Job Discussion Forums

fromtoronto · Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 18

Could someone tell me or point me to other posts on the repercussions overstaying a three month tourist visa in Japan? I tried to search for other posts on the subject but the search function wouldn't work for me.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

If you are approaching the time limit, make plans to leave before your time is up. Do NOT overstay if you can at all help it!

If you are already over the time limit, be prepared to apologize profusely and sincerely, maybe even sign some documentation to that effect or be held for stern questioning for a while (time uncertain, from hours to days).

The actual specific penalties will vary on lots of conditions. Fines, incarceration, deportation, banning from 1 to 5 years.

Here's what happened in 2004 to a few people who overstayed 1 day to 2 weeks on their student visas.
http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-05-10/news/17424603_1_foreigners-visas-japan

Another case:
http://forum.gaijinpot.com/showthread.php?2373-coming-back-after-visa-overstay

fromtoronto · Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 18

Thanks for your help and the links. OK so that's not something it's wise to mess with.

The guy on gaijin forums said he was able to leave the country and come back. So maybe that's an option?

seklarwia · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 11:03 pm Post subject:

People often leave and return to get a new period of stay.

Is it 100% guarenteed that the customs guy isn't going to pick up on what you are doing when you return? - No, but it's a much better to go about getting an extended stay this way rather than playing russian roulettes with the potential consequences of overstaying.

fromtoronto · Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 18

I see, so it's something that people do, it's not sanctioned, but it works, at least some of the time.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

cat mother · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 62

genesis315 · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 116 Location: Japan

So, is there a max amount of days an American can stay in Japan per year as a tourist? Is it just 90 days? A hop to Korea and back is not officially legit?

thanks.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Yes, if you look at the link I provided, you will see that American tourists get 90 days max.

General rule of thumb is that you cannot expect to spend the 90, bug out for a weekend to Guam or Korea, and then return for another 90. Usually, immigration will tell you to go home. It is not clear how long you must stay away, whether 365-90 days or less, and people all over these forums will give you various exceptions, but as I wrote, the basic guideline is 90 days and then stay home for quite a while.

If you come and apply for a work visa during those 90 days, you can stay longer, until you hear about the visa. It usually gets issued, but be prepared for that rare event when they say no. You'll have to leave ASAP then.

genesis315 · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 116 Location: Japan

Thank you for the clarification Glenski