I have an old (1996) felony conviction in Japan and am barred from visiting: Can I transit through there?

In 1996 I was convicted of felony importation of 23 grams of pot. I served 23 days in jail and paid a $11000 fine and had 30 days to leave the country. In 2018 I tried to go back on my way to China and Vietnam. I was detained at the Narita airport, held incommunicado for 18 hours, and put on the same plane I came in on, back to Portland, against my will.

I can never visit Japan again. But, can I transit through there, on my way to Hanoi, without getting jerked out of line and being sent back again? We're scheduled to leave on the 15th of April, so time is of the essence on this answer.

Thanks for any help.

Best Answer

I posted the question and have since heard from the Japanese Immigration Bureau: the answer is no, if you've been convicted of a felony you cannot land in Japan or transit through it.

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I have an old (1996) felony conviction in Japan and am barred from visiting: Can I transit through there? - From above of roofed boat sailing on water channel between cherry blossom trees in Japan

I have an old (1996) felony conviction in Japan and am barred from visiting: Can I transit through there? - From above of building surrounded by lush green tress located on territory of historic Shinto Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto

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What countries can you not visit if you are a felon?

Some countries do not allow people who have a felony on their criminal records to obtain a visa, so they are unable to visit....Countries That Dont Allow Felons 2022.CountryDetailsUnited StatesDeny up frontIndonesiaDeny if discoveredBrazilDeny if discoveredMexicoDeny if discovered33 more rows

Can I travel to Japan if I have a felony?

Japan has the strictest laws of almost all nations regarding felons' entry to their country. In Japan, the law prohibits most felonies and many misdemeanors regardless of the length of stay or the purpose of the visit.

Can you fly to Japan with a criminal record?

Japan \u2013 generally speaking, if you have served a year or more of jail time at any point, you are not permitted to gain entry into Japan. You must disclose your criminal record as part of the entry paperwork process.

Does Japan have access to US criminal database?

According to this Japanese government website, the system to perform instant criminal record checks on Americans visting Japan went live on January 5th of this year. Officially, the system is already live but unofficially, it's unclear what the status is.

Why Japan Arrests Foreigners

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