Chet Hanks ‘Stuck’ in Colombia After Passport Mix-Up

Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, is currently in Medellín, Colombia, after discovering he is unable to re-enter the United States without his U.S. Passport. The actor and musician explained the situation in a series of Instagram posts, detailing a travel snafu stemming from an impromptu trip extension.

Impromptu Trip Leads to Passport Issue

Hanks initially traveled to Puerto Rico to celebrate a friend’s birthday. He then decided on a whim to visit Medellín, Colombia, to see another friend, Taylor. “I’m in Puerto Rico, and we’re all about to depart. I go, Hmm, I’m only, you know, two, three hours away from Medellín. Why don’t I go pull up on my homie Taylor, who lives in Medellín? Fuck it. Yeah, sounds good, right?” Hanks shared in an Instagram video according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Because his U.S. Passport was nearing its expiration date, Hanks opted to travel with his Greek passport, of which he is a dual citizen (The Hollywood Reporter). However, upon arriving at the Medellín airport, he was informed that he would need his U.S. Passport – or a green card – to re-enter the United States (USA Today).

“Literally Stuck”

“They tell me that if I’m using a foreign passport, I need a green card to get back into America,” Hanks explained in his Instagram video. “I don’t have a green card because I’m an American citizen. I don’t have my American passport with me, so I’m literally stuck in Colombia.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

Hanks noted that the nearest U.S. Embassy capable of assisting him is located in Bogotá, approximately 260 miles from Medellín. He expressed his reluctance to travel to the capital city, stating, “I don’t want to go to Bogotá, so, yeah, free me.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

Recent Updates and Background

As of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Hanks remains in Colombia and has been posting updates on his Instagram account. He recently shared content from the Clínica Antienvejecimiento wellness spa in Medellín (The Hollywood Reporter). Prior to the passport issue, he posted about insomnia, sobriety, and the recent arrest of actor Shia LaBeouf (The Hollywood Reporter).

Chet Hanks began his acting career in 2007 with a role in the film Bratz and has since appeared in various television shows, including Shameless, Empire, Greyhound (alongside his father), and Your Honor. He is also a musician, performing both solo and as part of the duo Something Out West (The Hollywood Reporter).