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+--- Thread: Landing Permission in Japan (/thread-6677.html)
Landing Permission in Japan - quincy - 2010-11-12
I'm planning on doing a 3 month wwoofing trip in Japan soon, but I'm nervous about actually getting into the country. As an American citizen I should be able stay up to 90 days without a visa, but I've heard quite a few stories of people being denied after mentioning wwoof (including here). I guess I should just say I'm doing a homestay or something, but I'm really not sure. Does anyone know what I should expect?
Landing Permission in Japan - start_three - 2010-11-12
quincy Wrote:I'm planning on doing a 3 month wwoofing trip in Japan soon, but I'm nervous about actually getting into the country.I don't know anything about wwoof but they really don't want people on tourist visas working, so unless you fancy getting into an argument with the immigration guy whether volunteer work is classed as work... i wouldn't mention it. Even mentioning a homestay they could ask "do you know these people?", "how did you organise it?"etc.
Personally I would print out a list of random hotels and put it in your bag, and tell them you are coming to see Kyoto and Hiroshima. I also wouldn't carry any wwoof documents, print them out once you are in the country.
Landing Permission in Japan - Devodev - 2010-11-14
Just say you're there for siteseeing, or a homestay like you mentioned. I've done WWOOFing in Japan for several months on two different occasions and never had any problems with them letting me in or out of the country with my 90 day visa.
Landing Permission in Japan - loonytik - 2010-11-16
How persistent are they with asking/checking? I haven't got any experience with any immigration/border guys at all. Cause till now all my trips has been in Europe(with the car no plane). Would suck if I get rejected and sent back=/ costy plaintickets are costy! I live in the Netherlands and I can get a 90 day visa(with landing permission thingy)
I am thinking about doing WWOOFing in Japan in the period july-aug. So that's why I am asking.
Landing Permission in Japan - quincy - 2010-11-16
From what I hear, Japan is one of the easier countries to enter if your country has a visa waiver deal with them. They do sometimes interview random people for advance screening, and if you say anything about wwoof they'll send you off.
Landing Permission in Japan - wildweathel - 2010-11-16
Fortunately, there's a WWOOF Japan that has a page on immigration:
http://www.wwoofjapan.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=762&Itemid=237&lang=ja
And, in English:
http://www.wwoofjapan.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=762&Itemid=237&lang=en
So, you "should" be good for a short-term visa. I can't imagine that it is a good idea to be evasive or go into an immigration interview hoping that "they don't probe too much."
Seriously, do not lie. Do not evade. And do not make stuff up. Let the official decide what information he wants, but be ready to support your answers with paper. And, do not argue. Answer questions truthfully and leave your opinion (is this work or not) out of it. Your opinion does not matter.
Go ahead and put "homestay at Japanese organic farm" on the Purpose line. I'd also bring
-- The "About WWOOF" page.
-- Your e-mails with your host. (shows that they're expecting you)
-- A copy of your return ticket. (shows that you're ready to leave when your time is up)
-- Your latest bank statement (shows that you can provide your own cash)
If asked the million-dollar question "will you be working?" answer "I will help (raise chickens/plant soba/build a barn/etc), but I won't be paid."
Landing Permission in Japan - loonytik - 2010-11-16
I have read that page.I searched every crook and cram of that site lol..
http://forum.koohii.com/showthread.php?pid=57175#pid57175 shows another story. It might also be that he did the visa run trick.. There are success stories in that thread aswell.But still it about 800-1200 euro on stakes of the plane-ticket. If I will get sent back. I can provide all those infos you stated though... But if you get a grumpy border patrol guy. Who knows what can happen
wildweathel I am wondering did you did WWOOF once(or multiple times?)
To bad The Netherlands doesn't have a Holiday work agreement yet with Japan. Than I didn't feel the need to worry about it haha.
Landing Permission in Japan - quincy - 2010-11-16
"Sightseeing; recreation; sports; visiting relatives, friends, or acquaintances; visiting a sick person; attending a wedding or funeral ceremony; participating in athletic tournaments, contests, etc. as an amateur; business purposes (such as market research, business liaison, business consultations, signing a contract, or providing after-sale service for imported machinery); inspecting or visiting plants, trade fairs, etc.; attending lectures, explanatory meetings, etc.; academic surveys or research presentations; religious pilgrimages or visits; friendship visits to sister cities, sister schools, etc.; or other similar activities during a short period of stay in Japan."
Honestly, I don't feel like Wwoofing really fits under any of these except "or similar" which means it's already a stretch. Has anyone here actually gone through one of these interviews? Or better yet, has anyone actually had an interview, said they would be wwoofing, and been allowed in?