Frequently Asked Questions (Free measures for people who have lived in nuclear accident warning areas, etc., and those whose place of residence has been designated as a specific evacuation recommendation point, and the hometown return pass card required to apply this free measure. about)

To apply this free measure, you will need a special card called ``Furusato Return Card'' which must be applied for in advance. For more information on the "Hometown Return Pass Card", please see here. For more information on "Restricted Areas, etc.", please click here.

1. About free measures for those who have lived in the danger zone of the nuclear power plant accident, etc., and those whose residence has been designated as a specific recommended evacuation point

What is the free measure for those who have lived in a nuclear power plant accident warning area, etc., or whose residence has been set as a specific recommended evacuation area?

This law provides free travel on Expressway use designated interchanges as entrances or exits to people who have lived in areas liable for a nuclear accident or other such alert zone, and people whose residential areas have been designated as specific evacuation recommended areas.
The implementation period has been extended until Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
(Reference) Press release dated March 7, 2025
Extension of the period of "Free Expressway Travel for Evacuees from Restricted Zones Due to the Nuclear Accident" and Changes to Eligible Vehicles
-Extended until March 31, 2026, and from around summer 2025, truck-type medium-sized vehicles will be excluded from the free treatment -
The vehicles covered by this free measure are light vehicles, regular cars, and mid-sized cars. ^* In order to take advantage of this free measure, you will need a "Hometown Return Passage Card," which you must apply for in advance.

• As of September 1, 2025, medium-sized vehicles that are recorded as cargo in the "use" section of their vehicle inspection certificate (excluding vehicles with rear seats and a passenger capacity of 4 to 10 people, with no partition between the passenger equipment and the cargo area, or vehicles with a partition between the passenger equipment and the cargo area and a maximum load capacity of 500 kg or less) will no longer be subject to the exemption.

(Reference) Press release dated August 1, 2025
"Free Expressway travel for evacuees from restricted areas due to the nuclear accident"
From September 1, 2025, truck-type medium-sized vehicles will be excluded from the free tax exemption program.

If you currently have a "Hometown Return Passage Card (green) (including any certificate related to your travel route if you have one)", you will be able to continue using your card after April 1, 2025.
In addition, for those who were residing in the following cities, towns, and villages at the time of the disaster, from Wednesday, November 1, 2023, the above-mentioned eligible driving will be limited to driving within the sections of use that were applied for when the card was renewed.

Tamura City, Minamisoma City (areas excluding former restricted areas and difficult-to-return zones), Date City, Kawamata Town, Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Kawauchi Village

For details, please check here.

Click here for details on how to apply for card renewal

Click here for details on new application procedures

At the time of the disaster, I had an address outside the restricted area, etc., but I am currently evacuating voluntarily due to the nuclear accident. Am I eligible for free measures?

This free measure does not apply to people other than those who were living in areas designated by the government at the time of the disaster as those who were not in a nuclear power accident warning area. Please see here for free measures for mother and child evacuees due to the nuclear accident.

What will happen if evacuation order cancellation preparation areas, residential restricted areas, and difficult-to-return areas are newly established due to the review of restricted areas and planned evacuation areas?

Even if a new zone is established, for the time being, those who lived in a restricted zone, etc. at the time of the disaster will be eligible for free accommodation.

Where are the designated evacuation recommended spots?

Specified recommended evacuation sites are those designated by the Director-General of the Local Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters as sites where the annual radiation dose is estimated to exceed 20 millisieverts, but individual specific sites have not been announced. not.

I am evacuating from a municipality where a specific recommended evacuation site has been set, but I do not know whether the residence where I was evacuating from has been set as a specific recommended evacuation site.

When designated as a specific recommended evacuation site, the municipalities will individually notify the households of those residences.

What will happen if the designation of designated evacuation-recommended spots is cancelled?

For the time being, even if the designation of designated designated evacuation recommended areas is canceled, those whose residences have been designated as designated designated designated evacuation areas will be eligible for free measures for the time being.

2. About driving eligible for this free measure

What kind of trips qualify for free measures?

An eligible person is driving or riding along, uses the applicable IC (here) as the entrance or exit, and uses lanes marked "General," "ETC/General," "Support," or "ETC/Support." Running is free.
At the exit toll gate, please declare that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear power plant accident and present your "Hometown Return Passage Card."
Additionally, for those who are issued a "Hometown Return Passage Card" with the usage section written on it, the usage section written on the card (if a certificate is issued, the usage section written on the certificate is also included). ) is eligible for free travel only when entering and exiting the IC.
Please note that you may be required to verify your identity at the tollgate, so please be sure to carry an official ID that can confirm your identity.

