Losing your passport in Japan is serious — but it's solvable. You will not be stranded. Most embassies can issue emergency travel documents within 1–3 business days. First, you must file a report at a [Japanese police box](/emergency/police). Here is the exact procedure.
ℹ️ Embassy Emergency Lines in Japan
United States: 03-3224-5000 | United Kingdom: 03-5211-1100 | Australia: 03-5232-4111 | Canada: 03-5412-6200 | New Zealand: 03-3467-2271 | India: 03-3262-2391 | China: 03-3403-3388 | Korea: 03-3452-7611
ℹ️ Check the Lost & Found first
Japan has an exceptionally high lost item return rate — over 70% of lost items are returned. Report the loss to your nearest police station's lost and found (ishitsumono). The koban closest to where you last had your passport is the best first call.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
File a police report immediately
Go to the nearest koban (police box) or police station and request a "funshitsu todoke" (紛失届 — loss report). You need this document for your embassy and insurance claim. Tell police you lost your passport: "Pasupōto wo nakushimashita" (パスポートをなくしました). You will receive a report with a reference number.
💡Use Google Maps to find "police box" or "交番" near your current location.
- 2
Contact your embassy immediately
Call your embassy's emergency line and report the loss. They will guide you through applying for an emergency passport or travel document. Have your police report number ready. Key Tokyo embassy emergency lines: US: 03-3224-5000, UK: 03-5211-1100, Australia: 03-5232-4111, Canada: 03-5412-6200.
- 3
Gather documents for your emergency passport application
Most embassies require: completed passport application form, 2 passport photos (bring extra — there are photo booths at any convenience store), police loss report, proof of identity (driving license, copies of lost passport if available), proof of travel (flight tickets).
- 4
Visit your embassy in person
Most emergency passport applications must be done in person. Processing time: 1–5 business days for standard emergency passports. Same-day processing is possible if you have an imminent flight — explain this to the consular officer. Emergency travel documents (single-journey, for immediate departure) are available faster.
- 5
Handle your visa status
If you are a resident with a residence card, report the loss to your regional Immigration Bureau within 14 days and request a replacement. For tourists, your lost passport's visa stamp is recorded by immigration — your embassy can provide documentation of your legal status for immigration.
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in Japan with a lost passport?
Yes, temporarily. Contact your embassy for emergency documentation. For residents, visit the Immigration Bureau within 14 days. For tourists, your embassy will provide paperwork to cover your stay while an emergency passport is processed.
How long does an emergency passport take in Japan?
Most embassies issue emergency passports in 1–3 business days. Some offer same-day emergency travel documents for immediate departures. Call your embassy's emergency line for current processing times.
Do I need a police report to get a replacement passport in Japan?
Yes. A funshitsu todoke (police loss report) is required by virtually all embassies before issuing a replacement or emergency passport. File it at any koban or police station.
What if I lose my passport and miss my flight?
Contact the airline immediately to rebook. Most airlines waive change fees for documented passport loss. Present your police report as proof. Then contact your embassy for emergency travel documents.
Is losing a passport in Japan expensive?
Replacement passport fees vary by nationality ($100–$200 typical). Police reports are free. You may have hotel costs if your travel is delayed. Travel insurance often covers these expenses — keep all receipts.