Lost passport in Korea: report the new passport to immigration in 15 days

This guide is for foreign residents, business travellers and expatriate staff who lose a passport in Korea. Only your own country's embassy or consulate can replace a passport. Korean rules apply around that step: the police report, carrying ID, and updating your immigration record within 15 days.

Step 1: Report the loss or theft to the police

Call 112 for the police if your passport was stolen or you need urgent help. In March 2024 the Korean police expanded English and Chinese interpretation on the 112 line to 24 hours. For a simple loss, report it at a nearby police station (경찰서). Ask for written proof of your report, because your embassy may ask for it.

Bring as much as you can:

• when and where you last had the passport, and what happened;
• the passport number and issue date, if you have a copy;
• any other ID, such as your residence card (외국인등록증) or driving licence.

Step 2: Contact your embassy or consulate

Call your embassy or consulate, or check its website, before you go. Opening hours, appointments, documents, fees and payment methods differ by country. Ask what they need, and have these ready:

• the police report;
• passport photos;
• a copy of the lost passport or other proof of identity and nationality;
• proof of your travel plans, such as a ticket;
• payment for the fee.

If you must travel soon, ask about an emergency passport or emergency travel document. These documents are limited. For example, the United Kingdom's emergency travel document is usually valid for one single or return journey through up to 5 countries. Before you book, ask your airline and each country on your route whether they accept the document.

Step 3: Update your Korean immigration record

A new passport changes your registered details. If you are a registered foreigner, the Immigration Act (출입국관리법), Article 35, requires you to report a new passport number, issue date or expiry date to the immigration office for your address (출입국·외국인관서) within 15 days of the change. Some older guides say 30 days; the law says 15.

• Where: online through HiKorea (하이코리아), the Ministry of Justice immigration portal, or at the immigration office.
• What to bring: the report form, your new passport and your residence card. There is no fee.
• Penalty: an administrative fine of up to ₩1,000,000 (Article 100(2)).

Leaving Korea and coming back

Registered foreigners do not need a re-entry permit when they return within 1 year of leaving, or within their remaining stay period if that is shorter. A permit is needed for a longer absence (a multiple re-entry permit covers a return within 2 years) or if you are under an entry or visa restriction. The fee is ₩30,000 for a single permit and ₩50,000 for a multiple permit. Older guides describe a rule from June 1, 2020 that required a permit before departure; it is not in the current Ministry of Justice manual.

Where to get help

Prevention

• Keep a scan of your passport photo page and visa, stored apart from the passport.
• Save your embassy's address, phone number and opening hours.
• Carry your residence card. Foreigners aged 17 or older must always carry a passport or residence card (or the mobile residence card) and show it when an official asks (Immigration Act, Article 27). Breaking this rule can lead to a fine of up to ₩1,000,000 (Article 98).
• Business travellers: keep every receipt and check whether your travel insurance or employer covers replacement costs.
• Stay calm and polite at offices. Staff follow set procedures, so complete documents save time. Two phrases help: 여권을 잃어버렸어요 (I lost my passport) and 도와주세요 (please help).

Checklist

1. Report to the police (112 or a police station) and get written proof.
2. Contact your embassy and book an appointment.
3. Prepare photos, ID copies, travel proof and the fee.
4. Ask about an emergency travel document if you must leave soon.
5. Within 15 days of getting the new passport, report it on HiKorea or at the immigration office.
6. Before a trip of more than 1 year, check whether you need a re-entry permit.