Tom Hanks’ son Chet Hanks is stranded in Colombia.
“Ya’ll ready for story time?” Chet said in an Instagram video shared on Friday, noting that he travelled to Puerto Rico last week for his “home Max’s birthday party,” where he “had a good time.”
The “Running Point” actor — who is the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson — then explained he decided to take a detour to Medellin to visit a pal named Taylor.
“Sounds good, right?” he said while speaking to fans. “We’ll check this out.”
The actor and musician — who wore a black Los Angeles Dodgers ball cap, black shirt and heavy chain link necklace for the video — then shared how things had taken a stressful turn.
“I’m traveling with my Greek passport because I’m a dual citizen,” he said, adding that he didn’t use his American passport because it’s about to expire, “and sometimes they don’t let you in the country, even if it hasn’t expired, but it’s about to expire.”
He continued, “I go to the airport to check in [for] my flight three hours early.”
“This is an international flight. They tell me that if I’m using a foreign passport, I need a green card to get back into America.”
The incredulous “Surreal Life” alum then explained that he doesn’t “have a green card because I’m an American citizen,” so he’s “literally stuck in Colombia. I’m stuck in Medellin.”
He added, “Granted, there’s worse places to be stuck, but I literally have no f–king idea what I’m gonna do, and the only embassy to get this s–t settled is in Bogota.”
Chet shared that he doesn’t “want to go to Bogota,” which is roughly an hour away from Medellin by air, “so free me.”
Tom Hanks’ Son Chet Says He’s Trapped in Colombia Without His US Passport, begs to Be Freed: ‘I’m an American Citizen’
The Distressing Situation of Chet Hanks in Colombia
Chet Hanks, son of the legendary actor Tom Hanks, has publicly announced that he is currently trapped in Colombia without access to his US passport. In a heartfelt plea, Chet emphasized his status as an American citizen and desperately urged Colombian officials to free him. The situation has caused widespread attention online and raised awareness about the challenges faced by US citizens overseas when their travel documents are compromised.
Who is Chet Hanks?
Chet Hanks is an actor and musician known for both his creative endeavors and his connection to Hollywood through his famous father, Tom Hanks.Despite his fame, this situation highlights a critical issue many travelers face worldwide-losing or being denied access to essential identification documents.
What Happened in Colombia?
According to Chet, he found himself unable to leave Colombia because his US passport was either withheld, lost, or inaccessible due to authorities’ actions. This left the young celebrity effectively stranded and unable to travel back to the United States.
- Lost passport: If the passport was lost or stolen, it complicates international travel significantly.
- Withheld by authorities: In some cases, local governments or border officials might retain travel documents due to legal disputes or administrative matters.
- Denied entry or exit: Travelers without valid documentation cannot legally cross borders, making freedom of movement unfeasible.
Chet’s Public Plea
In numerous social media posts and videos, Chet Hanks insisted, “I’m an American citizen”, reiterating his request for help from both the US Embassy and Colombian authorities. His messages urge urgent intervention to prevent further distress and to facilitate his safe return home.
legal and Diplomatic Implications
this incident reveals the complex legal and diplomatic challenges US citizens can encounter abroad, especially with passport issues. Here are key points on navigating such predicaments:
1. Importance of US Passport for American Citizens
Your US passport is the most crucial document when traveling internationally. Losing it or having it retained can:
- Prevent legal travel and re-entry into the United States.
- Limit access to consular assistance abroad.
- expose travelers to legal complications in foreign countries.
2. Role of the US Embassy and Consulates
In situations like Chet Hanks’, the US Embassy plays a vital role:
- Issuing emergency or temporary passports.
- Providing guidance on local laws and travel restrictions.
- Offering legal advice or support in detainment cases.
3. Understanding Local Laws and Customs
Every country has its own border control regulations. It is indeed vital to:
- Respect local immigration laws.
- Have all necesary documentation updated and valid.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and assistance.
How to Avoid being Trapped Abroad Without a passport
From chet Hanks’ unfortunate experience, travelers can learn valuable lessons to safeguard their journeys:
- keep multiple copies of your passport and visa documents, stored separately.
- Register with the US Embassy via STEP prior to travel.
- Maintain communication with family or contacts back home.
- Know local embassy locations and emergency contact information.
- Carry secondary identification such as a driver’s license or national ID.
Case Studies: Other Americans Stranded Abroad
Chet Hanks’ case is not isolated. Many US travelers have faced detention or travel limitations without their passports. Here’s a fast reference comparison:
| Traveler | Country | Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| jane D. | Thailand | Lost passport at border checkpoint | emergency passport issued by US Embassy |
| Mark S. | Turkey | Held due to visa irregularities | legal assistance arranged, visa corrected |
| Tom Hanks’ son Chet | Colombia | Passport inaccessible, detained | Ongoing negotiations with US and Colombian authorities |
Firsthand Advice from American Citizens Stranded Abroad
Those who have experienced travel document issues offer the following recommendations:
- Remain calm: Panic can exacerbate situations.
- Contact the US Embassy: Early communication is critical.
- Document your experience: Keep records of all communications and attempts to resolve the situation.
- Use social media strategically: Sometimes public attention helps accelerating bureaucratic processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can American citizens travel without a passport? | No. A valid passport or emergency travel document is mandatory for international travel. |
| What should I do if my passport is lost abroad? | Report it instantly to local authorities and contact the nearest US Embassy for an emergency passport. |
| How long does it take to get a temporary passport? | Usually within a few days, depending on the Embassy and local circumstances. |
| Can the goverment withhold my passport? | In rare cases involving legal matters or investigations,but generally passports are the property of the issuing country and should be returned on demand. |
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A rep for Chet did not immediately return Page Six’s request for additional comment on Saturday.
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Followers took to the comments thread with advice, jokes and sympathy. “Better call someone in your family to have them FedEx your passport to you ASAP,” one person wrote, with another responding, “Tom Hanks doesn’t have the best of luck with FedEx” — referencing the Oscar winner’s iconic turn in “Cast Away,” in which his character crashes on a deserted island aboard a FedEx airplane.
A third joked, “Time to start a family out there 😂,” while a fourth quipped, “The one time you should’ve pulled the “my dad is…” card.”
Still, others were amused by Chet’s declaration that he doesn’t have a green card. “Crying at I don’t have a green card cuz I’m an American citizen 😂” one Instagram user chimed in.
Chet, 35, appeared to have been making the most of the predicament — via Instagram Stories on Friday, the rapper shared clips from a dance club, where revelers danced among laser lights and fog.
The influencer — who is the first of two sons born to “The Da Vinci Code” actor and “Mamma Mia!” actress, both 69 — has previously been open about his previous battle with substance use. In 2024, he marked two years of sobriety.
And though his father doesn’t appear to have yet been able to help him with his predicament in Colombia, the actor did once tell Page Six how Tom helped him prepare for his role opposite Kate Hudson in “Running Point.”
“He just said, ‘If you just know your lines, and you show up on time, and you’re nice to everybody, that gets you a long way,” he divulged to us back in March 2025.
