Applying for an emergency travel document in Vietnam

Send an email as soon as possible to:

• the embassy in Hanoi: han-ca@minbuza.nl, or
• the consulate-general in Ho Chi Minh City hcm-ca@minbuza.nl

Include the following documents and information:

• a scan or photo of your lost or stolen passport or ID card. If you don't have one, include the following details as stated on your lost or stolen passport or ID card:
  • your full name;
  • your date of birth;
  • the name of the authority that issued the document (mayor of...., ambassador to.....);
  • the date of issue;
• the telephone number on which you can be reached;
• proof that you cannot postpone your journey, for example a travel itinerary, flight details, other reservations or a letter from your employer;
• your exact travelling route;
• your current location.

The embassy will ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for permission to issue an emergency travel document. This usually takes between 1 and 3 working days. If you have not attached a scan or photo of your lost or stolen passport or ID card, the waiting time may be longer.

If the Ministry gives permission, the embassy will contact you to discuss where and when you can apply for your emergency travel document.

Reporting your passport or ID card as lost or stolen

While you wait for a response, you may report the loss or theft of your passport or ID card to the local police. This is not compulsory, but it can be useful. If you file a report, ask the police for written proof. You may need it for insurance purposes or to show the local authorities.

Bring the following documents with you when you make your application:

• a completed passport application form;
• a completed declaration stating that the travel document is missing (C2 Form);
• two passport photos that meet Dutch requirements. Find out where to obtain a passport photo in Vietnam;
• proof that you are a tourist or that you cannot postpone your journey;
• if you will be travelling by plane, train, bus or boat: tickets for the rest of your journey;
• if possible: a photo or scan of the passport or ID card that was lost or stolen;
• if possible: other identity documents or photos or scans of them;
• if possible: a police report stating that your passport or ID card was lost or stolen.

Under 18

If the emergency travel document is for a child younger than 18, their parent(s) or guardian(s) must give permission. The applicant must:

• bring photocopies of the passport or ID card of their parent(s) or guardian(s);
• get their parent(s)/guardian(s) to sign the passport application form or fill in a proof of consent.

The embassy will tell you when and where your appointment is. Bring all the documents listed above with you to your appointment. You will pay during the appointment. The overview of consular fees in Vietnam tells you how much an emergency travel document costs and which payment methods are accepted.

Once your application has been processed, your passport or ID card will be registered internationally as invalid. This means no one will be able to travel on it. If you find your passport or ID card at a later date, you won’t be able to travel on it either.

The embassy will tell you when and where you can collect your document. Bear in mind that an emergency travel document has a shorter validity period than a passport or ID card.

If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decides that you need a new passport or ID card instead, the process will take longer. This may happen if, for example, the country you are planning to travel to does not accept Dutch emergency travel documents. In that case you may have to wait for up to 4 weeks.

Visa or residence permit

If you had a Vietnamese visa or residence permit in your lost or stolen passport, you will have to apply for a new Vietnamese visa. You can apply to the Vietnamese Immigration Department after your passport or laissez-passer has been issued. The application process can take up to 5 working days. If you don't have a valid Vietnamese visa, you will not be permitted to leave the country, or you will be fined when you leave. Visa applications should be made to the local immigration office:

Immigration Department in Hanoi
44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District

Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City
337 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, District 1

A Vietnamese visa costs between USD 5 and USD 25. If you apply through a third party (such as a travel agent) they will also charge you a service fee.