seigex

I never noticed this before, but found this on the Japan TTP website;

So for anyone else like me who has a pending application waiting for the secondary inspection, don't withdraw your application. I did email them late last year and got a "no update" response, and I've seen no info about anything changing, but hopefully they open it soon now that things are relaxing and COVID status has downgraded to class 5

seigex

Looks like I'm a bit behind the times. According to this thread, they are actively issuing cards again: Japan to begin Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) on Nov 1, 2016

I'll keep this up as an FYI for anyone else got stuck in the process due to COVID shutdowns.

YariGuy

Does anyone have any experience renewing the card? Mine expired during COVID and I'm wondering if the renewal process is just a formality or whether I'll have to go through the whole rigamarole again.

5khours

Not sure if this offers any significant benefit over the ABTC card? Thoughts?

YariGuy

To be honest I don't see a huge benefit. The reader is clunky and temperamental, but heck, if I can get one, then why not.

seigex

Check out the thread in the second post, there are a few recent comments about renewing. Seems like its a pretty quick process.

seigex

If I can bypass the main immigration line as things continue to pick up, then it's a win. I'm hoping that now that covid has ended, the equipment will continue to be improved just as they did for immigration, customs, and international departures.

Steve M

One big advantage of the TTP card is that if you have one, that's all you need while in Japan - you don't have to carry your passport with you within Japan.

YariGuy

Interesting, I didn't know that. But what are some examples of uses? I can only think of checking into a hotel, renting a car, and flights as situations when I need my passport. But I can't imagine a car rental agency would know what to make of a TTP card...

seigex

I'm assuming being stopped by police. In Japan you are required to carry your passport on you if you are not a resident/citizen, so it sounds like from what Steve M is saying, that the TTP card is all you need in the unlikely, but possible, event you get stopped to have your documents checked. This a huge plus imho.. i hate dealing with having my passport wallet on me.

Steve M

Hotels aren't that big of a deal, as you generally have all your stuff with you anyway.

Bingo. It's not the actual times that you use your passport that's the issue - it's the legal requirement that you have it on your person at all times while in Japan. The convenience of having to carry only the TTP card for your entire stay far exceeds the convenience of using the automated gates at the airport, IMHO.

pesos

Can someone clarify this section from the TTP site:

"Must have visited Japan the number of times specified in either (a) or (b) below (the visit to Japan for registration is included in the number of times) within the 12-month period prior to the day when they come to be registered as a "Trusted Traveler;"

(a) Businesspeople and their family members: once
(b) Users under JTTP and tourists: twice"

Does that mean once or more, twice or more - or once exactly, or twice or less - I'm assuming the former?

seigex

It's inclusive of the time you enter for secondary inspection, so for JTTP/tourists one time in twelve months, second time enter for secondary inspection satisfies the requirement. For business people and family members, enter for secondary should satisfy it.

pesos

Sorry still not really clear - let’s say I’ve entered twice already this year as a tourist - or three times or four - that’s fine and I can get TTP and continue to enter multiple times a year?

seigex

Yep. That's just the requirement for approval of TTP. As a tourist (with global entry or platinum card approval) you enter japan once, then apply for the TTP, get your initial inspection complete, then you need to enter japan to do your secondary inspection (the counters for secondary inspection are landside) within 12 months of the first entrance and 3 months of the completion of the initial inspection and you are handed the card once you show your documents to them. As long as you have one entry before you fly to japan to do the secondary, you will pass.

Once you have the card, for all future entries you can bypass immigration and go straight to the unmanned entry gates, put your card in the gate and it will print your temporary visa status on the back of the card. The card itself lasts 3 years, or until your passport expiration, whichever is sooner, and can hold up to 15 temporary visitor visas on the back before it's full.

Keep in mind for TTP, you have to satisfy one of the other requirements, either US Global Entry, Platinum Status, be a business man, or family member of someone in Japan. Here's the FAQ that lists the ways to get approved: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/publication...q_a_index.html