What to Do if You Lose Your Passport in Korea (2025 Foreigner Survival Guide)

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Lost Your Passport in Korea? Full Step-by-Step Foreigner Guide to Reporting, Embassy Help, and Replacement

※ This article was first published on August 20, 2025, and last updated on August 29, 2025.
Immigration policies and visa categories may change. Always confirm updates through official government websites and certified institutions.

📷 Cover image credit: Image generated by AI (ChatGPT, 2025).
AI-generated illustrations are strictly for editorial purposes only.
They do not depict actual people, actual locations, or actual events.

📌 Editorial & AI Assistance Notice:
This article was prepared by HACKsKorea editors with AI assistance (ChatGPT).
All facts were verified against official government and institutional sources.
This is general information only, not legal advice.
For official inquiries, please contact the Korea Immigration Service through HiKorea (Call Center 1345, multilingual support available).

Summary at a Glance

Losing your passport in Korea is stressful, but there is a structured recovery system designed to help.

✔ Report the loss to the police within 24 hours.
✔ Contact your embassy or consulate for a replacement.
✔ Apply for an emergency travel document (ETD) if necessary.
✔ Update your Alien Registration Card (ARC) if you are a resident.
✔ Learn from real-life cases and avoid common mistakes.

Your passport is your legal lifeline in Korea. Without it, you cannot travel, verify your identity, or access many essential services.

Why Your Passport Matters in Korea

For foreigners, the passport is not just a travel document—it is the backbone of legal identity and mobility.

  • Proof of Identity: Required for hotels, SIM card purchases, banking, and even some online services.
  • Immigration Requirement: Your visa status and ARC validity are linked to your passport.
  • Travel Authorization: Needed to board flights or cross borders.
  • Emergency Document: Essential for insurance claims, embassy assistance, and police reports.

⚠️ Without a passport, foreigners in Korea may face:

  • Flight cancellations due to inability to board.
  • Hotel or bank refusals because no valid ID is available.
  • Visa delays since immigration records cannot be updated.
  • Anxiety and identity theft risks if the passport was stolen rather than lost.

Eligibility & Conditions

Different procedures apply depending on your visa type or residency status:

  • Tourists (Short-Term Visitors):
    File a police report and apply for an ETD. Immigration visit usually not required.
  • Exchange Students:
    Must replace passport and update ARC within 30 days.
  • Workers (E-7, E-9, E-2 visas):
    Required to submit replacement passport details promptly to immigration.
  • Business Travelers:
    Emergency Travel Document prioritized if urgent trips are scheduled. Proof of flights/meetings strongly recommended.
  • Permanent Residents & Spouses of Koreans:
    Passport replacement is essential since residency rights are directly tied to having a valid passport.
  • Dual Loss (Passport + ARC):
    Requires both embassy replacement and immigration reissue. This process can take significantly longer.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1. Stay Calm and Double-Check

  • Recheck luggage, hotel safes, backpacks, and taxis.
  • Contact your taxi company (drivers often submit lost items to police).
  • Use the official Lost & Found website: www.lost112.go.kr.
    (Korean National Police Agency, 2025)

Step 2. File a Police Report

  • Visit the nearest 경찰서 (police station) or 파출소 (police box).
  • Say: “여권을 잃어버렸습니다” (“I lost my passport”).
  • Fill out the report with details (time, place, description).
  • Receive the 분실신고확인서 (Lost Property Report Certificate).

💡 Without this certificate, embassies rarely issue replacements.
(National Police Agency, 2025)

Step 3. Contact Your Embassy
Prepare the following:

  • Police report certificate.
  • Passport photos (available in subway stations or photo shops).
  • Any other ID (ARC, driver’s license, photocopy of old passport).
  • Embassy application form.

Useful Embassy Links:

Step 4. Apply for Emergency or Replacement Passport

  • ETD (Emergency Travel Document):
    • Processing time: 1–3 days.
    • Valid for single journey (usually return home).
  • Full Replacement Passport:
    • Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
    • Required for long-term residents or ARC holders.

(Embassy services, 2025)

Step 5. Visit Immigration (For Residents Only)

  • Bring your new passport + police certificate.
  • Apply for ARC update/reissue.
  • Fee: approx. 30,000 KRW.
  • Deadline: Must update within 30 days of new passport issuance.
  • Website: www.immigration.go.kr.

(Korea Immigration Service, 2025)

Regional Differences in Passport Replacement

Korea’s support system is nationwide, but location matters. Depending on where you lose your passport, the process may vary in speed and convenience.

