My visa expired this month, and I’ve already placed an application for extension. My residence card has the stamp that says it’s being renewed, but it’s past the original expiration date.
Will I be able to travel abroad? More specifically, will I be able to return to Japan or will airlines give me trouble? I know they ask for your residence card and check the date nowadays.
6 comments
Why didn’t you ask the immigration when you got it stamped?
Wait until you get your new residence card before traveling internationally.
For future reference, you can apply for renewal 3 months before it expires.
Every time I come back to Japan after visiting the US, I have to show my residence card at the airline counter just to check in (to prove I have a reason not to have a return ticket back to the US). If yours is expired, you may have trouble even getting on the plane back. I’d wait.
I did exactly that 2 months ago. It’s scuffed but doable. There is a two month buffer period after your visa expires and I left Japan and came back within that 2 month period but my visa was in fact expired and the new one was ready for pickup. The worst 2 points are 1 while leaving Japan the person who checks your visa and passport might be confused. They called in a friend and they called in their boss and I explained that I was coming back in 3 weeks before my 2 month buffer period ended and they said okay and they give you a piece of paper stapled in your passport saying when you will come back and that you have permission to. The second bad part is when getting your ticket printed and checking bags the airline workers are definitely not aware of the 2 month buffer period and I had to give verbal confirmation that if I was not allowed in Japan or was turned away that the fault is 100% on me and not the airline. After arriving in Japan and going to customs I just explained my situation and gave the normal documents and it worked out just fine. If you will be out of Japan after that 2 month buffer you might not be allowed back in.
Yes, you can. Do I recommend? No.