Japan guide

If something goes wrong

Lost passport

Losing your passport is stressful but fixable. You need a police report first, then a new passport or emergency travel document from your embassy or consulate.

6 steps · 2 common mistakes· Show in Japanese (3)
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What to do

Step by step

  1. Go to the nearest kōban or police station and report it lost or stolen.

  2. Ask for the report's receipt number and write it down.

  3. Contact your embassy or consulate in Japan with the report number. They'll tell you what photos and documents to bring.

  4. Once you have a new passport, ask your embassy whether you need to visit immigration before you fly.

Common mistakes

  • Going to the embassy first without a police report.
  • Leaving it until the day of your flight.

Before it happens

Step by step

  1. Keep a photo of your passport's photo page on your phone and in your email.

  2. Carry your passport — police can ask to see it, and you need it for tax-free shopping.

Find one near you

Opens your map app and searches around where you are. The Japanese is there to show someone if you need directions.

Official help

Sources

Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.

  1. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Staying Safe in Japan(opens in a new tab)JNTO: staying safe and what to do in an emergency
  2. Tokyo Metropolitan Police DepartmentFor Visitors to Tokyo(opens in a new tab)Tokyo Metropolitan Police: crime safety advice for visitors
  3. Tokyo Metropolitan Police DepartmentWhat should I do if I lost my property?(opens in a new tab)Tokyo Metropolitan Police: what to do if you lose something
  4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of JapanEmbassies and Consulates in Japan(opens in a new tab)Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of embassies and consulates
  5. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japan Visitor Hotline(opens in a new tab)JNTO: the 24-hour Japan Visitor Hotline for travellers
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