When using a "Furusato Return Pass Card" that has a section of use listed on it, is it free if I get on and off the bus halfway through the section of use listed? Also, if I drive beyond the relevant section, do I only have to pay for the section I crossed?

When using a "Furusato Return Card" that has a usage section written on it, please use the IC for the usage section written on the card (if a certificate is issued, this includes the usage section written on the certificate). Only trips with entrances and exits are eligible for free treatment. If you get on or off the train during the applicable section or drive beyond the applicable section, you will be required to pay the fare for the entire section actually traveled.

(If the stated usage section is [Minamisoma ⇔ Sendai Airport])

However, this does not apply if the IC in that section cannot be used due to road closure. Please click here for information on handling during road closures.

What roads and sections are not eligible for free measures?

Yamagata Expressway, Japan Sea Tohoku Expressway (Yudonosan IC~Sakata Minato IC), NEXCO uniform section such as Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Metropolitan Expressway, etc., Expressway that are not collected together with Tohoku Expressway, Joban Expressway, and Ban-Etsu Expressway are not eligible for free measures.
In addition, driving on NEXCO roads after passing through these roads is not subject to free measures.
(Tohoku Expressway If you travel from Fukushima Nishi IC to Urawa Main Line, and then travel from Oizumi IC to Tokorozawa IC in Kan-Etsu Expressway via Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Tohoku Expressway Fukushima Nishi IC → Urawa Main Line are subject to free measures, and Tokyo Gaikan Expressway and Kan-Etsu Expressway Oizumi IC→ Tokorozawa IC are not eligible for free measures. ）

Are roads of local road public corporations connecting with NEXCO also subject to free measures?

Sections operated by local road public corporations that collect tolls together with Tohoku Expressway Joban Expressway, Ban-Etsu Expressway, and Banetsu Expressway (such as Miyagi Prefectural Highway Public Corporation's Sendai Matsushima Road) are also eligible for free travel.
Please note that the Ibaraki Prefectural Road Public Corporation's Hitachinaka Toll Road, the Hitachi Toll Road, the Chiba Prefectural Highway Public Corporation's Choshi Connecting Road, the Aomori Prefectural Highway Public Corporation's Daini Michinoku Toll Road, etc. are not eligible for the toll-free measure.

What happens if there is a road closure and I get off Expressway on the way?

At the exit, please present your "Furusato Return Pass Card" and tell the staff that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear accident. In addition to confirming the place of residence, if we can confirm the destination, we will take measures free of charge.
See here for details.

Is there a limit to the types of vehicles (light vehicles, ordinary vehicles, medium-sized vehicles, large vehicles, oversized vehicles)?

The free service applies to light vehicles, regular cars, and medium-sized vehicles.
Please note that from April 1, 2022, large and extra-large vehicles will no longer be eligible for the free pass, and you will still be required to pay the toll even if you present your card.
In addition, from September 1, 2025, medium-sized vehicles that are recorded as cargo in the "use" section of their vehicle inspection certificate (excluding vehicles with rear seats and a passenger capacity of 4 to 10 people, with no partition between the passenger equipment and the cargo area, or vehicles with a partition between the passenger equipment and the cargo area and a maximum load capacity of 500 kg or less) will no longer be subject to the tax.

Is the vehicle subject to the free measure even if I rent a car instead of owning the car?

Eligible.

3． How to apply for the “Hometown Return Pass Card”

How do I apply for the "Furusato Return Pass Card"?

Please fill out the application form for the Hometown Return Card and bring it along with the original of the designated identification documents to the counter of the municipality where you lived at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
For more information on the application process, please click here.

Click here for details on how to apply for card renewal

Click here for details on new application procedures

How can I obtain the application form for the Furusato Return Pass Card?

新規で「ふるさと帰還通行カード」を申込される方へは、利用申込書を弊社から送付いたしますのでNEXCO東日本お客さまセンターあてにご連絡ください。（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）
「ふるさと帰還通行カード（桃色・令和5年11月1日以降利用できません）」をお持ちの方には、お届けいただいている住所宛てに、カード更新の申請手続きに必要な申込書を、簡易書留にて送付しています。申込書がお手元にない方は、現在お持ちのカードをお手元にご用意の上、NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターあてにご連絡ください。（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）
詳細については、こちらからご確認ください。

Click here for details on how to apply for card renewal

Click here for details on new application procedures

What identity verification documents are presented at the reception counter of the local government?

