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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: September 5, 2006 8:25
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Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:45
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1. INTRODUCTION
Section 7 of this Travel Report has been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Most Canadian visitors to Japan do not experience problems. Crime against foreigners is low. Petty crime occurs in larger cities, particularly in entertainment districts. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure passports and travel documents are secure.
Tourists and foreign residents may obtain help and referrals (in English) via telephone hotlines. The Tokyo English Lifeline provides counselling and referrals (tel.: 03-3968-4099). The Japan Helpline offers similar services (tel.: 01-2046-1997). Additional referrals may be obtained from the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo or the Consulate General of Canada in Osaka.
The Japanese government implemented heightened security measures in July 2005 at key facilities, including public transportation and ports of entry.
For emergency services, dial 110 for Police and 119 for Fire and Ambulance.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Traffic drives on the left. Travel by motor vehicle is challenging. Roads are narrow, signs are in Japanese, and city traffic is congested. Turning on a red light is not permitted unless specifically authorized. Roads in mountainous areas are often closed during winter. Travel by taxi can be difficult. Have your destination written in Japanese.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Japan is located in an active seismic zone and also has active volcanoes. Tsunamis can occur. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo or the Consulate General of Canada in Osaka in the event of an emergency.
The typhoon season extends from June to September. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. You are advised to visit the Web site of the Japan Meteorological Agency for information on weather conditions.
Snow storms occur in western Honshu and Hokkaido from December to March.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. In most drug cases, suspects are denied oral or written communication with anyone other than their lawyer or a Canadian consular representative. Those arrested, even for a minor offence, may be held in detention for weeks or months during the investigation and legal proceedings.
You should be aware that regulations require foreign nationals who visit Japan to provide detailed information when checking in at lodging facilities such as hotels and inns. The purpose of the registration is to assist in preventing infectious diseases and terrorism. The required information includes name, address, occupation, nationality, and passport number. You must also allow your passports to be photocopied.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following addresses:
Effective June 1, 2006, all passport services for Canadians in Japan will be centralized at the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo. Canadians in Japan will be required to submit their passport applications to the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo. For detailed information regarding the provision of Passport and Consular services in Japan, please visit: http://www.consul.japan.gc.ca.
Japan - TOKYO, Embassy of Canada
Address: 3-38 Akasaka 7-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 107-8503
Tel.: 81 (3) 5412-6200
Fax: 81 (3) 5412-6289
E-mail: tokyo@international.gc.ca
Internet: www.tokyo.gc.ca
Japan - OSAKA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Daisan Shoho Building, 12F, 2-2-3, Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel.: 81 (6) 6212-4910
Fax: 81 (6) 6212-4914
E-mail: osaka@international.gc.ca
Limited consular services (providing citizenship application forms and limited notary services) are available from the Consulate of Canada in Hiroshima and the Consulate of Canada in Sapporo at the following addresses:
Japan - HIROSHIMA, Consulate of Canada
Address: c/o Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc., 4-33 Komachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken, Japan 730-8701
Tel.: 81 (82) 246-0057
Fax: 81 (82) 246-0057
Japan - SAPPORO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Tokyo Tatemono Sapporo Bldg. 2F, 20 Kita-7 Nishi-2, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan 060-0807
Tel.: 81 (11) 726-2863
Fax: 81 (11) 726-2863
Limited consular services (providing limited informational and notary services) are available from the Consulate of Canada in Fukuoka and the Consulate of Canada in Nagoya at the following addresses:
Japan - FUKUOKA, Consulate of Canada
Address: FT Building, 9F, 4-8-28 Watanabe-Dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken, Japan 810-0004
Tel.: 81 (92) 752-6055
Fax: 81 (92) 752-6077
E-mail: fkoka@international.gc.ca
Japan - NAGOYA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Nakato Marunouchi Building, 6F, 3-17-6 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan 460-0002
Tel.: 81 (52) 972-0450
Fax: 81 (52) 972-0453
E-mail: ngoya@international.gc.ca
When calling from within Japan, the area code is preceded by a 0 (for example, 03 for Tokyo then followed by local number). There is no 0 when calling from outside Japan. An area code is not dialled if the call is being placed to a cellular phone.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 001-010-800-2326-6831 (KDDI), 0041-010-800-2326-6831 (Nippon Telecom), or 0061-010-800-2326-6831 (Cable & Wireless IDC).
