Job Discussion Forums

[kah5217]

Does anyone have first hand experience with the new (lack of) re-entry permits? If I read the website correctly, you don't have to hike to an immigration office anymore. Does this mean you do everything at airport passport control? Is there a fee?

[RustyShackleford]

Just make sure you have your ID card and a visa for your destination if any is required. They will ask if you intend to come back within a year and make you fill out a small slip asking you the usual questions and making you aware of your re-entry status.

[qwertyu2]

[timothypfox]

I thought this was only the case if you had the new Resident Card as opposed to the old Alien Resident Card.

[RustyShackleford]

The old one effectively functions as the new one under the law.

[fluffyhamster]

So, are there still the same fees for these new "Get 'em as you go" re-entry arrangements (permits?)? I can't imagine the Japanese government would do itself out of a nice little earner! And do you still get some sort of entry in your passport? (If the information is just computerized, that might lead to problems when re-entering e.g. just as the IT system goes on the blink LOL. Hope they've stuck with stickers).

[hagiwaramai]

[RustyShackleford]

No extra fees involved. My guess is that they want to encourage immigration with the compromise being that now I believe you need to actually apply to exit the country so they can make sure you don't owe any extra taxes due to too many douches leaving without paying.

[Evilcows]

I've traveled out of Japan twice since the new system has started. You don't need to get any kind of re entry permit. Your visa is your gaijin card so be sure to have it with you at all times when leaving and coming back into Japan. My only issue was where to show my passport vs where to show my visa so i just had both out all the time.

Just show immigration your card and passport and get in line in the "reentry permit holders" line. You'll still need to fill out the customs form though. Also I think some of the immigration officers weren't too familiar with the new system some spent a bit of time looking for my visa in my passport but once I showed them the card they figured it out.

ETA: From my understanding when you leave Japan for good they will check to be sure you've paid your taxes and health care. And if you haven't paid it they'll charge you but since I haven't left for good I'm only going on the speculation of others.

[fluffyhamster]