JapanProcedure if I lose my passport?
If you lose your passport in Japan, immediately report it to the nearest police station and then apply for a replacement at your country’s embassy or consulate. Japanese law does not issue passports to foreign nationals — only your home country can replace it.
What the Law Says
Japan’s Passport Act applies only to Japanese nationals. Foreign nationals residing in or visiting Japan must rely on their home country’s laws and diplomatic missions for passport services. Reporting loss to Japanese authorities is required under general public safety regulations, but Japan has no statutory process to reissue passports to non-citizens.
The Japanese government does not issue, renew, or replace passports for foreign nationals — only for Japanese citizens under the Passport Act.
While there is no specific statute mandating foreign nationals to report a lost passport to Japanese police, doing so supports identity verification and prevents misuse under Japan’s broader public order obligations.
Japanese law treats a lost or stolen passport as invalid immediately upon loss — no formal cancellation by Japanese authorities is required or possible for non-Japanese passports.
Statutory TextA passport shall be issued only to a national of Japan.
— Passport Act, s. 3 — Issuance of Passports
Statutory TextWhen a passport is lost or stolen, the holder shall promptly notify the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
— Passport Act, s. 15 — Loss or Theft of Passport
What to Do
Go to the nearest police station and file a 'Hōmushō Kōtsū Anzen Iinkai Shōmeisho' (lost property report) — free and takes <10 minutes.
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan immediately to begin replacement procedures.
Provide required documents (e.g., police report, ID photos, application form, fee) — requirements vary by country.
Apply for an emergency travel document if you need to depart Japan before your new passport arrives.
Cancel any linked visas or residence cards if the lost passport contained them — consult your embassy and Japan’s Immigration Services Agency.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Ireland
Singapore
South KoreaNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.