Reissuance Now Possible On-Site Without Existing Passport...Foreign Ministry "Procedure Improved"

Starting next month, the procedure for reissuing passports with remaining validity will be streamlined. Previously, it was mandatory to bring the existing passport for reissuance, but going forward, applicants will be able to apply for a reissued passport at passport service agencies even without presenting their existing passport.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 28 that, beginning June 1, the work process will be improved so that applicants seeking to reissue a passport before its expiration date can do so without presenting their existing passport.

Until now, those wishing to reissue a valid passport were required to return their existing passport and undergo a temporary use application process. From now on, similar to online passport issuance, it will be possible to apply without submitting the currently valid passport, and the existing passport can be returned when receiving the new passport in person.

However, this improvement will apply only to citizens who have not reported a passport loss within the past five years. For habitual passport losers, the current restrictions will remain in place. If a passport has been lost twice in the past five years, the reissued passport’s validity will be limited to five years; if lost three times, the validity will be limited to two years. In addition, if a passport is lost twice within the past year, the validity will also be restricted to two years. When necessary, the process for confirming the circumstances of the loss will be conducted.

If you wish to receive your new passport via postal delivery, you must still return your existing passport at the application stage, as before.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.