Applying for Passports in Japan

The Japanese government issues passports to its nationals who travel abroad as certificates of their status and nationality. A Japanese passport also allows the bearer to be protected and supported by the Japanese embassies or consulates abroad, if circumstances may demand it. Above all, what is best about a passport is you simply get to travel outside of the country.

Types Available

The type of your passport depends on your status or position. Normal citizens will be granted an ordinary passport, which can actually be issued in two lengths of validity: for five and ten years. The five-year passport is only for Japanese citizens who are 19 years old or below; applicants who are 20 years old or older may choose to have a five-year or a ten-year passport. The five-year one has a blue cover, while the ten-year type’s is red.

The official passport is for members of the government and public servants who travel because of government matters and missions.

The diplomatic passport is another type, granted to diplomats and their families, members of the Imperial Family, and high-level government officials.

Everyone, except the Emperor and Empress of Japan, needs a passport to travel.

Requirements

The application for Japan passports is under the consular section of the Japanese consulate or embassy near you. To apply for a Japan passport, you have to provide the following documents:

· Completed passport application form

· Birth Certificate Passport-size photographs

· Certificate of identity

· Proof of citizenship

· Student or employee identification card with photo

· Self-addressed stamped envelope

· Any expired Japanese passport

· Fee

The photographs must have a white background and be 2”x 2” or 5cm x 5cm. You must also be wearing decent and formal attire in the picture.

Other documents are proof of your identity and citizenship. Proof of identity is any identification card that can show information about you. This can be any government-issued ID document like your driver’s license, while a proof of citizenship can be your birth certificate or citizenship certificate, as well as driver’s license. They must be the original copies.

Additional Information

In the case of a lost passport, you will need to submit the police report and the affidavit. A police report documents the incident and the circumstances that surrounded the theft or loss. The police may issue a report number or receipt in place of a report. The affidavit is a downloadable form that requires information about the circumstances surrounding the lost or stolen passport. Remember not to sign the form at once, as you must sign it at the embassy and in person when you apply for a new passport.

If you enjoy reading this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning how to prepare for International Travel.