Traveling Overseas
Sometimes You Just Need to Get Away
Re-Entry Permit | Traveler's Insurance | Travel Agencies
Getting a Re-Entry Permit
Reason for Obtaining Permit
Before you start traveling abroad, you will need to get a re-entry permit in your passport. Without it, you will have to re-apply for an Alien Registration Card every time you come back to Japan from overseas.
Before You Apply
Before you can apply you need to have your Alien Registration Card and Passport. It takes a couple weeks for your card to be processed after you apply for it.
You are entitled to take a half-day of special leave to obtain your permit. Inform your vice-principal and make sure they are aware that you are using special leave. Choose a day that is the least disruptive to your class schedule. If you're lucky you can have your weekend start a little sooner on Friday.
There is a \3000 single re-entry stamp and a \6000 multiple re-entry stamp. It is recommended you get the multiple re-entry one since most JETs usually go home and travel somewhere else one time each in their first year.
Applying for Your Permit
- Go to the Kobe Immigration Office near City Hall. It's a dark-red brick building.
- On the ground floor of the building is a store where you pay for your re-entry permit.
- Bring your receipt up to the second floor and apply for your permit.
The entire process takes relatively little time. Be aware that the Immigration Office is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00am - 11:30am and 1:00pm - 4:40pm. Try to arrive by 3:30pm as registration sometimes closes early.
Traveler's Insurance
It's optional, but it is highly recommended you buy traveler's Insurance. The health insurance provided by the JET Programme is sufficient for accidents only as long as you are in Japan. Outside Japan it will be inadequate and will not cover instances like your passport being stolen. Traveler�s Insurance can be easily purchased at the travel agency you book your flight at. It is relatively cheap, about \00000 for a week, and well worth the peace of mind.
Travel Agencies
Many bars that cater to foreigners (gaijin bars) have adverts or free magazines geared to foreigners that show monthly specials offered by travel agencies in the Kansai area. Be sure to check them out when you stop by the pub!
Two of the best travel agencies in Kobe are:
- World Express - Near JR Sannomiya Station
- No. 1 Travel - Near JR Motomachi Station
There are other Japanese travel agencies Like JTB or ???. You might get lucky sometimes with a good deal, but most overseas trips are overpriced and are based around going on a group tour. Japanese travel agencies are much better for finding good deals traveling in Japan.
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