Refused entry by another country: does it affect entry to Japan?

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

What is this enquiry about?

An enquirer who was once refused entry to the United States is thinking of travelling to Japan.

Does a refusal by another country affect Japanese screening?

The 地方出入国在留管理局 tends to examine people who have been refused entry by another country more carefully.

At the Japanese immigration inspection, it is checked whether the foreign national seeking entry falls under any of the grounds for denial of landing set out in the 入管法 (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act). The 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) tends to examine more carefully a foreign national who has been refused entry by another country in the past. This is because the reason for the refusal by the other country may also fall under a ground for denial of landing under the 入管法.

What is taken into account in screening?

The reason for the refusal, when it happened, and the purpose of this visit are all taken into account.

• The reason for the refusal: whether the reason you were refused entry to the United States falls under a ground for denial of landing under the 入管法 (a criminal record, use or possession of drugs, weapons or other dangerous items, a history of illegal residence, infectious disease, suspicion that the purpose is illegal work, and so on). If you do not really know the reason, it is important to gather what information you can.
• When the refusal happened: if it was a long time ago, it may be judged to be no longer a problem.
• The purpose of your visit to Japan: if it is short-term sightseeing and there is judged to be no likelihood of illegal residence, the chance of being permitted entry is higher.
• Other circumstances: your age, occupation and financial situation are also taken into account.

If you do not really know the reason for the refusal, that may count against you in screening. Still, if your purpose is short-term sightseeing and no other ground for denial of landing applies, it is said that there is no need to worry excessively.

What should I prepare before entering?

Make the purpose of your visit clear, prepare documents showing your return, prove your funds, and answer honestly.

1. Make the purpose of your visit clear: draw up a concrete travel plan for Japan so that you can explain it clearly to the immigration inspector.
2. Prepare documents showing that you will return: prepare documents showing that you plan to leave Japan, such as a flight booking confirmation.
3. Prepare documents showing your funds: have something such as a certificate of bank balance showing that you can fully cover your costs in Japan.
4. Answer questions honestly: if the immigration inspector asks you something, answer honestly. Hiding the refusal of entry to the United States may instead create distrust.

The immigration inspection is decided finally by the judgment of the immigration inspector. Stay calm, and answer honestly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.