trying to get back in

[kalebb1999]

is there any way to get back into JPN from an immigration standpoint once you have been denied entry? I got thrown in the can there for a couple of weeks years ago. I have since married japanese and have kids, I would love to go back with them to visit family and old friends. is there any way i can use a lawyer and some $$$ to grease my way back in? for fuck sake's whats my chances.. look at paris hilton and snoop-dog the can't even get back into the friggn country with all their cheddar.....

[Taka-Okami]

Depends on what the crime was.

[kalebb1999]

from what i recall it was extortion.. i got suspended sentence blah blah stayed in country for a while after that then left... after about 3 years or so i got back in once then 2 years later i was turned back at KIX...what do ya think...i was told there i couldnt come back in..

been about 10 + years ago when all this happened....

[American Oyaji]

Were you in Aomori?

[Greji]

from what i recall it was extortion.. i got suspended sentence blah blah stayed in country for a while after that then left... after about 3 years or so i got back in once then 2 years later i was turned back at KIX...what do ya think...i was told there i couldnt come back in..

been about 10 + years ago when all this happened....

If you were convicted, you may need to apply for a waiver. If ten years has passed and you have no record recognizable in Japan it shouldn't be a problem. Japan has gone to a similar system as the US, if you have any record, even a simple one day overstay, you have to have a visa, sightseeing or otherwise, or you can be barred at the port as you were. Visiting family is good background for a visa.

Having said that, the best answer is call the embassy/consulate near you and get the word from them whether you even need a waiver. You will need the information on the conviction and "exactly" what you were convicted of, and the sentance. Not trying to be a wise ass, but they won't buy "....from what i recall it was extortion....", you are going to have to furnish them the exact information.

You are probably barred from the No Visa program which is not uncommon, but hopefully obtaining a visa will cure that. Japan tightened the No Visa program after the US did, so that may have allowed you to enter earlier and when they got more restrictive and caused you to get turned back at the port.

At any rate, the consular officials are who you need to talk to, or correspond with, to resolve this. We can give you a lot of opinions, which as the saying goes, are like assholes, everybody has one..

[kalebb1999]

ahso...Greji-san....you have given me useful info on this subject..I have never heard of having to obtain a visa before hand i allways just thought you arrive and get a 90 day tourist entrance...so what you are saying is that i should contact the consualte near me and try to get a special visa prior?

[Greji]

ahso...Greji-san....you have given me useful info on this subject..I have never heard of having to obtain a visa before hand i allways just thought you arrive and get a 90 day tourist entrance...so what you are saying is that i should contact the consualte near me and try to get a special visa prior?

With out knowing more about your case, I would say that is probably right. The US has a system now where Japanese apply on-line in advance saying they are going on the visa waiver program and this is supposed to catch those that are not eligible to preclude them from going all the way to the states only to be turned back at the port of entry. I don't know if Japan handles this the same way now. But at any rate, you need to contact the embassy/consulate and find out why they turned you away last time and if you are eligible for the visa waiver program (90 days no visa visit). If a visa is required they can tell you and should also be able to tell you if you will need a waiver for your previous conviction.

Things have gotten a little tighter over here in recent years, so it's best you go to the source. You can get some insights from the board, but it's the embassy/consulate that tells you what you really need. Good Luck!

[kalebb1999]

cheers mate...