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These countries and regions are eligible for visa-free travel to Japan

Who's ready for October 11? Independent travellers from these 68 countries and regions can visit Japan without a visa

After last week’s major announcement that independent tourists can finally visit Japan visa-free from October 11 , we’ve all been wondering which countries and regions would be included in the visa exemption list. In the latest border rules update released by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan , foreign nationals from 68 countries and regions who wish to enter Japan for a short-term visit (up to 90 days) no longer need to apply for a visa. At the same time, tourists can visit Japan freely for tourism purposes without going through a travel agency.

Starting Tuesday October 11 , the following 68 countries and regions no longer need to apply for a visa when travelling to Japan. Do note that the period of stay varies and there may be additional conditions. You’ll find more details here .

• Republic of Korea
• Hong Kong 

North America

• United States

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Chile 
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• New Zealand

Middle East

• United Arab Emirates
• Mauritius 
• Czech Republic
• North Macedonia
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Tourists from China, Russia, CIS countries (including Georgia), the Philippines and Vietnam must still apply for a visa before visiting Japan. For more information, visit here .

Note: these are the countries and regions listed on the MOFA page  as of September 26 at 6pm.

Are you travelling to Japan on or after October 11? Read our guide on visa-free travel, valid vaccines, PCR tests and more  here . 

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Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas.

Visa exemptions are currently made for citizens of sixty-eight (68) different countries provided that their stays are within ninety (90) days, for sightseeing purposes only and that they do not engage in activities where they earn compensation.

This page provides information on short stays. Visa conditions are periodically revised, therefore, make sure to check the Visa section in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Visa / Residing in Japan for the latest and detailed information on standard visas or visas other than for those for short stay programs.

Countries that require visas

Nationals of countries that do not have “Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangements” with Japan must obtain a visa. Please see the information below if you are a visitor from a country that does not fall under the sixty-eight countries with the visa exemption.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Philippines Visa

To apply for a visa, please check Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Visa application form

As the type of documents required for the application may differ according to the purpose of your visit, the applicant is advised to check with the Japanese Embassy or consulate beforehand.

For the list of Embassy or Consulates in your country, please check here – JNTO: Japanese Consulates Abroad

*All information is correct as of January, 2018. Independent research is always advised for the most up-to-date and relevant information.

Also visit: Visa Consular Services | Embassy of Japan to the Philippines

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Japan details October's full tourism reopening: 6 things to know

All 68 visa exemptions restored; vaccines on WHO emergency list will be accepted

TOKYO -- Japan on Monday provided details of its full-scale tourism reopening, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's announcement last week.

The country will allow visa-free entry for visitors from 68 countries and regions, as it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, there will be some coronavirus-related hoops to jump through, such as providing proof of vaccination.

Japan's travel and retail sectors buoyed by border reopening plan

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Japan Tourist Visa: Requirements and Application Process

Published: March 18, 2024

A Japanese tourist visa is required for all non-visa-exempt nationalities and those who are not eligible for eVisa. Japan tourist visa application can only be lodged in person at a Japanese embassy in your country of nationality or residence.

Quick summary:

• Who requires it: Foreign nationals that are not visa-exempt
• Validity: 3 months, single-entry
• Allowed stay: up to 90 days
• Extensions: not allowed
• Processing time: 5 business days
• Fee: 3000 JPY or less

Read the Japan Visa Guide for more general advice about available visas for tourists, eligibility, and procedures.

Table of Contents

Understanding japan tourist visa.

Tourist visa validity

Japan single entry visa is valid for 3 months. You cannot extend this period of validity and if you change your passport before you use it, you must apply for a new visa.

Duration of stay

In most cases, the duration of allowed stay inside Japan is 90 days. In some cases, it can be lower, about 15 or 30 days.

Allowed number of entries

The standard Japanese tourist visa is a single entry only.

Multiple entry tourist visas are also issued but only to select nationalities with additional requirements.

Allowed ports of entry

With a Japanese tourist visa, you can enter Japan at any international airport or seaport.

When to apply

The processing time is 5 business days after the visa application is deemed complete by the receiving embassy. This can in turn take a few extra days or even up to 2 weeks.

It can take even longer if additional documents are requested from you or your application is sent for further review. Apply well in advance to ensure you receive the visa before your travel dates.

• Earliest : 3 months before traveling
• Latest : 2 weeks before traveling

Tourist visa extension

Extensions are not possible for either visa validity or allowed duration of stay.

