Eligibility for using JAPAN RAIL PASS (Foreign passport holders)

Eligibility for using JAPAN RAIL PASS (Foreign passport holders)

You are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing, under the entry status of "temporary visitor."

Examples of the Temporary Visitor entry status stamp
Examples of the "Temporary Visitor" entry status stamp

Temporary Visitor entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc. "If you apply for a "stay for sight-seeing" when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "Temporary Visitor," as shown below.

Caution

  • ・JAPAN RAIL PASS can be exchanged and used only by persons who have a stamp or sticker stating “Temporary Visitor” in their passport.
  • ・When you use an automated gate at the airport, no stamp/sticker will be stamped or put on your passport. Therefore, you need to either use a manned automated gate or ask a clerk to apply a stamp/sticker in your passport. However, a customer who has a "registered user card" under the Trusted Traveler Program will be required to show the card to confirm the "Temporary Visitor" status.
  • ・If you purchased a JAPAN RAIL PASS online or have an Exchange Order, you cannot pick up or exchange the JAPAN RAIL PASS unless you have a “Temporary Visitor” visa; if you enter Japan under any other official status, such as “Trainee”, “Entertainer”, or “Reentry Permit”, you cannot pick up or exchange the JAPAN RAIL PASS. According to strict interpretation of the Japanese Immigration Law, “Temporary Visitor” status differs from "short term stay".

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