Landing examination for re-entry is a type of screening for foreigners entering Japan. Unlike the process for new entrants, this applies specifically to those re-entering the country.
A re-entrant is a foreign national who held a valid status of residence in Japan, left the country temporarily during their permitted period of stay, and is now returning to Japan.
Please note: You must have a Re-entry Permit (including a Special Re-entry Permit) to return. If you leave Japan without obtaining this permit beforehand, your status of residence will be voided, and you will not be able to return to Japan under your previous status.
Applying for Landing upon Re-entry
To re-enter, you must apply for landing at the airport or seaport. You will need to provide the following three items:
- Passport
- Re-entry Record (ED card), which serves as your application form
- Personal identification information (fingerprints and facial photo)
Exception: Using Automated Gates
You may be able to re-enter much faster using an automated gate, which streamlines the examination process. Applying through an automated gate differs slightly from the standard procedure. You must register to use the automated gates before leaving Japan. The required documents remain the same as a standard re-entry.
Re-entry Landing Examination Criteria
There are three main criteria for re-entry landing examination:
- Validity of your passport
- Validity of your Re-entry Permit period
- No grounds for denial of landing
For new entrants, there are two additional criteria regarding their status of residence, which makes the process more complex. Re-entry is simplified because those steps are omitted, allowing for a relatively smoother entry.
Validity of Passport
Your passport will be checked for validity. It must be genuine (not forged) and within its expiration date.
Within the Re-entry (Special Re-entry) Permit Period
A Re-entry Permit is required for re-entry, and it has an expiration date. Typically, a standard Re-entry Permit is valid for 5 or 6 years, while a Special Re-entry Permit is valid for up to 1 year (or 2 years for Special Permanent Residents).
No Grounds for Denial of Landing
The “grounds for denial of landing” is a list of reasons why someone may be barred from entering Japan. If you fall under these grounds, you cannot enter, and even if you do, discovery later could lead to deportation. However, in specific cases, landing may still be permitted even if certain grounds apply.
Examination Results (Approval vs. Denial)
Depending on the results of the examination, the following procedures apply for those who meet or do not meet the requirements.
If Requirements are Met (Approval)
A landing permission seal will be placed in your passport, allowing you to enter Japan. Unlike new entrants, your status of residence and period of stay are not newly determined; your previous status and period are maintained. However, please be aware that the expiration clock on your period of stay does not stop while you are outside Japan.
Contents of the Landing Permission Seal
- Re-entry mark
- Date of landing permission
- Port of entry name
If Requirements are Not Met (Denial)
If you do not meet the criteria, a secondary examination is generally conducted. This is handled by a different official known as a Special Inquiry Officer. The foreign national is given an opportunity to present evidence or counterarguments. This process is called an “Oral Hearing” by a Special Inquiry Officer.