Emergency numbers
- 110 — police
- 119 — fire
- 120 — ambulance
- 122 — traffic accident
- 12367 — immigration/visa hotline
- Your embassy’s consular emergency line
Lost or stolen passport
Report to the nearest police station and get a written report. Contact your embassy/consulate with the report, photos and ID copies. They may issue an emergency travel document or a new passport. You may also need an exit visa from the local exit-entry administration before you can leave China.
Practical steps
Keep digital and paper copies of your passport/visa. Freeze cards if your wallet was stolen. Ask the police for the report number. Do not overstay while waiting for documents; ask immigration for an extension/exit permit if needed.
Reality check
The police report is the key document; without it, everything takes longer.
Local tip: Keep passport/visa copies in the cloud and in your bag.
Step by step
- Report to police; get a written report.
- Contact your embassy/consulate.
- Provide photos/ID copies.
- Apply for emergency travel document/passport.
- Get an exit visa if required.
- Notify airline/bank/insurance.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Police report | Free |
| Emergency travel document | Varies |
| Photos | Small fee |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Police report
- Passport copies/photos
- Flight booking
- Insurance policy
Common mistakes
- Not filing a police report
- Waiting until the airport
- Overstaying while awaiting documents
- Carrying the only copy of your passport
If things go wrong
- If your passport is stolen, report to police within the same day.
- If you overstay while waiting, ask immigration for a temporary exit permit.
FAQ
Can I fly domestically without a passport?
You need an accepted ID; ask the airline and police for guidance. A police report helps but may not be enough.
How long does replacement take?
It varies by embassy and case; plan several days and keep in contact with your consulate.
Health and safety: the field guide
China is generally safe, but medical care is not uniform. Save an English-speaking clinic, understand your insurance and know the emergency numbers before you need them.
Hospitals and clinics
International clinics and the international departments of major public hospitals usually have English-speaking staff and shorter waits, at higher cost. Local public hospitals are cheaper but crowded and Chinese-language-heavy. For emergencies, call 120 or go to the nearest hospital; do not wait for an appointment.
Insurance and payment
Many international clinics require payment upfront and reimburse later. Keep every receipt, diagnosis and prescription. Check whether your policy covers China, pre-existing conditions and evacuation. For chronic conditions, bring enough medicine and a doctor’s letter; some medicines have different names in China.
Safety and scams
Use normal city precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, watch your bag in crowds, and do not follow friendly strangers to a “special” tea house or tour. Keep passport/visa copies in the cloud. If something goes wrong, call 110 for police, 120 for ambulance and contact your embassy for document emergencies.
Quick checks
- English-speaking clinic saved
- Insurance card and policy offline
- Medication list/prescriptions
- Emergency numbers and embassy contact
- Passport/visa copies in cloud
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Police report
- Passport copies/photos
- Flight booking
- Insurance policy
- Report to police; get a written report.
- Contact your embassy/consulate.
- Provide photos/ID copies.
- Apply for emergency travel document/passport.
- Get an exit visa if required.
- Notify airline/bank/insurance.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.