Chet Hanks Stranded in Colombia Due to Passport Issues

Chet Hanks, the son of actor Tom Hanks, is currently stranded in Medellín, Colombia, after encountering passport issues while attempting to return to the United States. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, 2026, Hanks explained that he traveled to Puerto Rico for a friend's birthday before deciding to visit another friend in Medellín. He opted to use his Greek passport, as he holds dual citizenship, because his American passport is close to expiring. Hanks stated, “Sometimes they don’t let you in the country, even if it hasn’t expired, but it’s about to expire.”

Express TribuneComplexDaily MailTMZStuck Abroad? : Chet Hanks Says He’s Trapped in Colombia Without U.S. Passport, Fans Joke ‘Sir…You Have a Famous Dad’Page SixTom Hanks’ Son Says He Is Stranded in Colombia, in Need of a Green Card Despite American Citizenship

Upon arriving at the airport for his flight back to the U.S., airline staff informed him that traveling on a foreign passport required additional documentation, specifically a green card, to re-enter the United States. Hanks expressed his frustration, noting, “I don’t have a green card because I’m an American citizen, so I’m literally stuck in Colombia.” He further elaborated that the only U.S. embassy capable of assisting him is located in Bogotá, which is approximately an hour away by flight.

ComplexTom Hanks’ Son Says He Is Stranded in Colombia, in Need of a Green Card Despite American CitizenshipDaily MailStuck Abroad? : Chet Hanks Says He’s Trapped in Colombia Without U.S. Passport, Fans Joke ‘Sir…You Have a Famous Dad’Just JaredFox News (website)TMZ

Hanks' predicament has garnered significant attention on social media, with many users responding with humor and advice. Comments ranged from practical suggestions, such as having someone FedEx his passport, to light-hearted jokes referencing his father's film roles, including “the one time you should’ve pulled the ‘my dad is…’ card.” Despite the stressful situation, Hanks appeared to maintain a positive outlook, sharing videos from around Medellín and jokingly pleading, “Free me.”

Express Tribune

While Hanks has not received any official assistance from his family regarding his situation, he has been open about his struggles with substance use and his journey toward sobriety. He celebrated milestones in sobriety publicly, emphasizing the importance of sharing his experiences to help others. His mother, actress Rita Wilson, showed support by liking his initial Instagram post about the situation.

Daily Mail

Some commentators have criticized Hanks for not being more prepared for international travel, particularly given his status as a public figure. The situation has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of celebrities when traveling abroad and the expectations placed upon them.

Complex

As of now, Chet Hanks remains in Colombia, working to resolve his passport issues and return home. It is unclear how long this process will take, but he has indicated that he will keep his followers updated on his situation.

TMZ

• “I don’t have my American passport with me, so I’m literally stuck in Colombia. I’m stuck in Medellín. Granted, there’s worse places to be stuck. But I literally have no f–king idea what I’m gonna do.” — Chet Hanks, Actor and Musician

Just Jared

• “sometimes they don’t let you in the country, even if it hasn’t expired, but it’s about to expire.” — Chet Hanks, Actor and Musician

Tom Hanks’ Son Reveals Passport Twist That’s Kept Him in Colombia — ‘Ya’ll Ready for Story Time?’

• “I don’t have a green card because I’m an American citizen,” — Chet Hanks, Actor and Musician

Just Jared

• “free me.” — Chet Hanks, Actor and Musician

Fox News (website)