I was supposed to study abroad in Japan when the tsunami hit, so I didn't end up going. But I still have my student visa in my passport, and I just realized that it expires in 2016. I'm going to Japan this summer and want to get a rail pass, which you can only get on a tourist visa.
Does anyone know if I can still get a tourist visa with the student visa still in my passport? If not, can I tear off the student visa? Will that raise red flags going through customs if I have residue of what was once a visa in my passport?
If anyone could let me know, I'd really appreciate it. I'm planning to travel the length of Japan, and it would be way to much without a rail pass.
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass
Visa help
justjenn
over 11 years ago
1 answer
Daniel-san
18919 posts
6945 likes
over 11 years ago
Hi there,
We sometimes get very interesting question on the forum and this one is expectational!
I am not completely sure about your current visa because a period of roughly 5 years sounds rather long for a student visa. You may just be giving a tourist visa the moment that you enter Japan, if you request one but I think it would be saver to make sure of this.
You can contact Japanese Immigration here and ask them what the best course of action is.
Alternatively you can request a new passport from your government but never remove any Visa pages, it will invalidate the document and may cause big problems.
Hope this helps,
Daniel
Looking for more information? Search the forum
Select Category
Instant Quote
Starting from $345.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel
Can’t find the answer?
Learn from over 18059 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts
Ask Question- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Popular Questions
Get pocket Wifi in Japan
Visit us on Facebook
Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.
Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.
Order your JRPass Now!
We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes