Actor and musician Chet Hanks has found himself stranded in Colombia after complications with his passport left him unable to return to the United States. The incident unfolded last week when Hanks traveled to Puerto Rico to celebrate his friend’s birthday. Following the festivities, he decided to extend his trip by visiting Medellin, a decision that led to unexpected travel challenges.
Travel Complications Arise
In a video posted on Instagram, Hanks recounted his spontaneous decision to fly from Puerto Rico to Medellin, stating, “I’m only, you know, two, three hours away from Medellin. Why don’t I go pull up on my homie Taylor?” However, upon arrival at Medellin’s airport, he was informed that he would need his U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.
Hanks, who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Greece, was traveling on his Greek passport due to his U.S. passport nearing expiration. He explained, “They tell me that if I’m using a foreign passport, I need a green card to get back into America. I don’t have a green card because I’m an American citizen.” The combination of these factors left him feeling “literally stuck in Colombia.”
Seeking Solutions from Abroad
The only U.S. embassy available to assist him is located in Bogota, approximately 260 miles away from Medellin. Despite his predicament, Hanks maintained a light-hearted demeanor, jokingly calling for freedom from his situation, saying, “I literally have no fucking idea what I’m gonna do… I don’t want to go to Bogota, so, yeah, free me.”
As the situation developed, Hanks assured his followers that he was safe and well. In an Instagram update, he wrote, “ESTAMO BIEN,” sharing a photo with R&B artist Max, suggesting that he was still enjoying his time in Colombia despite the passport issues.
On March 4, 2024, Hanks posted another video discussing his insomnia and sobriety, while reflecting on recent events, including a physical altercation involving fellow actor Shia LaBeouf. His career has seen him in various television roles, including parts in Empire, Shameless, and Your Honor.
Since rising to fame in the early 2010s, Hanks has cultivated a controversial online persona, often sharing his views on social issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. His declaration of 2021 as a “White Boy Summer” further solidified his unpredictable public image.
As Hanks navigates the complexities of international travel, his fans remain hopeful for a swift resolution to his current challenges, illustrating the unpredictable nature of travel in a globalized world.
