Effective November 20, 2007. All foreign nationals enetering Japan will be subject to the new immigration control system procedure.

Japan has amended parts of their immigration control and refugee recognition act, The revised law contains a new provision for the establishement of framework for the preventive measures against acts of terrorism. As part of this framework, a new anti-terrorism mmeasure is to be implemented, which requires the submission of personal identification information at immigration control.

New Immigration Procedures:
I. Submit passport to immigration control officer
II. Provide finger prints
III. Provide a facial phot
IV. The immigration control officer will conduct a short interview

Anyone refusing to be fingerprinted and photographed will not be permitted to enter Japan, and will be required to leave the country.

Exceptions/Does not Apply To:
1. Passengers in transit
2. Special permanent residents
3. Persons under 16 years of age
4. Persons performing activities which fall under the status residence for "Diplomat" or "Officer"
5. persons who have been invited by the head of any national administrative organization
6. People who are prescribed by the Ministry of Justice ordinance as equivalent to either (3) or (4)

For questions or information on Japan new immigration procedures please visit

http://www.immi-moi.go.jp/english/