Job Discussion Forums

[aso43]

Will I have any problems entering Japan on a Tourist Visa with an open return ticket? Or should I have a return ticket scheduled for a date within 3 months of arrival?
The reason I'm asking is because I'm planning on staying longer than 3 months, and I will most likely have to pay a penalty for changing the date of my return flight.
I believe the penalty for changing a flight is only CAD $150/200 per change, but if an open return ticket will satisfy Immigration, then I would rather save that cash!
On the other hand, if scheduling a return flight and paying a penalty will save me from being deported before leaving the airport, it's obviously worth it. And I would rather avoid any run-ins with Immigration...
There is some conflicting information out there, does anyone have any advice?

[Tre]

I entered Japan three days ago on a one year working holiday visa. I did not volunteer my outward bound or return tickets to the immigration officer and he did not ask to see them. So in this case I could have had a one way ticket to Japan and been let into the country with no problems.

However, that was my fifth time to enter Japan and in the past I have just entered on a 90 day tourist visa. I have been asked in the past for the return ticket, most times I just volunteered it to the officer.

I would say that you will probably be ok on an open ticket but I would advise you to check it out properly before setting out on your journey. I can imagine nothing worse than having issues with the immigration officer after such a long flight!

[denise]

Have you already purchased your ticket? If not, shop around a bit. There are airlines that will let you change your return date with no penalty. I flew over on Japan Airlines with a return date within 90 days, and as the date approached I called and had it extended for a year (or nine months, rather--one year from my departure date). Free. There are probably other airlines out there that will let you change your date--just explain your predicament to your travel agent/representative.

I don't remember being asked to show a return ticket at Narita, but then, who'd want to mess with immigration?!?

d

[aso43]

Thanks for the replies! I haven't booked my flight yet, just a reservation for a round-trip with United Airlines, CAD $1200.
I have definitely decided to schedule a return flight home, just in case someone at Immigration is in a bad mood that day... Better safe than sorry, and it's one less worry for me.
My flight sounds like a great deal, until I factor in the penalty/penalties I will have to pay. I will shop around for an airline that doesn't charge for flight changes. Thanks again!

[aso43]

I just called Flight Centre, and they gave me the lowdown: Airlines that do not charge flight change penalties will only do so if the ticket is regular-price. Companies such as Flight Centre have contracts with different airlines for discounted flights, and there will always be a penalty for a flight change when choosing this option.
Just so everyone knows, I am paying CAD$1200 for my round-trip, starting in Toronto with a stopover in Chicago. It's the cheapest deal I have found so far.

[Kestrel]

Do a search for consolidators, or check out http://www.courier.org/flightengine.php for some cheap flights. My girlfriend picked one up here for about $700 round trip, Pittsburgh to Osaka, and a $100 (US) change fee for changes before the first leg, $50 for changes after the first leg.

[ashburn]

I came in 5 years ago on a holiday visa with an open return ticket. My local Japanese embassy actually recommended this. I didn't have any problems at immigration.