How will my luggage be inspected? How long will it take?

[ullvarg]

They didn`t check me at all so it`s a first

 

[ArmandV]

I am happy to report that I had ABSOLUTELY no inspection problems during my trip to Japan in April. Everything went well at Narita, they ran my luggage though the x-ray machine and then put an inspection label on it and gave it to the girl in the ticket counter. Will wonders ever cease?

 

[Davey]

She had a look in my suitcase for a couple of seconds, asked me some questions where I was from, and if I had anything with me that was not allowed... I made a joke about drugs from Amsterdam, but she didn't really responded to that lol...

So yeah it took me around 1-2 minutes. I only have been to Japan one time, so I can't see that much about it

 

[nice gaijin]

I made a joke about drugs from Amsterdam, but she didn't really responded to that lol...

Probably one of the last jokes I'd make in front of a customs agent... If it were a US agent you'd be detained for more than a few minutes.

 

[Davey]

Probably one of the last jokes I'd make in front of a customs agent... If it were a US agent you'd be detained for more than a few minutes.

I would probably have made the same joke in their hahaha.. why you think I am called Baka

 

[Julienne]

Being on the whole subject of customs and all, I was wondering what kind of things you're not allowed to take with you?
Perhaps a silly question, but I've never flown anywhere before, so have absolutely no idea...

Oh and by the way, isn't it so that they now take your fingerprints when you come into Japan?

 

[Pachipro]

I visited Japan last month and my fingerprint was not taken, but returning to the US I noticed that all of the foreigners visiting the US had their fingerprint taken electronically.

 

[Davey]

Oh and by the way, isn't it so that they now take your fingerprints when you come into Japan?

Not yet, but from November 2007 you probably will.

Read the news about it

Japan's lower house approved the bill in March. Now that it's been approved by cabinet, its measures are expected to take effect in November 2007.

 

[ArmandV]

Being on the whole subject of customs and all, I was wondering what kind of things you're not allowed to take with you?
Perhaps a silly question, but I've never flown anywhere before, so have absolutely no idea...
Oh and by the way, isn't it so that they now take your fingerprints when you come into Japan?

You cannot carry-on lighters (but matches are okay). You can't carry-on sharp instruments (knives, boxcutters, scissors, etc.) but you can bring them in check-in luggage.

I wasn't fingerprinted either.

 

[Julienne]

Not yet, but from November 2007 you probably will.

☝ Ok, from November 2007, didn't know that, thanks Will be going in March 2007, so won't have to do that then.

You cannot carry-on lighters (but matches are okay). You can't carry-on sharp instruments (knives, boxcutters, scissors, etc.) but you can bring them in check-in luggage.

Thanks, Armand! Well, lighters isn't really a problem, because I don't smoke, so wouldn't know why I would bring one. And knives and stuff... well I kinda already figured those wouldn't be a good idea

But like, perhaps fruit or something... I believe you're not allowed to import fruit in New Zealand? There's nothing strange like that in Japan that you're not allowed to import?

 

[epigene]

This is a list of do's and don'ts of goods that you can bring into Japan:

http://www.perth.au.emb-japan.go.jp/customsq.htm#animals

HTH!

 

[ArmandV]

☝
Thanks, Armand! Well, lighters isn't really a problem, because I don't smoke, so wouldn't know why I would bring one.

You're welcome. Check out the link epigene posted for more info.

 

[Julienne]

Thanks for the link Epigene It's a very useful site