A standard physical Suica card in Japan remains active for 10 years from the date of its last use. If 10 years pass without any activity, the card expires, and any remaining balance is forfeited (though you can sometimes exchange an old card for a new one at a JR East ticket office). However, the "Welcome Suica" card—designed specifically for short-term tourists—has a much shorter lifespan of only 28 days from the date of first use; it cannot be topped up after this period, and any remaining balance is non-refundable. For digital Suica cards on Apple Pay or Google Pay, there is no set expiration date as long as the digital wallet remains active, making them a more convenient choice for 2026 travelers who plan to return to Japan in the future.