Job Discussion Forums

[Drizzt]

Hello Japan board members!

I just have two quick questions:

1) I'm going to the US next week for a couple of weeks. I have heard that under the new immigration system with the new ID, you don't need a re-entry permit, however, I still have my old ID, WITH re-entry permit (expiration September 2013). It should be still valid, but out of an abundance of caution, I just want to confirm that I can still get back into the country using the re-entry stamp. Thanks!

2) Secondly, I love that vinegary squid you can buy at Lawson's and Family Mart. I wanted to take that and other Japanese snacks to the States. Is that something that customs will confiscate from me? I would like to confirm before I buy a lot of it. I also got those triangular things (the name eludes me) that are famous in Kyoto.

Many thanks!

[Apsara]

The triangular things are probably yatsuhashi- you shouldn't have any trouble taking those into the US. No way would we get the squid into New Zealand, but biosecurity is particularly strict there. Does the US customs website have a specific list?

[Glenski]

Yes, you can leave and come back with no problem. I did in October, and I will again next weekend.

If you're talking about dried squid, don't sweat that, either. You might want to pack it in 2 ziplocs, just in case the smell permeates.

[Drizzt]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot.

[Rooster.]

So if I were to go to Japan with a Visa (currently no Visa and not in Japan), leave, and come back, I would not need a reentry permit?