Ghanaians traveling to Japan are facing alarming rates of entry denial, raising concerns over the treatment of African travelers at Japan’s borders. Despite undergoing a rigorous visa application process, many are turned away upon arrival, often under distressing circumstances.
Several Ghanaians denied entry have shared similar experiences, with Japanese immigration officials reportedly questioning them with statements like, “What has happened in Ghana?”—implying a presumption that they intend to seek asylum. Only a few frequent travelers have been permitted entry, while first-time visitors have faced outright rejection.
A Ghanaian returnee who spoke to SVTV Africa revealed that around 20 African travelers from various countries were denied entry during his trip. Many of them were treated poorly, with their passports seized, constant surveillance by multiple security personnel, and detention in a restricted area. Travelers also reported being made to buy their own food and shower in cold water, despite chilly weather conditions.
Adding to the ordeal, returnees claim they were made to sign documents written only in Japanese, with no English translations provided.
Rising Asylum Concerns
It is suspected that these entry denials are linked to Japan’s growing apprehension about asylum seekers. Immigration officials reportedly believe that some travelers, including Ghanaians, might overstay their visas to seek asylum. One traveler revealed that he was advised to apply for a working visa instead of entering as a tourist, despite his intention to simply visit for a holiday.
However, data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) contradicts this assumption. Ghana does not rank among the top 50 countries seeking asylum in other parts of the world. Instead, nations such as Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Pakistan lead the list of asylum seekers in Japan.
To mitigate financial losses from denied entries, some airlines now require passengers traveling to Japan to make a refundable deposit of $150 to $300. This deposit is used to cover the cost of changing a return ticket should the traveler be denied entry.
The cost of an Accra-Tokyo round-trip ticket is approximately $1,400 (GHS 23,000), making a denied entry a significant financial burden for travelers.
While Japan’s immigration policies are strict, common reasons for denial include having a criminal record, providing insufficient documentation during the visa application, or appearing unable to financially sustain oneself during the visit. However, the final decision lies with immigration officials at the port of entry, as a valid visa does not guarantee entry.
Given the high risk of denial, Ghanaians traveling to Japan are advised to ensure they have sufficient documentation to prove their purpose of visit and financial capability. Frequent travelers may have a better chance of entry compared to first-time visitors.
