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    Japan Rail Pass eligibility

    Are you eligible for a Japan Rail Pass?

    A Japan Rail Pass is not available to everyone. JR Group has set specific requirements based on visa type that must be followed strictly.

    Visa requirements

    Who can use the JR Pass?

    The Japan Rail Pass is available to foreign tourists visiting Japan for sightseeing purposes with a temporary visitor visa.

    Eligible visitors

    Can purchase and use JR Pass

    You are eligible if you're visiting Japan as a tourist with a temporary visitor visa (90 days or less) for sightseeing purposes.

    Temporary visitor visa (sightseeing)
    Valid foreign passport
    Japanese citizens living abroad 10+ years
    Not allowed

    Not eligible

    Cannot use JR Pass

    The following visa types are not eligible for a Japan Rail Pass under any circumstances.

    Student visa
    Permanent residency visa
    Long-term visa (90+ days)
    Working holiday visa
    Military or entertainer visa
    Important notice

    What happens if I'm not eligible?

    Please note that your Japan Rail Pass will not be accepted and you will not be able to exchange it in Japan if you have a visa other than a temporary visitor visa for sightseeing purposes.

    JR Group is very strict about these conditions and will not make exceptions. Staff at exchange offices will verify your visa status before issuing your pass.

    No refunds if ineligible
    Visa checked at exchange
    Check your visa type
    Before ordering your pass
    Temporary visitor only
    90 days or less for sightseeing
    Not sure?
    Contact us before purchasing
    在留届の写し
    ສຳເນົາໃບທະບຽນທີ່ຢູ່ຕ່າງປະເທດ
    在留証明書
    ໃບຢັ້ງຢືນການຢູ່ຕ່າງປະເທດ
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    ບັດທີ່ຢູ່ຖາວອນ
    Special requirements

    Japanese citizens living abroad

    Japanese citizens who have been living abroad for more than 10 consecutive years are eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. You must provide a certificate from your local embassy confirming your residency.

    You are required to bring one of the documents shown here along with your Japan Rail Pass and passport when exchanging your pass in Japan. The certificate must be issued before ordering and be no more than 6 months old at the time of exchange.

    10+ years abroad required
    Embassy certificate needed
    ເດີນທາງກັບຄອບຄົວ

    ເດັກນ້ອຍຊາວຍີ່ປຸ່ນຕ່ຳກວ່າ 12 ປີ

    ກົດລະບຽບພິເສດນຳໃຊ້ສຳລັບເດັກນ້ອຍຊາວຍີ່ປຸ່ນທີ່ເດີນທາງດ້ວຍ Japan Rail Pass.

    Registration requirements

    It is mandatory to register children under the age of 12 in a family Overseas Residential Registration if they have lived abroad their entire life or for at least 10 consecutive years.

    Additionally, the Japan Rail Pass can only be used by a child in the company of an eligible adult. Children cannot travel alone with a JR Pass.

    Must travel with adult
    Registered in family document

    Ready to order your JR Pass?

    Now that you know you're eligible, explore our pass options and start planning your Japan adventure.