Please present either document (1) or (2) below.

1. How to present one or more documents with a face photo
   My number card, driver's license, basic resident registration card with photo, passport, disability certificate, ID card with face photo issued by the national or local government, etc.
2. 1 below. How to raise two points
   1. Documents issued by the national or local governments, such as basic resident registration cards, health insurance cards, or pension handbooks without a photo
3. 1 above. and the following 2. How to present one point at a time
   2. Student ID card, identification card issued by a corporation with a photo, 1. Qualification certificate issued by the national or local government, excluding the documents listed in , with a photograph

As for identity verification documents, it is up to the local government office to which you apply, so please inquire at the local government office to which you are applying about whether or not you can present documents other than the above.

Is it possible to receive it by mail?

If you live far away and it is difficult to apply at the local government office, you can apply by mail. Please note that you will be responsible for the postage costs for mailing to the local government office.

Can I apply by proxy?

Applications can also be made by someone on your behalf.
In the case of a proxy application by a person from the same household as the applicant, the card application form and identity verification documents (original) of all the applicants and the identity verification documents (original) of the person applying on behalf of the applicant are required. It will be required.
It is also possible to apply on behalf of someone other than from the same household, but in that case, in addition to the above, a power of attorney from the person applying is required. There is no specific format for a power of attorney, but please use the example format here.

Can I apply online?

As a general rule, applications must be submitted at the counter, and since it is necessary to attach a photo to the application form and verify your identity by various documents, we do not accept applications over the Internet.

When can I use the "Furusato Return Pass Card"?

You can use it as soon as you receive it.

How long does it take from application to issuance of the Furusato Return Pass Card?

It takes approximately three weeks for both new and renewal applications to be issued. Please note that you will not be eligible for the free service until you receive your "Hometown Return Pass Card".

I applied for it, but I haven't received my Furusato Return Pass Card.

発行状況をお調べしますので、NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターにお問い合わせください。
（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）

Does the toll gate accept applications for the "Furusato Return Pass Card"?

There is no reception at the toll booth. Also, we do not distribute application forms.

I currently have a "Peach Colored" Hometown Return Card, but can I still use it?

The "Hometown Return Pass Card (pink)" will no longer be available after midnight on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. To receive the currently available "Hometown Return Pass Card (green)," you will need to go through the procedure at the local government office where you were residing at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The renewal application form required for the application procedure has been sent by registered mail to holders of a Hometown Return Pass Card (pink). If you do not have the application form, please contact NEXCO EAST Customer Center.

I currently have a green Hometown Return Pass Card, but can I still use it after April 1, 2025?

If you have a "Hometown Return Passage Card (green) (including any certificate related to your travel route if you have one)", you can continue to use your card even after April 1, 2025.

Four. How to pass through tollgates

How to use the "Furusato Return Pass Card"?

At the entrance toll gate, take a toll ticket in the lane marked "General", "ETC/General", "Support", or "ETC/Support", and at the exit toll gate, take the ticket in the lane marked "General" or "ETC/General". Please hand your toll ticket and "Hometown Return Pass Card" to the toll booth attendant in the indicated lane. If the exit toll booth is an unmanned fare adjustment machine, before inserting the "Hometown Return Pass Card", use the staff call button (or lever) to call the staff and follow their instructions. If the exit toll booth is in a lane marked "Support" or "ETC/Support," please use the intercom etc. to inform the staff that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear power plant accident.
Please remove your ETC card when using the lanes marked "ETC/General" and "ETC/Support".
Additionally, for those who are issued a "Hometown Return Passage Card" with the usage section written on it, the usage section written on the card (if a certificate is issued, the usage section written on the certificate is also included). ) is eligible for free travel only when entering and exiting ICs. When using the section written on the certificate, the certificate is also required at the exit toll gate. (Click here for details)

You may be required to verify your identity at the toll gate, so please be sure to carry the original official document that can verify your identity.

What is an official certificate that can verify your identity?

