 Expatriate resources in Japan are of immense assistance to those traveling to this land from foreign destinations.
Most countries have their embassies and consulates in Japan that can be approached in case of emergency.
English dailies such as The Japan Times make it easier for foreigners staying in Japan to relate to what is going on around them.
There are several institutions in different parts of Japan that offer language courses for expatriates. As far as housing and real estate in Japan is concerned, a number of papers publish adverts for those interested in furnished apartments, special accommodation for executives etc.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All persons entering Japan must possess valid national passports or other internationally recognized travel documents valid for travel to Japan. These passports or travel documents must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Japan.
Commonwealth citizens except for India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and British protected persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, the Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to enter Japan.
Entry into Japan
Passes to be obtained at Point of Entry
Landing Permission
Landing permission is stamped in a foreigner's passport by immigration officers at the airport or seaport where he or she goes through immigration procedures. It is completely different from a visa. The landing permission, not a visa, serves as the legal basis for the foreigner's stay in Japan. A visa is only a recommendation and does not automatically guarantee landing permission.
When a foreigner wishing to enter Japan arrives at an airport or sea port in Japan, he or she first has to apply to an immigration officer for landing permission. The immigration officer will check the validity of the foreigner's passport, the existence of a visa when necessary, the validity of the visa, the purpose of entering Japan, the scheduled period of stay, and so on. Landing permission will be granted only if all the conditions stipulated in the Immigration Control Act, including those being checked by the immigration officer, are met.
The stamp of landing permission states not only the date and port of entry but also the status of residence (often referred to as immigration status) of the foreigner, which determines the activities in which that foreigner is permitted to engage in Japan and the term of residence of his or her immigration status.
The receipt of landing permission is a prerequisite for any future applications at a regional immigration authority in Japan for specific purpose, such as extension of term of residence or change of status of residence. Any such application must be made at the nearest regional immigration authority to the applicant's place of residence in Japan.
When an immigration officer at the port of entry completes an examination for landing and grants permission, the visa immediately becomes invalid (although multiple visas remain valid until the date of their expiration). After that, it is the landing permission that serves as the legal basis for the foreigner's stay in Japan.
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