My best friend, the man who raised me essentially on his own had a heart attack. We’re not sure how bad it is yet, he will have testing on Monday to see if he needs open heart surgery. If that’s the case then I will fly home. (I have 3 siblings, 2 of them are with him)
I have a spouse visa and haven’t left Japan yet. I know I need to apply for re-entry but do I also need proof of a return ticket back to Japan? I’m not sure yet if I could get a round-trip ticket or if it needs to be a one way ticket for… time to deal with funeral arrangements.
If anyone knows or has informational links I would really appreciate it. I’m pretty dyslexic and it takes me a lot of concentration and time to read and understand the government websites information and I just can’t right now.
Thanks everyone I appreciate it.
15 comments
First of all, my heart goes to you, be strong and I hope your father will get better soon.
You don’t need to apply for re-entry at the immigration office.
You also don’t need a proof of return ticket.
The only thing you need to do is fill out the form for special re-entry before the immigration control gate at the airport when you will be flying out. They will attach a small piece of it to your passport and if you return within one year, you will be fine.
Not sure how I can help you so I am sorry but I wanted to express my condolences. I really hope it’s nothing he can’t beat. Good luck to you and your family <3
You shouldn’t need a return ticket. I’ve left twice. I just get a flight out, fill out the reentry form before I leave, and pop back in when I felt like it (less than one year later)
I once left for 11 months with no clue when I’d return, job wasn’t sure I’d return, it was a mess. But it was fine when I got back. No questions asked. Just opened my passport, they took my reentry slip, and I went back to work like nothing ever happened.
Edit: I’m sorry to hear about your pa. I hope that he’s not in pain, and you can spend some good quality time with him.
This summer I bought tickets from different airlines and they didn’t check or even ask anything about my return ticket. So no probably not if you are a US citizen.
Sorry for your situation. Just note that many airlines these days charge just as much for a one-way ticket as they do for a round-trip ticket. It’s crazy stupid.
Even if a round-trip ticket is more expensive it’s not double a one-way ticket, it’s usually just a fraction more than the one way, so I recommend checking the prices carefully instead of simply buying one way thinking that you’re going to save money
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. You don’t need a reentry permit unless you’ll be away for more than a year. If there’s a chance, you can get one at the immigration office same-day. The application asks for a date of return, which has to be at least a year away, but when I said I wanted one just in case, they said to write any date.
Sending best wishes to your dad!
If they are only testing him on Monday I imagine he is quite stable for now. Wishing you the best of luck. I went though this exact experience last year and I know it can be very mentally taxing. Stay strong!
As others mentioned, just get a reentry permit at the airport when you leave. Nothing else is required if you will be back within one year.
>I know I need to apply for re-entry but do I also need proof of a return ticket back to Japan?
No proof needed. When you get the special re-entry permit at the airport on your way out its good for return for up to 1 year (or until your status of residence expires, whichever comes sooner).
There is also a regular ‘re-entry’ permit, which is good for up to 5 years, but you need to apply for those from immigration and they cost money. The special re-entry permit you get at the airport is fine.
I’m not sure if airlines still do this, but you should call them about a bereavement rate (eg, you have to suddenly fly home for a funeral). Last minute flights are typically pretty expensive, so if you can get a few bucks knocked off its probably worth it.
My condolences.
Talk directly to your airline!
Most airlines have special rates for when someone in the family is gravely ill or has died. Some of them are open-jawed, so you can schedule your return flight after everything is taken care of.
Hey, there are plenty of people who survive heart attacks. My uncle for example. I can’t imagine how stressful this situation is for you but please stay positive. Have faith that there will be no funeral. Your dad will recover and come back stronger than ever. He should be so proud to have a son like you that cares so much. You’re an awesome person. I’m sending love and good vibes your way praying for the best outcome. You and your family got this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
As a lifer, I have experienced this. I am sorry this happened and hope for the best.
Unfortunately, you never know when something can turn sideways quickly and if you leave then, it might be too late. Bypass is never fun, but the graft or a stent could go south in minutes. I know, it’s the worst feeling in the world. Go home now.
You have a year to be out of the country, and if everything is fine, count your lucky stars… If something necessitates your having to stay longer, here is the tip: fly to Japan for the early morning arrival and take the next day’s early flight home, and you get a new year when the doc says your father has stabilized and he can carry in a coherent conversation with you. Try different times of the day to cross-check how he is doing.
If immigration says anything about a one day turnaround just tell them it is a family medical emergency. If you are PR, it is no issue, but even if you are on another visa, as long as your visa remains valid when you are gone, explain and get back on the plane. Be sure your bank account in Japan has enough to pay for utilities and taxes in case your are out of Japan for a while.
This is every expat’s nightmare— I hope it turns out well.
… and, of course, you need your Japanese residence card.
I recommend taking at least one extra of the “embarkation/disembarkation form for reentrant” forms for future use. That will let you fill out the form ahead of time before arriving at the airport next time you leave the country.
I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s really hard to navigate and I really hope your father will be better soon.
In general, you do not need re-entry. When you get on the plane, there’s a paper you fill out in the resident line. You just make sure you fill out the re-entry forum.
Also I’ve never needed to show return ticket, so I don’t think it’s necessary. I think as long as you’re not gone for over six months, it won’t be a problem.