Safety Tips, Fees and
Procedures for Getting Your U.S. Passport

There are a lot of steps in finding work in Japan. Applying for your U.S. passport is one of them. Do yourself a favor and don’t wait until the last minute to apply for one. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks so it’s one of the first things you need to knockoff your “to do” list.

U.S. Passport Fees
In addition to paying a $55 application fee and a $12 surcharge fee, you'll also need to cough up another $30 for an execution fee. The grand total is $97 - these are fees for those 16 or older.

If you’re applying for the first time you need to appear in person. You can get your passport
in 2 weeks flat by paying an additional $60 for their expedite service.

1. Fill out your passport application. U.S. Passport Application link.

2. Have 2 passport size (2”X 2”) photos taken. Your local Kinko’s can fix you up. Make sure the photos you use foryour passport are recent.

• Don’t do anything that makes you difficult to recognize. No sunglasses, hats etc.
• Make sure you tell the person taking it that it’s for your passport. (The background should be white or off-white and you should be looking directly at the camera.)The last thing you want is a delay in getting your passport and why risk the hassles with Japanese immigration?
• People who wear glasses should look down slightly to eliminate glare from the lenses. (If you submit one with glare it will probably be rejected.)

3. Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy of one. If you don’t have one contact your state’s Department of Vital Statistics. Here’s the link to their location finder.

4. Bring some kind of proof of identity like your drivers license. The U.S. Passport Information Service can answer any of your other questions about it. Their service number is 1-900-225-1234. Here is the link that will help you find the agency nearest you that where you can apply for your U.S. Passports.



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Canadian Passport Agency link.

United Kingdom Passport Agency link

Australian Passport Agency link



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Passport tips


Keep your passport on you while you travel. Don’t pack it in a bag you’ll check.

Make a couple copies of the first 2 pages of your passport and keep one in your carry-on and the other in your wallet or purse. That way, if you lose it the U.S. Consulate can replace it within one business day.