  • Seoul (Capital Region):
    • All major embassies and consulates are located in central Seoul.
    • Fastest processing for both ETD and replacement passports.
    • Immigration main office and HiKorea centers also nearby.
  • Busan:
    • Limited consulates (Japan, China, Russia).
    • For most countries, travelers must still go to Seoul for replacement.
    • Police reports can be filed locally, but embassy visit required afterward.
  • Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju:
    • Police report possible at local stations.
    • No embassies; travel to Seoul essential.
    • Some consulates provide notarial services but not passport issuance.
  • Jeju Island:
    • Local police stations accept reports.
    • Japanese tourists benefit from a consulate in Jeju, but most others must travel to Seoul.
    • Many ETD applications delayed due to flight schedules.

💡 Tip: Always budget time and money for potential travel to Seoul, even if you are based in other regions.

Real-Life Case Examples

(The following case studies are entirely fictionalized for educational purposes. All names are placeholders, not connected to any real person or event.)

📌 These true-to-life stories illustrate the challenges and solutions foreigners experienced in Korea.

Case 1 – American Student (David):
Lost passport during a summer festival. Filed a police report immediately. U.S. Embassy issued an ETD in 3 days. He returned home without missing his semester.

Case 2 – Spanish Tourist (Maria):
Bag stolen at Haeundae Beach in Busan. Reported at local police. Had to travel to Seoul Embassy. Full replacement issued in 5 days. Learned to keep a digital copy for future trips.

Case 3 – Indian Worker (Ravi):
Passport and ARC stolen on the subway. Embassy required additional ID verification. Passport took 3 weeks, ARC reissue added 2 more weeks. Employer provided official support letter to immigration.

Case 4 – Filipino Domestic Worker (Anna):
Passport misplaced while shopping in Seoul. Philippine Embassy issued ETD within 48 hours. Employer helped cover replacement costs.

Case 5 – British Businessman (John):
Lost passport at COEX trade fair. Needed to attend a meeting in Japan, but only ETD available. Had to cancel business trip. Replacement passport arrived 3 weeks later.

Case 6 – Japanese Tourist (Keiko):
Lost passport while hiking in Jeju. Filed police report locally. Embassy in Seoul issued replacement in 4 days. Jeju Consulate assisted with document verification.

Case 7 – Canadian Backpacker (Mark):
Lost passport in guesthouse dorm. ETD granted quickly for return flight. Applied for full replacement afterward, which took 4 weeks.

💡 These examples show:

  • Quick action = faster results.
  • Embassy procedures differ.
  • ARC reissue delays residency stability.

(All case studies in this section are fictionalized and provided solely for educational purposes.)

Embassy Comparison Table (2025 Updated)

EmbassyETD TimeFull PassportFee (USD)Notes
United States1–3 days2–3 weeks145–165ETD single-use, online appointment needed
United Kingdom2–3 days3–4 weeks150–200Full passport mailed from UK
Canada3–5 days3–4 weeks120–180ETD urgent only, limited slots
Philippines2–5 days4–6 weeks60–100Additional docs may be required
India3–7 days3–4 weeks100–150More ID verification required
Japan2–4 days2–3 weeks100–150Consulate in Busan and Jeju available
Australia3–5 days3–4 weeks120–160ETD often issued same week
Germany4–6 days3–5 weeks100–160Requires original police certificate

📌 Fees and times vary by embassy workload. Always check official websites before visiting.

Survival Tips While Waiting for Replacement

  • Use your ARC card for identification inside Korea.
  • Keep digital copies of your passport and ARC on a secure cloud drive.
  • Inform your school or employer immediately if delays may affect attendance or work.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel outside Korea until a replacement passport is issued.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good preparation, many foreigners repeat the same mistakes:

  1. Delaying police report – Waiting too long makes embassy processing slower.
  2. No photocopy of passport – Without even a digital copy, ID verification is harder.
  3. Assuming ARC alone is enough – ARC works for domestic ID but not for travel.
  4. Forgetting immigration update – Long-term residents must update ARC within 30 days.
  5. Traveling outside Seoul before replacement – Delays if urgent embassy visit is required.
  6. Not checking embassy hours – Most embassies are closed on weekends/holidays.
  7. Underestimating fees – ETD or replacement fees vary, plus photo and courier costs.

Cultural Tips When Dealing with Authorities

  • Police stations: Officers may not speak fluent English. Use Papago or Google Translate apps.
  • Embassies in Seoul: Staff generally fluent in English, Japanese, Chinese.
  • Immigration offices: Expect long queues; make an online booking via HiKorea.
  • Politeness counts: Bow slightly, use “안녕하세요” (hello) and “감사합니다” (thank you).
  • Cash vs. card: Some immigration fees are card-only; embassies may require exact cash.

