Job Discussion Forums

rawlings · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 19

Hello, I am dead-set on flying to Japan (Osaka) as soon as my current teaching resume ends in mid-March and finding a job. I have heard that it is a big gamble to enter on a one-way flight, as the law requires a round trip to prove that you will be leaving. BUT, I have just found a 400$ ticket from here (Phuket) to Osaka, one way, which is a great great deal. I am tempted to just throw down on it right now. For what it's worth, I am an American who is currently working in Thailand.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as this might be time sensitive!

Thanks,
jrr

mhard1 · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Japan

just say "phuket" and come on over Laughing

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Do you want people to tell you to roll the dice and that there will be no problems? It sure sounds like that. Airlines, not immigration, will be your first barrier. Without a visa in hand, you may have to face rejection from the airline at the boarding gate before you even take off.

Then, comes the immigration or customs officer who might/might not ask why you are here without a visa or job or planned route out.

Neither are trifles. My advice is not to let a cheap airfare make your decision.

midnightpariah · Joined: 26 May 2007 Posts: 85

I would definitely have a return flight if I were you. If you are dead set on saving some money, then buy a cheap ticket to Korea for about $100. I have found, though, that round trip tickets aren't much more than one way. Besides, if you are coming over without a job and you don't find one, what are you going to do? It is better to be safe than sorry.

rawlings · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 19

InTheKnow · Joined: 13 Jan 2010 Posts: 20 Location: greater Japan

I'm Canadian and I was in the same situation. I worked up a return flight to the U.S. on my Expedia account without actually booking/ paying for the flight. I printed out the itinerary. The Immigration guy looked at my 'official Expedia reservation' for about two seconds, thanked me, and gave it back to me.

Had he pursued it, I would have said, "But I have a reservation made. I can't print the e-ticket until 72 hours before the flight." But it didn't get that far. You'll be fine.

If you're arriving from China, Vietnam, Philippines, Russia or other hostess-wannabe or construction worker-prone country, you'll need a round-trip ticket.