Visiting Japan, what foreign proofs of ID are acceptable (for non-official purposes)?

Visiting Japan, what foreign proofs of ID are acceptable (for non-official purposes)? - White visiting card with empty space for data placed on light pink background

Possibly related to this question about carrying passports everywhere.

In preparation for my first trip to Japan, I have my UK passport, which is of course kept on hand at all times when I'm travelling. If the police or airport staff in Japan ask for identification, it is what I will use. However, if I were ID'd in a bar or supermarket for - as an example - buying alcohol, I would think it unlikely the staff could recognise a genuine foreign passport.

I was curious to know if foreign passports (or other forms of ID such as drivers licences) are indeed acceptable in Japan, or is there some kind of travellers ID that can be obtained prior to my visit?






Pictures about "Visiting Japan, what foreign proofs of ID are acceptable (for non-official purposes)?"

Visiting Japan, what foreign proofs of ID are acceptable (for non-official purposes)? - Crop businessman giving contract to woman to sign
Visiting Japan, what foreign proofs of ID are acceptable (for non-official purposes)? - Uk Driving License
Visiting Japan, what foreign proofs of ID are acceptable (for non-official purposes)? - Six 10 Euro Banknotes



Quick Answer about "Visiting Japan, what foreign proofs of ID are acceptable (for non-official purposes)?"

  • U.S. or Foreign passport.
  • U.S. or Japanese Driver's License (with photo)
  • U.S. Military ID.
  • State ID (with photo)
  • Alien Resident Card (“Green Card”) from U.S. CIS.
  • U.S. Government ID.
  • Japanese Residence Card (“Zairyu Card”)


Do you need a Real ID to go to Japan?

You'll need your passport for international travel, and you can use your passport to verify your identity at the TSA checkpoint instead of a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license.

Can you use US ID in Japan?

Legally speaking, there's only one legal ID for foreigners in Japan: your passport.

What documents are required to enter Japan?

  • Eligible Visa or the \u201cLetter of Confirmation of Submitting Required Documentation for Re-entry into Japan\u201d
  • Certificate of pre-entry test results issued within 72 hours (from the sampling time to departure time of the flight) (original or copy)
  • \u201cWritten Pledge (Business Track) (PDF) \u201d (updated on November 10) 2 copies.


Do foreigners get ID in Japan?

Under the new system, foreigners are issued a new identification card known as a "Residence Card" (\u5728\u7559\u30ab\u30fc\u30c9, zairy\u016b k\u0101do) by immigration authorities. Local city officials stopped issuing Alien Registration Cards and all foreigners are now issued Residence Cards by immigration authorities.



How Difficult is Travelling Japan without Japanese? | Travel Tips




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Angela Roma, Andrea Piacquadio, Dom J, Dom J