New Anti-Terrorism Security Requirements for Visitors to Japan
Posted Nov 30, 2007
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New security measures were implemented November 20, 2007 with regard to all visitors to Japan as part of efforts made by the Japanese government to prevent terrorism. While this concerns Japan's immigration laws and not U.S. immigration laws, it may be of interest to MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers planning to travel. Under Japan's new immigration procedures, when a foreign national arrives in Japan, fingerprints and a facial photograph are taken at the port of entry by an immigration officer, similar to the procedures for nonimmigrants at U.S. airports.
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Fingerprints, Photos, and Questions at Japanese Port of Entry
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All foreign nationals who are not special permanent residents, under 16 years of age, holding the status of 'Diplomat' or 'Official,' invited by the head of any national administrative organization of Japan, or others specifically exempted from the requirements by the Ministry of Justice, are required to undergo the new immigration procedures upon arrival in Japan. A person seeking entry into Japan is asked to provide his or her passport and to place both index fingers on a digital fingerprint reader. A facial photograph then is taken, and the individual is asked several questions regarding the purpose of his or her visit. If one seeking entry is unable to provide fingerprints s/he will need to state the reason, which will be considered by the immigration officer. A typical example of this would be a person who is missing fingers. If the individual does not comply with these requirements, entry to Japan will be denied.
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Conclusion
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The Japanese government has indicated that it will use modern technology to safely store personal information on visitors to that country, which will not be shared with any outside agencies or other entities. The new immigration requirements for entry to Japan are a measure put into place to prevent terrorism and are similar to U.S. measures for border protection. Visitors to Japan should understand the importance of compliance with these new rules and prepare to comply with them upon arrival.