Hongkonger denied entry to Japan for speeding

An online post recently went viral after a Hong Kong resident was refused entry into Japan due to a speeding violation during a previous trip to Hokkaido. A travel veteran stated that the individual could be prohibited from entering Japan for up to five years.

The male driver was reportedly traveling at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour above the designated speed limit during a road trip in Hokkaido. Consequently, upon arrival at Osaka recently for a family trip, it was discovered that the driver had been prohibited from entering Japan.

The man was intercepted by immigration officers in Japan. The family contended that the authorities had no right to deny their entry and asserted the government had breached their human rights, as stated by the original poster. 

The family also insisted on reimbursement for the hotel and restaurant reservations, but later decided to return to Hong Kong and file a claim with their travel insurance.

Exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h results in driving-offence points and fines of up to 100,000 yen (about HK$5,300). 

The original poster stated that holding an international license does not exempt one from penalties. He warned that anyone caught speeding could face a five-year entry ban or even be blacklisted for life in severe cases.

Steve Huen Kwok-chuen, founder and executive director of EGL Tours, stated that affected individuals could be barred from entry for at least three to five years. 

He emphasized the seriousness of speeding offenses, noting that Japan does not disclose specific entry ban regulations.

Regarding insurance claims, Huen remarked that no insurance company would cover such cases.