Benefits of Japan tourist visa

Japan tourist visa offers VISA-FREE access to 14 countries. Read the VISA-FREE countries for Japan visa for more details.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements

Who requires a tourist visa

The following nationalities require a tourist visa to travel to Japan

• Nationalities that are NOT visa-exempt (currently, 70 countries are visa-exempt)
• Nationals that are NOT eligible for Japan eVisa (currently, nationals and residents of 14 countries are eligible for eVisa)

North Korean nationals are not eligible for Japanese visas and are always denied entry.

Documents required

The following are the required documents for a Japan single entry visa for individual tourists (not on organized tours through travel agencies):

• Passport valid for the duration of stay
• One passport-size photo
• Completed Visa Application Form (use Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out the Visa application form digitally, then print it and stick the passport photo)
• Confirmation of reservation of tickets (air or sea) both to and from Japan OR Information about the planned schedule of flight or cruise, including entry and departure dates both to and from Japan
• Proof of sufficient funds – certificate of income or tax statement AND bank statement
• Travel Itinerary plus any tickets or leaflets supporting your travel plans

The documents may vary depending on the receiving embassy and you may be requested to submit additional ones.

NOTE There are minor differences in the required documents for independent tourists from China, Russia, CIS countries, Georgia, and the Philippines. These are listed below.

Chinese travelers

Generally, Chinese tourists visiting Japan come on tours organized by authorized travel agencies.

As an independent Chinese traveler, it is possible to obtain a tourist visa for Japan if you have sufficient financial capability.

You must prepare your own travel itinerary in advance and approach an approved Chinese travel agency to facilitate and lodge the visa application for you. There is currently no way to apply at a Japanese embassy in China independently.

The period of stay granted for tourist visas to Chinese nationals is usually 15 or 30 days.

Travelers from Russia, CIS Countries, and Georgia

Independent tourists from any of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, Russia, or Georgia traveling to Japan, can obtain a single-entry visa.

The required documents are more or less the same as for other countries but you must submit 2 Visa Application Forms and 2 photos.

Travelers from the Philippines

In addition to the general document requirements, you must also submit:

• Birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (PSA) on security paper. If the certificate is illegible, crumpled, or parts of it are missing, also submit a birth certificate from the local government.
• Marriage certificate (if married)

Photo requirements

The passport photo must meet the following requirements.

• Taken within the last 6 months
• Must be of size 45mm x 35mm
• In color against a plain white background
• Taken looking straight forward and face visible clearly
• On a good quality paper

Tourist visa fee

The fee for the Japan tourist visa is 3000 JPY payable in the local currency of the embassy where you apply.

Visa fees may be lower for some countries.

Online payment for the visa fee is not possible.

Crucially, you don’t need to pay the visa fees when you apply. You will pay only if your Japan visa is approved. Japan is one of the few countries in the world that charge visa application fees after the visa is issued and don’t charge for unsuccessful applications.

Processing time

The processing time is 5 business days. 

However, this period starts after the embassy confirms that your application is complete which is known to take a few days or longer.

In reality, you can expect your visa to be issued within 2 weeks in most cases.

Japan Tourist Visa Application Process

How to apply for a Japan tourist visa

You must apply at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate General with jurisdiction over the area where you live or the one with jurisdiction over the country in which your passport is issued.

Effectively, this means that you must apply in the embassy in your own country or the country where you are legally a resident . 

If there is no Japanese embassy in your country, see which embassy nearby has jurisdiction over your country – it’s usually the closest one in a neighboring country. Check the Japanese embassies and consulates around the world.

Applying for Japan tourist visa at the embassy is usually a 5 step process.

Step 1: Gather all the necessary documents.

Step 2: Apply in person at the Japanese embassy.

Step 3: Remain available to reach – the embassy may request additional documents or an in-person interview.

Step 4: If your application is successful and your visa issued, go back to the embassy to collect your passport

Step 5: Pay the visa fee in cash in the local currency

If your application is rejected, you won’t be able to apply for a tourist visa again for the next 6 months unless there are major changes to your circumstances. There are no other penalties and there is no fee to be paid.

How to contact the Japanese embassy or consulate

Check the website of your Japanese embassy . They have methods of contact listed on their websites.

Alternatively, reach out to the Japan visa information hotline at [email protected] with your nationality or residence and inquiry.

Entry Procedure at the Border

Regardless of the border you enter Japan at, your flight origin, or your nationality, the entry procedure in Japan is pretty much always the same.

The border officer will check that you meet all requirements, including that your visa is valid, your purpose for entering Japan, and the planned length of your stay. 

