Entry into Japan with a criminal record

As the result of a plea deal for a DUI, I received a misdemeanor for exhibition of speed in California. This was good for me, but it is still a criminal offence and on my permanent record. I traveled to Jpana in November of 2009 as a tourist. I elected to be honest by filling out my landing card with a 'Yes' to the question regarding a criminal conviction. The border guard seemed surprised that I had checked it. So a man came over an escorted me to a room and questioned me about the incident. I told him it was for speeding and that I paid a fine and spent no time in jail. He had me write this down, went to his superior and then I was free to go. He explained that if you are inadmissible if you were convicted of a crime requiring more than one year in jail. This all took less than 10 minutes, but was a little scary to say the least. Had I not mentioned it, I don't think they would have known. It didn't appear that they had access to any records. Honesty is a good policy, but it can cause a headache sometimes. That being said, be untruthful can cause bigger problems than the incident you are intending to hide. In addition, I've visited Taiwan since my 'incident' and had no problem whatsoever. Didn't ask me anything. With Canada, I wouldn't risk it. I've had friends get problems going thorough the border. They have access to U.S. citizen records so it will be problematic. Better to file for rehabilitation first. Hope this helps.

I had a drug related record from over ten years ago, no jail time. I filled the disembarkment card honestly and was refused to enter Japan. I think reason was partly that I traveled alone and maybe I seemed vague about reasons for entering. But like other have stated it's up to the immigration officer in charge to decide in the end, and if in doubt they go by the book. I had to return to Europe next day, it was a pain, but at least I learned a few things talking with the immigration officers on day for return. It's mostly European and North American visitors that fill in disembarkment cards honestly, most Asian visitors will pretend they are clean and can enter. It's a faulty system, making it beneficial to be dishonest. It's something to take into consideration.

I would like to try going to Japan again, but I am advised to apply for visa by embassy. Having visa is no guarantee for entering, so it's a bit turnoff thinking about going through the painful experience again.

Does anyone like to share experience about reentering after a departion?

Thanks for this nice thread.

Here is one more advice I got that I forgot to say in previous post. You can theoretically try entering again despite being departed before and hope the immigration officer will accept you. If immigration officer let you in once, next time they will notice you have entered before and chances improve you can enter again. Of course it depends on severity of your old mistake. In my case it was bad luck I could not enter. So there is in other word one carrot for trying the honest route.

And one more thing 2. Ask about your chances about appealing decision if they deny you entering after filling embarkment card honestly. I was told it was possible for me to appeal on day of department, but it was too late by then.. doh.

Best of luck. :(

(My English is not native, deal with it.)