Embassy of India Tokyo, Japan

Important Information on Phasing Out of Handwritten Passports

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON PHASING OUT OF HANDWRITTEN PASSPORTS

Indian citizens living in Japan are advised to urgently replace their handwritten passports with Machine Readable Passports (MRPs). The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has set a deadline of the 24th November, 2015 for globally phasing out of all non-Machine Readable Passports (MRPs). Thereafter, foreign Governments may deny Visa or entry to any person travelling on a non-Machine Readable Passport.

2. Indian citizens residing in Japan and holding handwritten passports with validity beyond the 24th November, 2015 are advised to apply for re-issue of their passports well before the deadline in order to avoid any inconvenience in obtaining valid visa or international travel. Needless to mention, travel on ICAO-compliant Machine Readable Passports will facilitate hassle-free and safe journey.