The Ministry of Foreign Affairs started issuing the “2025 passports,” which have significantly enhanced anti-counterfeiting and alteration measures, from today, March 24.
These measures take into consideration recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Previously, passports were created and issued by prefectural passport offices where applications were received, but now they will be centrally produced at the National Printing Bureau. The estimated processing time from application to issuance is about two weeks domestically and two weeks to one month abroad. The photo page is made of a plastic substrate and printed with lasers.
Additionally, all prefectures now support new and renewal passport applications online, reducing visits to passport offices to just once for collection. With online applications, by consenting to link with the register through MyPortal using the My Number card, applicants are no longer required to submit the original family register extract.
The fees differ between counter applications and online applications, with the online application fee being 15,900 yen for a 10-year passport and 10,900 yen for a 5-year passport. Both are 400 yen more if applied at the counter.
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