Why Tom Hanks' son Chet is 'stuck' in Colombia

Edward Segarra, USA TODAYMon, March 2, 2026 at 8:23 PM UTC

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Chet Hanks' vacay has unexpectedly turned into an extended stay.

The actor and rapper, son of Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and actress-singer Rita Wilson, is allegedly stranded in Colombia after his return flight was delayed due to a passport issue, Hanks revealed in a video shared on Instagram Friday, Feb. 27.

"Free me," Hanks, 35, wrote in the post's caption.

Hanks said his travel predicament began when he decided to make an impromptu trip to Medellín, Colombia, after a recent visit to Puerto Rico. The "Running Point" actor said he refrained from bringing his U.S. passport because it was nearing its expiration date, opting for his Greek passport.

"I'm traveling with my Greek passport because I'm a dual citizen," said Hanks, who was born in Los Angeles. "Sometimes they don't let you in the country, even if [the passport] hasn't expired, but it's about to expire."

Chet Hanks, from left, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson and Truman Hanks attend the world premiere of Apple TV+'s "Masters of the Air" at Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2024.

However, when Hanks went to the airport for his return flight, airline staff informed him that he would need a green card to re-enter the U.S. due to his lack of an American passport.

"I don't have a green card because I'm an American citizen," Hanks said with a laugh. "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 ... idea what I'm going to do."

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According to the U.S. Department of State's official website, a valid U.S. passport is generally required for international travel, noting that some countries require the passport be valid for "at least six more months after your travel dates." For permanent residents, a valid green card must be presented for reentry, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Hanks added that the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, located in Bogotá, is the "only embassy" that can "settle" the issue, though it's unclear if Hanks has since visited the agency.

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USA TODAY has reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia and representatives for Hanks, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson for comment.

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Despite his vacation dilemma, several of Hanks' followers took to the comments section to poke fun at his travel detainment.

"The one time you should've pulled the 'My dad is…' card," @jmhurley_ wrote.

"Lol, have a nice life in Medellín," @itsstillmekelseymarie commented, while @jhutt quipped: "I don't mean to make this all about me.. but how does this impact Season 2 of 'Running Point'?"

"Run for it, Forrest, all the way from Colombia!!" @damnshecold88 commented, referencing Tom Hanks' 1994 film, "Forrest Gump." "[Your] pops ran across America more than once!! You got this love."

Chet Hanks attends the 68th annual Grammy Awards pre-Grammy Gala in Los Angeles on Jan. 31, 2026.

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However, jokes aside, some users criticized Hanks' passport oversight.

"The question is: Why did you think you could abolish immigration law? Lol," @erikairplane, a Colombian attorney and travel advisor, wrote. "An American needs a valid passport to travel, period."

"You can EASILY just go to the Bogotá embassy to get this fixed," @mafehenriquez commented. "It's an easy trip… someone can also send you the passport from the U.S. You're drowning in a bottle of water."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chet Hanks in Colombia - Tom Hanks son details passport issue

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”