Chet Hanks, son of actor Tom Hanks, has reported being unable to return to the United States after traveling to Colombia using his Greek passport, according to a social media video he shared on Friday.
In the video, the 35-year-old actor and musician stated that airline staff informed him he lacked required documentation for reentry. “I’m traveling with my Greek passport because I’m a dual citizen,” Hanks said. He explained he chose not to use his American passport as it is close to expiring: “and sometimes they don’t let you in the country, even if it hasn’t expired, but it’s about to expire.”
Hanks arrived at the airport three hours before departure for an international flight when officials informed him of a problem. “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,” he said. When asked whether he possessed one, Hanks responded: “I don’t have a green card because I’m an American citizen.” He concluded the exchange by stating, “so I’m literally stuck in Colombia. I’m stuck in Medellin.”
The U.S. State Department states Americans—including dual nationals—are required to use a valid U.S. passport for entry and exit from the country. Citizens abroad needing to replace a passport must visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate in person.
Hanks indicated resolving his situation would require travel within Colombia. “Granted, there’s worse places to be stuck, but I literally have no fing idea what I’m gonna do, and the only embassy to get this s settled is in Bogota,” he said. He added he does not wish to travel there, noting Bogotá is roughly an hour away from Medellin by air, and ended with: “So free me.”
The incident follows Hanks’ recent trips to Puerto Rico for a friend’s birthday party and then to his friend Taylor in Medellin. On Sunday, he posted on Instagram the Spanish phrase: “Estamos bien, no te preocupes” (meaning “We’re fine, don’t worry”) alongside a gym selfie.
Hanks has previously spoken publicly about overcoming substance use challenges and marked two years of sobriety in 2024. He also credited his father with career advice: “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.'”
