Coming to Japan for Vacation

[jaguar2012]

Hello All, I am a new member to this forum. Anyhow, nine years ago i overstayed my tourist visa by about two months consequently i was deported and banned from visiting Japan for five years.
The ban has now expired and i would like to visit Japan again for a short vacation to see some old friends. However, i am bit apprehensive because Japanese immigration are very strict i fear because of my past they will send on the first available flight back home.
So, I contacted my local Japanese embassy they told me it is up to the discretion of the immigration officer whether i will be allowed entry or not. However, they requested my name passport number date of birth etc so they can check my information with the Ministry of Foreign affairs...After doing so there was no information on me. So ,my question is, if i land in Japan will my name,passport numbe,r fingerprints etc be registered with the immigration?

 

[thomas]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I believe it is common procedure for all foreign nationals to have their details registered and fingerprints taken upon landing in Japan.

=> Immigration Procedures Guidebook

=> Outline of New Immigration Procedures: Requirements for the Provision of Personal Information

 

[jaguar2012]

Hello Thomas, Thanks for your reply. You misunderstood my question or, perhaps i should have phrased the question in a better way. When i went through the deportation process the immigration took down my name, passport number, even fingerprints etc. The point i was trying to make was because of my past will the Japanese immigration have my details on file. When i contacted the embassy they said the "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" have no informationin in regards to me so, im assuming they don't.

 

[Mike Cash]

He answered EXACTLY what you asked.

Whether a person is permitted or denied entry into Japan is at the discretion of Immigration officials at the point of entry. That is why the embassy is unable to give anyone a definitive yes or no answer whether you will be let in or not.....and neither can we. That is true regardless of whether it is your first visit, your one hundredth visit, and regardless of any past history.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

I wonder if .......

you booked your trip through a travel agency and insured your trip , insurance would cover a refused entry and you would not lose any money on the trip? When we book a trip through Triple A , they say insurance will reimburse you if for any reason the trip gets screwed up. Might be worth checking into ?

Uncle Frank

 

[Glenski]

It makes no difference whether they take your fingerprints now. You have served your time. Unless Interpol has you under scrutiny for something, you will be allowed to enter. Your offense (overstaying a visa period) is relatively minor.

 

[jaguar2012]

Thanks guys for your input. I was really interested to hear people's views on this forum it's helped me alot. I think i will decide to visit its been almost 10 years since i overstayed so hopefully they won't hold the past against me.