Sigi Rindler wrote:

> Don't rely on any info here and call the US embassy. Things can change 
> within a single day, and most won't be aware of it. You don't want to get 
> stuck at the airport and lose your ticket....

Yes, I suggested that to the person who asked me, but she said they are 
currently charging 1500 yen to respond to a phone call (as well as 
probably keeping people hanging on for hours before they get any kind of 
response at all, if my experience of embassies is anything to go by).

Admittedly, 1500 yen is better than losing one's ticket (not to mention 
prebooked accommodation, etc., at the other end), but as you say things 
can change from day to day, and just because someone at the embassy said 
it's OK won't necessarily cut any ice with the people at the airport. 
After all, what someone says in a phone call isn't real, tangible proof 
of anything.

I was wondering if they had some online information or perhaps a 
brochure stating current visa requirements, that one could point to as 
being authoritative.

John
http://rarebooksinjapan.org