Do I need to buy a return flight?

[LoveryJ]

I will be going to Japan on a student visa which I am still waiting to apply for and have yet to book flights. Do I need to purchase a return flight to prove that I have the means to return? The only problem is that at the current moment I have no real idea of a set date to return as I may spend extra time once my period of study study (9 months) has finished.

I am guessing open return flights will me mighily expensive. Would it be better if I buy a cheap return ticket and buy a single flight ticket when I am in Japan if I wish to come back to the UK on a different date?

[dzug]

Your best bet is to buy a cheap return that allows you (for a fee) to change the return date. Cheaper than an open return, and probably cheaper than singles.

You do need a return ticket to enter as a tourist without a visa - whether a visa exempts you from this is not clear.
You will need to ask for an authoritative answer when you apply for your visa - you will have to attend the Embassy or Consulate to do so.

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