Will I need a new Japan student visa in my new passport.

by Danielle
(Tokyo, Japan)

Question: I lost my passport while living in Japan under a college student visa. I have another passport that my mother is sending me. I am planning on returning to America in December and am worried about having issues at immigration, since my passport will not have anything stating when I arrived in Japan or what my visa status is. Any advice on what I am supposed to do would be appreciated. Thank you!

Answer: What do you mean when you say that you have another passport that your mother is sending you? American citizens are only allowed to possess one valid passport at any time except in very special circumstances approved by the Department of State.

If you are referring to a passport that you had prior to the one that was lost, it should have been invalidated when you got the most recent one. If you have another passport because you possess dual citizenship, be aware that anyone with American citizenship should enter the U.S. with a valid United States passport.

When American citizens lose a passport abroad, the appropriate procedure is to report the loss to the local authorities. Then, visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate armed with the police report, passport application, evidence of U.S. citizenship (if you have it), proof of identity, a copy of the ID, a recent passport photo and payment for the fees.

Click the link below for information about replacing a lost passport in Japan.

U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan

After obtaining the new passport, you should visit the Japanese immigration services to inform them that your passport and visa were lost. They can instruct you concerning the steps you need to take in order to get another visa.

Immigration Bureau of Japan