Travel

#Travel advice and advisories for Japan

Advisories

JAPAN - Exercise normal security precautions

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Japan. Exercise normal security precautions.

Regional Advisory for the Fukushima nuclear power plant and its surroundings

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to the districts and towns that have been designated as exclusion zones (see map ) by the Japanese authorities. Zones marked in green on the map where evacuation orders are ready to be lifted (Area 1) are still subject to restrictions, including a ban on overnight visits.

Security

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

March 2011 earthquake

On March 11, 2011, a strong earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale occurred in the North Pacific Ocean, generating a powerful tsunami that struck the Pacific coast of Japan. The situation has returned to normal in most parts of the country; however, reconstruction efforts are ongoing in those areas of Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures most affected by the earthquake and tsunami, and some transportation routes may not be operational, especially along the Pacific coast. Before you travel to these areas, ensure that you have secured accommodation and transportation, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Crime against foreigners is low. Petty crime occurs on occasion. Crime may be more frequent in large cities, particularly in entertainment districts (see below). Inappropriate touching often occurs in busy subway and commuter trains during morning and evening commuting hours.

Exercise caution in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan and especially in Tokyo s Roppongi, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ikebukuro areas. Foreigners are increasingly targeted in incidents of drink spiking, which can be combined with credit card fraud and physical or sexual assault. Never leave your drink unattended and pay attention when drinks are prepared and served. If possible, avoid carrying credit cards when frequenting nightclubs in any entertainment district. Foreigners have reported being overcharged at bars and clubs.

Transportation

Traffic drives on the left. Travel by motor vehicle is challenging: roads are narrow, signs are in Japanese and city traffic is congested. Do not turn on a red light unless it is specifically authorized. Roads in mountainous areas are often closed during winter.

Have your destination written in Japanese if you travel by taxi as drivers may not understand English.

See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Emergency services

Dial 110 to reach police and 119 for firefighters and ambulance.

Tourists and foreign residents may obtain assistance (in English) via telephone hotlines. The Tokyo English Lifeline provides counselling and referrals (tel. 03-5774-0992). Additional referrals may be obtained from the Embassy of Canada to Japan in Tokyo.

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Japanese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Japan or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Japan, which must be valid for the expected duration of their stay in that country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country s entry rules.

Check the passport validity requirements of the countries you will transit through on your way to Japan, as well as the countries you will visit beyond Japan. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from that country. Canadians travelling onward from Japan to other Asian destinations have been denied boarding due to insufficient validity on their passports.

Visas

Entry permits for tourists are for a maximum stay of 90 days. Overstaying an entry permit or any other type of Japanese visa is a criminal offence. If you overstay your visa, you will be subject to deportation and may be barred from re-entry to Japan.

Business travellers require a business visa if they are to receive compensation in addition to their regular salary for work carried out while in Japan. For further information, contact the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa or the Japanese consulate nearest you before departure.

If you are considering employment in Japan, you must obtain a work visa from the Japanese government. On occasion, Canadians recruited to work in Japan have not been fully informed of the conditions of employment and have unintentionally violated Japanese immigration law. A number of Canadians have sought employment or have been recruited for employment as bar hostesses; a visa will not be issued for this purpose.

An offer of employment that does not meet Japanese immigration requirements cannot be legitimately made or accepted. Working without an appropriate visa is illegal; if caught, offenders may be subject to imprisonment, a fine and/or deportation. If you are considering employment offers in Japan, contact the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa or the Japanese consulate nearest you before your departure from Canada.

Tourist visa: Not required

Business visa: Required

Student visa: Required

Important requirements

To visit Japan, you must have an onward or return ticket, confirmed accommodation arrangements and proof of sufficient funds for your stay in the country.

Immigration procedures

Japanese officials will photograph and fingerprint all visitors upon arrival. Some exceptions may apply, including for children under the age of 16, individuals with special permanent residency and diplomats on assignment to Japan (and holding a Japanese diplomatic visa). For more information, consult the Immigration Bureau of Japan .

Residency management

In July 2012, a new residency management system came into effect for foreign residents of Japan. Changes include: the Resident Card replaces the Alien Registration Card; foreign residents who leave and re-enter Japan within one year no longer need to obtain a re-entry permit; and changes regarding the maximum period of stay were implemented. Consult the Immigration Bureau of Japan for more information.