, or if your emergency passport requires pre-validation, you can apply for a visa directly at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

• Submit your emergency/temporary passport, visa application form, photos, and any supporting documents requested.

4. Practical Considerations

• Validity of the passport: Ensure that your emergency passport or temporary passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Vietnam. Some visas may require at least six months’ validity, though exemptions may apply in emergency cases.

• Travel insurance: If you experienced a stolen passport, check if your travel insurance covers replacement costs and related expenses.

• Extra processing time: Visa processing with an emergency passport may take longer, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

While losing a passport in transit is undoubtedly stressful, travelers can still continue their journey with the assistance of an embassy, which can issue an emergency passport or temporary passport. To enter Vietnam, you can apply for a visa through either the visa on arrival system or directly at a Vietnamese embassy. Acting quickly, gathering the correct documents, and confirming eligibility will ensure that your travel plans remain on track despite the setback of a stolen passport or other travel document loss.