1. Update on Overseas Safety Measures Information (First Quarter: April – June)
The Overseas Safety Measures Information for the first quarter has been updated. Compared to the same period last year, there has been an increase in all types of crimes (murder, assault, sexual offenses, theft, robbery, drug-related offenses).
Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world. However, there are many cases where individuals, unaware of the dangers abroad, become involved in unexpected incidents. It is important to gather safety information about your destination in advance and always act with the awareness that “you are responsible for your own safety.”
2. Ensuring the Secure Carrying of Passports
In Lithuania, which is within the Schengen Area, there have been cases of people being unable to enter or leave due to not having their passports.
Many European countries now have a common policy for short-term stays, and within the Schengen Area, Schengen border rules apply. In the Schengen Area, entry checks are conducted in the first country of entry, and subsequent border crossings are generally not subject to entry checks. However, this does not exempt you from carrying a passport. Just because there were no issues in the past does not mean there won’t be any now, so please be careful.
Recently, due to international situations (such as illegal immigration), random identity checks are being conducted even within the Schengen Area. There have been cases where travelers were refused entry or had their movements restricted because they did not have their passports.
It is mandatory for foreigners to carry identification, including passports, regardless of entry checks. Always ensure you have your passport with you.
3. Proper Handling of Passports
A passport is an international identification document proving your name and nationality and is also a public document requesting that foreign authorities allow the passport holder to travel without obstruction and provide necessary protection.
(1) Preventing Damage from Commemorative Stamps and Other Issues
There have been cases where entry and exit have been refused due to non-official stamps (such as souvenir stamps from tourist sites, notes, or store point stickers) on passport pages, or due to page damage, or defacement of the passport holder’s photo. Ensure that your passport remains undamaged.
(2) Checking Entry and Exit Stamps
After receiving your passport following entry and exit procedures, immediately check for the presence and details of entry stamps. If you notice that an entry stamp is missing later, you will need to go directly to the immigration authorities where the entry procedure was conducted to correct the issue.
Additionally, if you attempt to exit without realizing that there is no entry stamp, you could be considered an illegal entrant, which may result in fines or detention by authorities.
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