Japan and Criminal Convictions
Japan has a reputation as a low-crime society. Part of the reason for this has to do with the fact that it’s got a harsh justice system. The country has a greater than 99% conviction rate, which beats some authoritarian countries, and unlike in other nations, the inquisitorial system means that judges are not always totally neutral parties.
How does this impact you if you're not from Japan? Well, if you want to travel there for work or pleasure, you'll find the nation's tough-on-criminals philosophy also applies to its immigration and entry laws.
Getting Into Japan
Certain offences increase your likelihood of being denied. For instance, things like minor drug charges, misdemeanours, and felonies are typically no-go crimes. As a general rule, you'll have trouble with any conviction that included a sentence of a year or more in jail.
To be clear, having a conviction on your record won't keep you from entering Japan for life. You will, however, have to jump through extra hoops. For instance, you'll likely need:
- A passport and an entry visa or waiver of restrictions: Getting the right documentation is a normal requirement for all travellers.
- Permission from the authorities that charged you: This usually takes the form of a formal written letter from your local court or police.
- Consulate or embassy approval: If you travel without this, you might be detained even after going through the other steps! While you might get a visa or waiver with a criminal record, you typically can't do so at the point of entry. Contacting the Japanese consulate in your nation of origin is a must.
Pointers on Travelling to Japan With a Criminal Record
So how can you maximize your odds before you reach the border? It helps to think like an immigration official.
The reason you’re more likely to be admitted if you talk to the embassy first is simple. Doing so shows you’re less of a risk for committing crimes in Japan.
The bottom line is that Japanese immigration agents can deny entry to anyone with a criminal record. Speak to AllCleared about getting a suspension. You might improve your odds of being able to travel to Japan with a criminal record.
