do i need a visa when going to hong kong and transiting through japan? do we actually clear customs or just change planes? if we are just changing planes what is the purpose of a visa? we are travelling on NWA coming from Honolulu to Tokyo and then on to Hong Kong. anyone been on this flight?

Thanks!

No, you don't need a transit visa for Japan. You don't clear customs because you won't be entering the country, just changing planes.

N/W is all in one tight area---a round terminal with gates all around...you do not leave that immediate area...toilets in the basement by the way...small food and drink outlet at outrageous prices...you just follow the leader there...you do have to have your hand luggage screened again, which has develped to be quite a pain and long lines although they move quickly...

US passport holders don't need a visa for Hong Kong or Japan, even if you are entering.

actually i was asking for my wife, she has a brazilian passport and a US Green Card.

Am pretty sure she needs an entry visa (this question was asked recently for a Brazilian spouse, maybe you). You are visiting Japan, too, aren't you? Better call the Japanese embassy or a consulate near you. The Brazilian embassy in the U.S. may be able to answer the question.

I am that same person. She got the tourist visa for Japan, but we were given tickets to go to Hong Kong for our 1 year wedding anniversay so was wondering if she needed another visa to transit through Japan. The Japan embassy said either she can get a transit visa or hope the immigration officer gives her a landing permit. I know the visa doesn't guarantee entrance, but it's safer than taking the chance. The transit visa is only $7, so will just go with that.