Hi there, I will move to Osaka in October for a year as a visiting research fellow by being hosted by the university, and fate wants that a friend invited me to his wedding in February in Thailand.
Since we’re talking about a brief leave for a few days that may be not classifiable as a serious reason, I’m in doubt that I may not be able to accept his invitation due to my VISA status. Can you provide me with some help about it, especially to clarify my situation?
Thank you
5 comments
I’m not aware of any status of residence (outside of maybe refugee) that would prevent you from taking any holidays abroad. If you’re concerned about it just apply for a re-entry permit from immigration (rather than rely on the automatic “special re-entry” permit you get at the airport when leaving).
Why do you think you can’t? People go back to visit family even if they only have a one year visa. As long as you still have valid residence status you can get a re-entry permit at the airport before you depart
You’re allowed to go on vacations. What makes you think you can’t???
You don’t need any reason, serious or not, to leave the country and come back. Residents are free to travel and return while their visa is valid, regardless of visa length.
You get a re-entry permit at the airport when you leave (this is normal procedure, not covid related). It’s a simple form that you fill in before going through passport control. In it you declare that you’re leaving Japan temporarily and will return. It gets stapled on your passport. That’s it.
Thank you for all your replies! I needed information to deal with it and you’ve been really helpful.