This is a document issued by a public institution, etc., and is not intended to be issued to another person. Specifically, it is the following document.
Driver's license, passport, Basic Resident Registration Card (with photo), Health Insurance Card, Pension Book, Physically Disabled Person's Notebook, Rehabilitation Notebook, Health and Welfare Notebook for Mentally Disabled Persons, Small Boat Operator's License, Sailor's Notebook, Older Senior Citizens Medical insurance card, nursing care insurance card, real estate transaction certificate (former real estate transaction chief certificate), radio operator's license, personal number card with photo (my number card), driving history certificate

Please note that the following documents are invalid as documents that can be verified by the person in question.
Example) Copy of resident card, student ID, Taspo card, utility bill receipt, National Health Insurance/certificate of exemption from medical fees for the elderly, etc.

Will a receipt/certificate of use be issued?

As this free measure is treated as a vehicle for which no toll is collected, no receipt will be issued. However, for those who wish to use the card as proof of use, a handwritten certificate of use will be issued at the toll gate office, etc. Please note that we cannot issue a usage certificate after the fact, so please be sure to apply promptly at the exit toll gate.

If I use ETC, will I be eligible for free treatment?

If you use ETC, you will not be eligible for this free measure. Please use the lanes marked "General," "ETC/General," "Support," or "ETC/Support" for both entrance and exit. Please be sure to obtain a pass at the entrance, and at the exit, please declare that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear power plant accident and present your "Hometown Return Pass Card."
Please note that when driving on mixed lanes marked "ETC/General" or "ETC/Support", if an ETC card is inserted into the on-board device, the vehicle will be traveling under ETC. Please note that even if you insert the "Hometown Return Pass Card" into the ETC on-board device, the card will not be read and an error will occur.

Why can't I use ETC?

This free measure requires that the card user be driving or riding in the vehicle to which the measure applies. If you are using ETC, we will not be able to confirm this, so please use the lanes marked "General", "ETC/General", "Support", or "ETC/Support" (including fare adjustment machines). Masu.

If I end up using ETC, will I be eligible for free treatment if I apply later?

We cannot accept the application of free measures after using ETC at the entrance or refunds after using ETC. Please use the lanes marked "General," "ETC/General," "Support," or "ETC/Support" for both entrance and exit. Please be sure to obtain a pass at the entrance, and at the exit, please declare that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear accident and present your "Hometown Return Pass Card."

Are smart devices eligible for free measures?

Smart IC is an IC that can only be used for ETC driving, so it is not subject to free measures.

Are I eligible for free measures using the ETC tollhouse?

At the ETC tollhouse, you can apply for free measures by using the lane labeled "Support" or "ETC / Support".

I paid the fee because I didn't know how to use this free measure. Can I get a refund?

We cannot accept refunds after payment of toll charges.

If I forget (or do not present) my "Furusato Return Pass Card" (or a certificate showing the section used), can I get a refund if I present it later?

We cannot accept refunds after the toll has been paid. Please be sure to present your "Furusato Return Pass Card" (or a certificate showing the section used) when passing.

Five. Other procedures for the “Hometown Return Card”

I lost, stole, or damaged my "Hometown Return Pass Card" (or a certificate showing the section of travel).

ふるさと帰還通行カード」（又は利用区間が記載された証明書）の再発行をいたしますので、NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターにご連絡ください。
（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）

I would like to change/add/delete the registered usage sections.

NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターにご連絡ください。（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）弊社より利用区間変更申込書を送付いたしますので、当該申込書に記入の上、被災時に居住されていた自治体窓口へお申し込みください。なお、利用区間の追加・変更の場合、手続きが完了し、追加・変更後の「ふるさと帰還通行カード」又は利用区間が記載された証明書が発行されるまで、当該区間は利用できません。

There has been a change in the information (name, address, telephone number) that I wrote on the application form.

NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターにご連絡ください。（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）
お電話で変更内容の受付を行います。

6.Others

Can I use the "Furusato Return Pass Card" as an identification document for procedures at local governments?

The ``Furusato Return Pass Card'' is a card required to receive ``free measures for people who have lived in areas where there is a danger of a nuclear accident.'' It cannot be used as an identification document for various procedures at local governments.

Will the free service continue from fiscal year 2026 onwards?

The free measures for people who lived in areas subject to the nuclear accident alert zone and those whose areas of residence have been designated as specific evacuation recommended areas are in place until March 31, 2026, but the government has not indicated how they will be handled after April 1, 2026.

Isn't "free measures for mothers and children evacuated due to the nuclear power plant accident" eligible for card conversion?

There are currently no plans to create a card for ``free measures for mothers and children who evacuated from the nuclear power plant accident.''