I live in Japan, but work part time in the US. When the Corona Virus hit I was able to go home to Japan in mid February. However I had to leave for work in Mid March so I came back to the US. Now, I was trying to buy my plane ticket back and the ticket agent advised against doing so before contacting the Japanese embassy. Due to it being Sunday I can't do that, so I did some researching online. My biggest fear came true. Even though I am a resident and green card holder I can't go home.
There was exceptions to this a few months ago. If you were are resident you were allowed in. However when I was speaking to the ticketing agent she said if you do not hold a Japanese passport you will be denied entry. I'm at a loss for words right now. I haven't seen my wife and children in 3 months and I am not sure when I will be able to.
I'm not giving up though. Perhaps the Japanese embassy will be able to grant me entry. I'm crossing my fingers. Have you had any similar problems??
Take me home, country road....
That's so tough, even tougher than Taiwan, because if you have residency in Taiwan, but aren't a citizen, you can still get in.
I notice Laos and Cambodia aren't on the list, I don't know if you can get in there as a tourist and stay for 14 days before returning home. Otherwise, perhaps there's a "family emergency" that requires you to be home? 😉
Good luck.
I am still holding out hope that residents/green care holders are the exception and will be allowed in. Won't know until I speak to the embassy. Thanks!
I read something recently that said they were making a few exceptions to this policy and that one of the conditions where they would allow someone entry into the country is if he/she had left Japan prior to the ban being put in place. I think you would fall under that category. I would have your wife contact the embassy in Japan on your behalf and try to get the process started over here while you work on it from the States.
I called the embassy here, they told me to contact immigration in Japan. Wife called immigration today. Yes, since I am married to a Japanese and have gaijin card I can return, but there are two problems. 1. I have to take a COVID test and self quarantine for 14 days regardless of the outcome. 2. I have to be picked up from the airport by a friend or relative. The latter is a problem because my wife doesn't have her license yet and we don't want to ask family or friends. So we are going to play it by ear until July 1 to see if Japan eases any restrictions. Crazy times man.
Hope you and the Fam are ok.
I’m glad to hear that you sort of have options. That is a problem, though, isn’t it. If I lived closer to Tokyo, I’d be happy to pick you up. Let me know how things work out.
Ya. The wife was planning on getting her license then COVID hit. Now we're in a holding pattern. Will do.
Bad timing, ehh?