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access numbers from Japan are 00539-161 and 0066-55-161, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Japanese authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on January 25, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Japan and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Japan. The passport must be valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the country. You should check passport validity requirements for the countries through which you are transiting, and if you are travelling onwards from Japan to other destinations, you should verify the entry requirements of each country you expect to visit. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians travelling onwards from Japan to other Asian destinations have been denied boarding due to insufficient validity on their passports.Under Japanese law, foreign visitors are required to carry their passport at all times while in the country. Police are authorized to ask foreigners to produce their passport or proof of residency in Japan. Passports should never be turned over to unauthorized persons.
Canadians must be in possession of a return airline ticket, confirmed accommodation arrangements, and proof of sufficient funds. Canadians have been refused entry into Japan due to their inability to satisfy the immigration authorities that they were in compliance with Japanese laws and immigration regulations concerning residence and employment. Non-compliance with entry requirements may result in deportation or considerable delays. Several Canadians recruited to work in Japan were not fully informed concerning the conditions of employment and were required to mislead Japanese immigration authorities.
Entry permits for tourists are for a maximum of 90 days. Overstaying an entry permit or any other type of Japanese visa is a criminal offence. If you overstay your visa you will be subject to deportation and may be barred from re-entry to Japan.
Canadian business travellers require a business visa if they will receive compensation for work carried out while in Japan that is not part of their regular salary. For further information, contact the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa or one of the Consulates prior to departure.
If you are considering employment in Japan you must obtain a work visa from the Japanese government. A number of Canadians have sought employment or have been recruited for employment as bar hostesses. Visas will not be issued for this purpose, and an offer of employment that does not meet Japanese immigration requirements cannot be legitimately made or accepted. Working without an appropriate visa is illegal; if caught, you may be subject to imprisonment, a fine, and/or deportation. Canadians considering employment offers in Japan should contact the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa or one of the Consulates.
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the yen. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at major banks and hotels. Credit cards are accepted in major cities. ATMs are widely available, but some do not accept foreign debit cards.
Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Japan (capital: Tokyo) is an island chain located in East Asia between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The official language is Japanese. English is spoken in major hotels and shops catering to tourists. Tourist facilities are widely available.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Canadians who are not covered for medical/health services by their Japanese employers should carry full medical coverage for their stay. Medical services are usually much more expensive than in Canada and many hospitals and doctors are private. Foreign patients are normally required to pay in advance or produce documentation that the bill will be paid prior to discharge. Some medical facilities will accept medical insurance issued by credit card companies. The normal procedure involves immediate cash payment and subsequent reimbursement from the insurance agents in Canada.
Travellers can bring a one-month supply of prescription medication or a two-month supply of non-prescription medication into Japan if the medication does not contain narcotics. Prescription medication must be accompanied by the doctor's prescription stating the patient's full name, address, reason for use, and dosage. The bearer of the medication must present a detailed listing of the contents of the medication. Travellers who wish to bring in larger supplies of medication or bring in prescription medication that contains narcotics must apply in advance for import certification. Application should be made several months prior to arrival. Further information can be found on the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare's Web site.
Medical referrals can be obtained by calling Himawari, a free medical information service provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Centre at 03-5285-8181. The Himawari hours of operation are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. A list of medical clinics and doctors is also available by contacting the Embassy of Canada or nearest consulate (see above).
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Adoption by foreigners is subject to very stringent controls. Adoption of Japanese children by foreigners in Japan is extremely rare.
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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