Assuming everything is in order, the officer will grant you “landing permission” by affixing a seal of verification for landing in your passport. At this point your visa expires and you are allowed to stay in Japan for up to 90 days (or as much as provided in your visa).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is japan visa easy to get.

The Japanese tourist visa is one of the easiest to obtain. There are relatively few required documents, no mandatory interviews, and a high success rate.

If you submit a complete and honest application, the chances of visa approval are high.

Can I apply for a Japan visa online?

Japan also has an eVisa system in place but it’s available only to certain travelers.

You can apply for a Japan visa online (eVisa) if you are a legal resident of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, UAE, the UK or the USA.

A legal resident can be anyone residing in those countries on a student visa, work visa, residence permit, etc.

What is the minimum bank balance for Japan tourist visa?

There is no official guideline for the minimum required bank balance but a rule of thumb is to have at least 100 USD for each day of intended stay in Japan.

For example, if you submit an itinerary for a 15-day trip to Japan, you should show a minimum of 1,500 USD balance in your bank account.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Japan Visa exemptions

Countries that do not require a visa to enter japan.

Under normal circumstances, citizens of more than 60 countries do not require a visa to enter Japan. The visa exemption applies to visitors traveling to Japan short-term. Passport holders of these visa-exempt countries can visit Japan for up to 90 days.

However, Japan has suspended its visa waiver system due to COVID-19. All foreign nationals are currently required to apply for a visa to travel to Japan.

Visa Exemption Agreements usually allow travelers from over 60 countries to travel to Japan without a visa for purposes including tourism, commerce, conferences, or visiting family or friends.

Japan’s visa exemption system is expected to restart once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Japanese Visa-Exempt countries

Due to the suspension of Japan’s visa-exemption system, all foreign nationals need to hold a valid visa to travel to Japan, except for re-entry permit holders.

Under normal circumstances, citizens of the countries listed below can travel without a visa.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand

North America

• United States

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Republic of Korea
• United Arab Emirates

The period of stay granted at the time of arrival in Japan will be 14 days for Brunei, 15 days for Indonesia, and Thailand, and 30 days for the United Arab Emirates.

Travelers from all other listed countries can enter visa-free for 90 days .

Important : Due to COVID-19, all foreign nationals need to hold a valid visa to travel to Japan, except for re-entry permit holders.

Foreigners must meet additional requirements to be granted a visa during COVID-19 restrictions. Travelers should check the latest entry requirements for their nationality.

Japan Visa Applications for Visa-Exempt Travelers During COVID-19

As explained above, visa exemptions for Japan are suspended . Visa-free entry was paused as part of Japan’s COVID-19 measures.

Most foreign nationals need to get a visa through the Japanese embassy or consulate.

Japan eVisa for Canada, U.S., and Taiwan citizens during suspension of visa-exemption

Citizens of Canada , the United States , and Taiwan can now apply for a visa online . Japan’s eVisa was launched in August 2022. American, Canadian, and Taiwanese travelers can take advantage of the electronic visa application system.

The Japan eVisa system is fast and efficient. Citizens of Canada, the U.S., and Taiwan can complete the application form online and receive their approved visa by email.

It is expected that the Japanese eVisa will be extended to nationalities in the near future.

Documents for Visa-Exempt Travel to Japan

To travel to Japan it is necessary to have a machine-readable passport (MRP) in compliance with ICAO standards or an ePassport that is also in compliance with ICAO standards.

Foreign nationals from all countries also need a visa to travel to Japan during the suspension of the visa-exemption system.

Travelers from specified countries can apply online, all other visitors must apply through the embassy.

All foreigners need a visa to stay long-term or work in Japan

A visa is required to engage in paid activities in Japan or to remain in Japan beyond the stipulated stay.

There are many types of visas for Japan available for different purposes, including working and studying in the country .

Applicants must meet the requirements for the visa they are applying for. Supporting documents will be requested. Applications are made through the Japanese embassy or consulate.

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Multiple Entry Visa (for nationals of visa exemption countries/regions)

Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for re-entry cases. Meanwhile, the visa exemption measures for passport holders of countries/regions eligible to visa exemption will be resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

[For entrants until October 10, 2022]

Currently, all foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa before entering the country except for those with re-entry permit. Nationals of visa exemption countries/regions that are currently under temporary suspension will be able to apply for a multiple-entry short-term stay visa for the purposes of business affairs, etc (Note) and for the spouse or child of a Japanese national from September 7.

