Connecting flight in Tokyo-Narita: need visa?

[peterh]

I just booked a ticket for my fiancee to fly from PVG -> NRT -> MSP for March. I've made that flight numerous times, but I hadn't considered that maybe it's because I'm a U.S. citizen. And I'll be travelling with her.

 

Will she have any problems connecting through Narita? I'm fairly certain not, but I'd hate to have overlooked something like this. This is from Delta's website, which is a bit confusing on connections through Japan for Chinese citizens:

 

Visa required, except for

- holders of Hong Kong (SAR China) passports and Macao (SAR

China) passports. In all other cases:

TWOV (Transit Without Visa):

Visa required, except for Holders of onward tickets for a max.

 

transit TIRULES/R32 time of 72 hours.

 

 

So, since she's got an onward ticket for that same day, I'm guessing she's okay. I think she'd even be okay if there was a mechanical problem/storm, and Delta put us in a hotel for a night. Can anyone confirm? I'm just being overly paranoid. Thanks.

Edited January 19, 2012 by dnoblett (see edit history)

[foobaz123]

I believe you're correct. A better site would be Japan's immigration service.

 

That said, to stay in Japan as a visitor a visa is required. To Transit I don't believe it is.

[DongDong]

My wife (K-1 at the time) didn't need a visa in 2008. She flew from Guangzhou to Narita and then on to Minneapolis. Good Luck!

[dnoblett]

If connecting, and not leaving the international terminal, then NO visa needed for Japan.

 

If first time traveling to the USA using a visa: http://www.timaticweb.com/cgi-bin/tim_website_client.cgi?SpecData=1&VISA=&page=visa&NA=CN&AR=00&PASSTYPES=PASS&DE=US&TR=JP&user=DL&subuser=DELTAB2C

 

Future trips traviling to the USA using a green-card: http://www.timaticweb.com/cgi-bin/tim_website_client.cgi?SpecData=1&VISA=&page=visa&NA=CN&AR=US&PASSTYPES=PASS&DE=US&TR=JP&user=DL&subuser=DELTAB2C

[pbatt]

I have made the MSP-Narita-China and beyond dozens of times. She does not need a visa, she just transfers to other connecting flights which means she goes through a security check again, but she never leaves the terminal and her bags are automatically transferred. Good Luck

[Cerberus]

Peterh, "

 

DNoblett is absolutely correct. As long as you don't exit the immigration "secure" zone; you will have no problems.

 

I can't remember, but you better-half might check with information. I believe that there are short-term layover hotels wirhin this zone . Depending on layover time;she/you can get a place to shower, sleep a few hours, etc. I apologize that it is a while since I flew through Narita. The last time I went through they are very similar to Bangkok. These hotel are very inconspicious, so please ask.

 

They are not the Hilton. However! A great place to hang your for a couple of hours and "recoop." Frequent Flier mileage does drop the cost a bit. Not bragging, but I hit Platium Execuetive status. I am consistently reminded of these perks by the Club. If a lower class the price goes up.

 

The food in Narita is a killer; and she will need extra cash. I mean even for noodle soup. Since she is in the zone; I suggest she pack some pastries/quick food from China. No fresh fruit, since Japanese are really leery of fresh goods from China. My wife has flown this route and gotten away with some quick microwave noodles.

 

Getting lost in Narita is almost an impossibility. The Japanese have a system to guide every traveler, no matter what language they speak. If you wife gets lost, have her ask one of these escort ladies, or merely show them the tickets. Sadly; the Japanese make this system foolproof,while in LAX/La Guardia we are left to our own devices.

 

Your wife's problems will be in the US. Basically, at the very first point of Customs/Immigations entry point. Now! Problems begin!I would suggest concentrating very hard in this area. That is when it gets really daunting. I have the same problems with a 7-year married Chinese wife, with all the proper approved paperwork, passports, visa, etc.

 

I would suggest to have a nearly complete Visa paket in her hands, which is very similar to the enclosed brown envelope. I'm just thinking pro-active. My own wife, which arrived in 2004; will have bank and savings account statements, a copy of the appeoved Extended Stay document, 991 and Passport.

 

Such is the cross we bear as American husbands, for our Chinese wives.

 

Dave

[pbatt]

once she gets to MSP she needs to go to the far right to go through customs. I believe is still number 2 aisle.Number 1 is for flight crew. Good Luck

[Hobber]

If connecting, and not leaving the international terminal, then NO visa needed for Japan.

 

Last month we flew from Hong Kong to Portland. We changed plane in Tokyo-Narita. You do not need a visa in this situation.

 

No worries

[peterh]

Great! Thanks, everyone.

[NickF]

ChunMei flew through there last Wednesday with no problems whatsoever. And ANA even held her flight to Guangzhou for her when her flight from San Francisco was late.