Flying to Japan - One Way from Cairns (No Visa)

Hello everyone,

Just checking on peoples knowledge and experience of flying into Japan with a One-Way ticket and having no Visa.

I am a UK passport holder, leaving Australia after a 2 year WHV and have book a flight from Cairns to Osaka.

I've always travelled openly, so with no time constraints so i wanted to head to Japan with on on-ward ticket

Would this be a problem with boarding the plane at Cairns or when passing through immigration in Osaka?

I do plan to move, to either Korea or Hong Kong but not sure how long i'd like to stay in Japan. Could be 2 weeks could be 6. That's why i don't want to be tied down with flights you see.

Any help appreciate guys

Haven't actually entered Japan with a one-way ticket but I have heard they like you to have either a return ticket or enough money to support yourself - possibly for the maximum term of the visa (90 days)
The entry form does ask for details of the departure flight

The first problem will be the airline,,,when you check in in Australia.They are responsible if you are refused entry (they would have to fly you back,and they would also be fined).

So..they may insist that you have a 'ticket out' of Japan before letting you board.

Personally,I'd buy a cheap ticket out in advance...eg cheapest flight you can find to Korea,for (say) a month or two after you arrive.Then either use it or just throw it away.

Alternatively..wait until you get to the airport,see what they say in Cairns..if they insist,then buy that ticket on the spot.But it will probably cost you more then.

A budget airline Osaka-Busan ticket would be something like 50 euros,if you book in advance..maybe even less.

Yes, it almost certainly will be an obstacle leaving Australia, although immigration in Japan probably won't care. The airlines get fined if people are rejected and they tend to take no chances. I've heard several stories of Jetstar flights from Aus insisting people buy onward tickets before they can check in.
Look for a ticket you can cancel, or a very cheap ticket out of Japan.

As others have said, your main problem will be the check in agent in Australia. It's the airlines' responsibility to check that you have an onward ticket. Some airlines will check, some won't. You'll only know when you try and check in.

China Spring Airlines (http://en.ch.com/) is pretty cheap if you want to just book a one way flight out of Japan before you get to the airport.
I've found a Nagoya-Changzhou flight on 10 April for USD 65 o/w. Lots of other deals like that around.

I've never flown to Japan on a one-way ticket before, but did enter the country by boat on a one-way ticket last year. I wasn't allowed to buy a one-way ticket into Japan without showing the boat company's staff that I had a flight ticket out of Japan booked. It wouldn't surprise me if you have similar issues with your airline flying into Japan; you might want to get in touch with the airline and ask them.

If you want my suggestion, just stay for 6 weeks in Japan, rather than 2. It's a fabulous country.

Thanks for all your responses guys, much appreciated!

I think the best option is a cheap ticket to South Korea or Hong Kong!

Looking forward to it, just realised i land right in the middle of Golden Week so the Japan is going to be jumping! Cant wait

Any advice on Osaka places to see and do appreciated!

There is not a massive amount of interest in Osaka for me..depends on your interests I guess.Plenty of good food and shopping,some western style 'attractions' (theme parks,aquariums etc) and not much traditional Japan.

If you are into big city and modern Japan,I find Tokyo a lot more interesting.

One thing for Golden Week...if you are intending to stay in Kyoto,book your accommodation now.If there is still anything left to book ;-)

In Japan they will not ask you about ticket,to boost tourism they were advised not to bother travelers.
At the point of your departure you may try to sign declaration,that you would cover the costs - of refused entry;if not - buy cheap ticket to S.korea or HK(Vanilla Air?)on the spot using smart phone and credit card.
Do not buy ticket to China if you do not have China visa.

I would certainly never plan on doing this, but if you ever do encounter absolute resistance from an airline clerk with a one-way ticket, then you can offer to sign an indemnity promising to bear all the airline's costs if you are denied entry on arrival. Not sure all airlines have these forms handy, but you can always ask as a last-ditch measure.

Thanks so much for the advice so far guys, it is much appreciated.

I have been looking for cheap flights and the cheapest i can find is about 70 USD - which is not too bad.

Do you think if i purchased a Visa that would make any difference?

Would i still need a ongoing flight?

I don't think that would make any difference to the airline.....

US$70 is pretty good for a flight out of Japan..don't think you will get it a lot cheaper than that.

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