A packet error correcting apparatus comprises a retransmission request controlling unit controlling a timing of transmission of a retransmission request to a packet transmitting apparatus from a retransmission request transmitting unit according to whether an error correcting unit can restore the lost packet within a predetermined time period when loss of the packet is detected. In a packet receiving apparatus such as a decoder or the like supporting both FEC and ARQ, it is possible to control a timing of transmission of a retransmission request when packet loss occurs, thereby to regenerate video and/or voice with the most suitable delay time while suppressing transmission of unnecessary retransmission requests.