New Requirements for Entry to Japan effective November 23, 2007
Japan has recently announced a policy change regarding entry at border crossings for Non-Japanese citizens which will go into effect November 23, 2007. This policy change will affect ALL non-Japanese citizens arriving in Japan regardless of travel purpose, duration of stay or previous entries (except for those traveling on diplomatic or special government related clearance).
All travelers will be fingerprinted and photographed upon entry through Japanese Immigration. Travelers who refuse to be fingerprinted and photographed will be refused entry and immediately deported or possibly detained.
It is unknown at this time how it will effect entry times. There is an expectation that this policy change will result in delays as immigration officers explain the new policy to travelers who are unaware of it. The Japanese government will most likely increase staffing and provide handouts for travelers upon arrival in the terminal or otherwise inform people of the new policy, but expect this to cause delays in entry. |