Chinese Travel Document (旅行证): What It Is and Who Needs It
Lost passport · Newborns abroad · One-time entry — the travel document explained for Chinese citizens overseas.
Quick answer: The Chinese Travel Document (旅行证) is issued by Chinese embassies and consulates to Chinese citizens abroad who need to travel to China but cannot use a regular passport — most often because a passport was lost, stolen, or expired, or because a child born overseas to Chinese parents needs to enter China before a passport is arranged.
What is a Travel Document (旅行证)?
It is a temporary travel document for Chinese citizens, typically valid for one or limited entries and a short period, used to return to or enter China when a standard passport is unavailable.
Lost, stolen, or expired passport
If you are a Chinese citizen abroad and your passport is lost, stolen, or expired and you must travel to China soon, the embassy or consulate can issue a Travel Document as a one-time solution while you also report the loss.
Babies born overseas to Chinese parents
A child born abroad to Chinese citizens (or one Chinese parent) may be a Chinese citizen by descent. If a Chinese passport is not yet issued, a Travel Document lets the newborn enter China. Parents often use it alongside household-registration (落户) steps.
How to apply
Apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate serving your area, with proof of Chinese citizenship (prior passport, birth certificate, parent documents), a photo, and the relevant form. The consulate will advise on single vs multiple use.
Travel Document vs passport
A Travel Document is temporary and limited; it is not a replacement for a full passport. After entering China, arrange a regular passport or residence procedures as needed.
Related pages
FAQ
A: A temporary travel document for Chinese citizens abroad who must travel to China but cannot use a regular passport, such as after loss/theft or for a newborn before a passport is ready.
A: Yes. A child born in the U.S. to Chinese citizens may be a Chinese citizen by descent; a Travel Document can let the newborn enter China before a Chinese passport is issued.
A: No. It is temporary and limited (often one or few entries, short validity). It is a bridge solution, not a replacement for a passport.
A: Proof of Chinese citizenship (prior passport, birth certificate, or parent documents), a photo, and the consulate's application form. The mission will tell you exactly what to bring.
A: At the Chinese embassy or consulate serving your place of residence. Check that mission's official announcements for the current procedure.
Disclaimer: This page is for visa consulting and document preparation reference only. It is not legal advice, does not represent any embassy, consulate, or visa authority, and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Consulate addresses, office hours, and jurisdictions may change at any time; all information is subject to the latest published rules of the relevant authorities.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-22