FAQ

Q1. Can I fly domestically in Korea without a passport?
Yes. For domestic flights, you need a government-issued photo ID. Foreign residents can use their Alien Registration Card (ARC); short-term visitors must show a passport if they have it. Mobile/soft copies are not accepted at security—bring an original physical ID.

Q2. Can I leave Korea with only ARC?
No. Airlines and immigration require a valid passport or an emergency travel document (ETD) for international departures. The ARC works as domestic ID, but it is not a travel document.

Q3. How long does an ETD last?
It is usually limited-validity and route-specific. Many embassies issue ETDs for urgent, single-journey travel. The exact duration and where you can transit or enter depend on your nationality and the destination’s acceptance rules.

Q4. Do I need to pay extra for emergency services?
Often yes. Many embassies apply standard fees plus surcharges for urgency or out-of-hours assistance. Always check your embassy’s fee page before booking an appointment.

Q5. My child lost a passport. Different process?
Yes. Most countries require both parents’ consent and identification for minors, plus the loss/theft statement. Bring the police report, the child’s birth certificate (or equivalent), and passport photos. Expect in-person requirements.

Q6. What if I lose both passport and ARC?
Do the embassy replacement first (passport or ETD), then update or reissue your ARC. Korea requires reporting passport-detail changes within 30 days; late reporting can trigger fines.

Q7. What languages does 1345 hotline support?
The Korea Immigration Service 1345 Contact Center provides multilingual counseling. Support includes English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and many others.

Q8. Can I use a passport copy to board flights?
No. Airlines and border control require the original passport or an ETD. A photocopy is useful for ID verification but not valid for check-in or immigration.

Q9. What if I lose my passport on a weekend?
Police stations operate 24/7, so file the loss immediately. Embassies usually open on weekdays; for emergencies, follow their after-hours instructions and attend the next business day with your police report and photos.

Q10. Can hotels deny me if I don’t have a passport?
Yes. Hotels and guesthouses typically require foreign guests to show valid ID (passport or ARC). If you’ve lost your passport, bring your ARC (if resident) and the police report, and contact the property in advance.

Q11. Do all embassies in Korea issue ETD?
Most major embassies provide some form of emergency travel document or limited-validity passport, but services and timing differ. Always check your embassy’s website.

Q12. Do I need appointment for U.S. Embassy?
Yes. Almost all passport services require an online appointment. In urgent cases, limited-validity passports may be issued quickly, but follow the embassy’s instructions.

Q13. Can I apply online for replacement passport?
No. You can usually pre-fill forms online, but you must appear in person to receive a replacement or ETD.

Q14. Are embassy fees refundable if I find my passport later?
Generally no. Once an application is submitted, fees are non-refundable—even if the original passport is found later.

Q15. How long does immigration update take?
Processing varies by office. Book through HiKorea early. It can take several weeks for the new ARC card, but the receipt acts as interim proof.

Q16. Can I travel to Japan or China with ETD?
It depends. Some destinations and airlines accept ETDs, others don’t. Always confirm with both your embassy and the airline before booking.

Q17. What if I lose my passport multiple times?
Authorities may impose additional checks or issue limited-validity passports in cases of repeated loss. Expect more verification requirements.

Q18. Is police certificate always free?
Yes. Filing a loss report in Korea is free. However, translations or notarizations for embassy use may have separate costs.

Q19. Can I use driver’s license instead of passport?
Inside Korea, a Korean driver’s license can serve as ID. For domestic flights, acceptable IDs include ARC, Korean license, or passport. For international travel, only a passport (or ETD) is valid.

Q20. Can I renew ARC without a passport?
No. Your passport is required for ARC issuance or updates. After receiving the new passport, apply via HiKorea with the passport, photo, fee, and proof of address.

Checklist for Quick Recovery

☑ Check belongings again before reporting.
☑ File police report within 24 hours.
☑ Contact embassy with police certificate.
☑ Apply for ETD or full replacement passport.
☑ Visit immigration (residents only).
☑ Inform employer/university if delays occur.
☑ Collect new passport and keep copies.

One Thing Worth Sharing

“Police first, embassy second, immigration last—that is the golden rule.”

A Last Line to Keep in Mind

Losing your passport in Korea feels like losing freedom.
But thanks to organized systems—police, embassies, immigration—you can recover quickly.
Stay calm, trust the process, and turn panic into relief.

References

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