Target group

• Nationals of visa exemption countries/regions

Types of Visa

Multiple entry short-term stay visa with validity of 1 year and maximum stay of 90 days at a time (business affairs, etc., spouse or child of a Japanese national)

(Note) In some cases, single-entry visa may be issued after examination.

Documents required for application

Business, etc..

• (1) Visa application form
• (2) Passport
• (3) Photograph
• (4) Certificate issued by the ERFS (the one with "Your intention of applying for Multiple Entry Visa" item marked "desired")

Spouse or child of a Japanese national

• (4) Documents certifying that the applicant is a spouse or child of a Japanese national

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Japan to allow visa-free individual tourists from Oct 11

TOKYO - Japan will abolish a slew of Covid-19 border controls from Oct 11, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in New York, in a move that looks set to revive the tourism industry.

Individual visitors will be allowed to enter, and Japan will reinstate visa waivers, Mr Kishida said at a press conference on Thursday in New York. The cap on daily arrivals in Japan will also end, he said.

Japan's move to scrap most restrictions on foreign tourists comes as the country's deadliest wave of the pandemic recedes. It also coincides with the yen slumping to its lowest levels against the dollar in almost a quarter of a century, making the archipelago an inexpensive, attractive destination for visitors from overseas.

Discounts for domestic travel will be introduced at the same time, Mr Kishida added.

After seeing a tourism boom before the pandemic, airlines, hotels and retailers are all seeking to regain the business they lost.

Mr Kishida's cautious attitude to opening up after the first waves of the pandemic won him plaudits from voters still nervous about infections, while business leaders have complained about damage to the economy and urged him to fling the doors open.

Prior to Covid-19, Japan allowed visitors from 68 countries and regions, including the United States and Singapore, to stay for as long as 90 days without a visa. Visitor numbers reached a record of almost 32 million in 2019, slumping to about 246,000 last year.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said earlier in the week that the government was considering a change to the law that would enable hotels to turn away guests who refuse to comply with infection control measures.

In contrast with many countries, face masks remain in almost universal use in Japan, although there is currently no legal obligation to use them.

Mr Kishida also said on Thursday that the yen had been weakening rapidly and that speculative moves had been seen recently. He was speaking hours after Japan stepped in to prop up the yen for the first time since 1998.

“The principle is for markets to decide currency levels, but we cannot overlook repeated excessive moves due to speculation,” Mr Kishida said. 

The step followed the Bank of Japan's decision earlier on Thursday to stick with ultra low interest rates, and comes after months of speculation that the authorities would have to take action to stem a slide of around 20 per cent in the currency this year. BLOOMBERG

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This is how you can visit Japan as travel rules ease for fall

Sep 12, 2022 • 4 min read

Japan has relaxed its entry rules again © Getty Images

Travel to  Japan  has been heavily restricted since borders snapped shut two-and-a-half years ago. Up until now, it hasn't been easy for tourists to get there, with only organized group tours allowed into the country for much of 2022. But last week, the government announced that things are changing, and self-guided trips are back.

By self-guided trips, we mean that travelers no longer need to be accompanied by a guide during their trip. But unrestricted tourism is still off the cards. In order to visit Japan, travelers must book their flights and accommodation through a licensed travel agency. 

There are reports, however, that Japan could remove the daily cap of 50,000 arrivals by the end of the month and return to visa-free and independent travel. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, said the government is considering ways to ease the current pandemic restrictions while "maintaining a balance between preventing the spread of infection and promoting social and economic activities".

In the meantime, if you've long dreamed of visiting the neon-bright neighborhoods of Tokyo or the once-in-a-lifetime attractions of Kyoto , and you're keen to do it as soon as possible, here's what you need to know about entry and visa rules for visiting Japan as a tourist.

The 10 most spectacular road trips in Japan

Japan's new entry rules

In June, tourists were allowed to return to Japan but as part of an organized group tour whereby they have to be accompanied by a local guide for the duration of their trip. But that rule was scrapped on September 7 in favor of a more relaxed policy that allows self-guided trips.

That said, you can't rock up after booking a flight online. You must book your flight and accommodation through a registered travel agency, so the government has a point of contact for you. That means the only route in is via package vacations, for now, guided or self-guided - whatever your preference.

You must wear masks and adhere to other COVID-19 measures. You'll also need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their departure date if you haven't been triple vaccinated and you must install the  MySOS app , where you can register your test results.

Before the pandemic, Japan offered visa-free entry to visitors from some 68 countries,s including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Malaysia, but for now, "everyone needs a visa," according to the Foreign Ministry, regardless of where they are coming from.

