Okay, so in 13 days, I’m going to Japan. Over the past several months, I’ve been talking to friends and family who have traveled overseas, as well as my friend who lives over there and who I’m going to visit, and it wasn’t until yesturday, someone brings up the word “Visa”.
Now, my understanding of everything was, I get on my plane, I get there, they look at my passport, give me a snide look, stamp it, and I’m good to go. Now, apparently, I’ve got to apply for permission to go over there or something. Do I have to do this if I’m just going to visit, or is it strickly if I’m going over there to work? How does one generally go about getting a visa, and is it possible to get one quick (i.e. BEFORE I LEAVE IN THIRTEEN DAYS!!)?
I haven’t been over seas since I was five about twenty years ago, so I’m pretty damn clueless about this whole thing. So please, give me some (good) info, and thanks for the time.
Yep, but if you are an American, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can just show up in Australia and get an entry visa. Airline won’t let you on the plane.
Japan: If you’re an American citizen (or a citizen of a number of other countries with the same reciprocal agreement with Japan), you can enter Japan for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa provided you have a passport valid for at least six months past the end of your intended stay in Japan and proof of onward travel.
Australia: When you purchase your ticket from the travel agent, the agent will also set you up with an “electronic visa.” Essentially, they e-mail the immigration folks in Australia and get a confirmation number. I know that’s really a “down & dirty” simplification of it, but that’s pretty much what happens.
For anywhere: The airlines usually won’t allow you to board if you don’t have the required proof of permission to enter the country they’re going to fly you to. They get fined for violations also.
Thanks for the help, guys. Yes, I am American, and no, I didn’t realize I never filled out the “Location” section of my profile. I was probably waiting till I thought of something witty to say, and completely forgot about it.
On reviewing the site Popup linked, there’s this line:
“Nationals of these countries holding valid passports can apply for landing permission…”
What’s this whole “applying for landing permission”? Even if I don’t need a Visa, is there anything else I need to do besides get on a plane and show them my return flight ticket when I get there?