Discover Japan's 10 most spectacular natural wonders

How tourists can apply for a visa to visit Japan

The visa exemption scheme for Japan remains on hold for now, which means that anyone who wishes to visit must apply for and obtain a tourist visa first. You can apply for a certificate for registration to ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System)  through the travel agency you've booked their trip with. Once that's processed, you'll receive a document you can take to your local Japanese embassy or consulate to obtain a visa or apply for the visa directly with the tourism agency. The turnaround time is generally five working days after the documents are received and accepted.

US and Canadian citizens can apply for an eVisa

A new eVisa scheme was introduced last month for US and Canadian citizens. The eVisa is available for tourist and business travelers and those visiting relatives. Applicants must hold a valid US or Canadian passport.

Before applying for the eVisa, applicants must obtain a certificate for registration to the  ERFS  through the travel agency they've booked their trip with. According to the Japanese embassy, those visiting relatives don't need to apply for an ERFS, but they must instead download marriage certificates or proof of kinship.

If you're looking to apply, you must have these forms in order, and then complete  the eVisa form online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You'll need passport information, travel documents, and supporting documents like ERFS to hand. A processing fee will also apply. Once the application is completed and approved, the eVisa will be issued by email.

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Japan's COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Japan categorizes countries into blue, yellow, or red based on their COVID risk. Travelers from blue countries have the option to show proof of vaccination or take a test before traveling. Blue countries include the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Argentina, Mexico, and more. The complete list of countries can be viewed here .

Travelers from yellow and red countries are subject to additional entry requirements, such as testing upon arrival and quarantine.

This article was first published October 2020 and updated September 2022

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Short-Term Stays in Japan – Visa application for tourism and business in 2023

What is a short-term stay?

Visa exemption arrangements, how can i apply for a short-term japan visa if i don’t have an exemption, what is a japan evisa, united arab emirates citizens now eligible for visa-free travel to japan, mysos app changes to visit japan web from november 2022, japan visa exemption resumes for 68 countries.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs “A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities” is classified as a short-term stay. This covers the vast majority of tourist visits and regular business trips to Japan. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be exempt from having a visa or might require an application to Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Before covid-19 ran amok all over the world, Japan offered seamless entry with visa exemptions for short-term stays for 68 countries . This process meant that most visitors only needed to book a flight, arrive in Japan with their passport, and they would be granted access for usually 90 days. It was very convenient, and appreciated by both tourists and business visitors. This simple process is what helped Japan to be one of the most popular global tourism destinations. Prior to Covid-19, Japan was welcoming more than 30 millions visitors per year.

As of October 11th, 2022, the prior visa exemption arrangements have been put back in place. It is no longer required to apply for short-term visas for citizens of those countries.

Currently, the application process for a Japan visa depends on your country of citizenship. If you are not one of the 68 countries accepted under the visa exemption arrangements, you will need to apply for a short-term tourist, business, or other visa.

• Countries requiring Visa – the countries of China, Russia, CIS countries, Georgia, Philippines, Vietnam, and other Nationalities continue to have specific visa requirements in order to enter Japan.

The current process to apply for a short-term visa to Japan has been documented in a procedural chart by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This shows both the requirements of the Visa Applicant and the person inviting the applicant to Japan.

During the suspension of the visa exemption program, Japan implemented a visa application program for foreign nationals wishing to enter Japan. The Japan eVISA has been setup to accept online visa applications for Canadian nationals residing in Canada, American nationals residing in the U.S. , and Holders of Taiwan passport who reside in Taiwan. This is a fairly small selection of countries, but it likely reflect the reciprocal visa policies and application process of these countries for Japanese visitors.

As visa exemption arrangements have returned, it is no longer necessary to apply for a Japan eVisa anymore.

• Short-Term Stays
• Long-Term Stays
• Working Holiday Visa

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Japan? What You Need to Know

You must ask yourself this question very often when traveling outside your country. There are a lot of countries that require a visa according to different situations, but what about Japan? Let’s see how visas work when you want to travel to Japan!

So, is a visa necessary to travel to Japan? Citizens traveling to Japan for tourism from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or almost all European nations don’t need a visa as they have permission for short-term stay. However, citizens from outside the current 68 countries concerned by the visa exemption must apply for a visa.

Now let’s take a look with a little more detail to understand in which cases you need a visa (even when you travel for tourism purposes) and what you need to do precisely.

Tourist Visa (within 90 days)

Working visa, procedures chart, visa validity, related questions, visa exemption and types of visa.

Visa Exemption Arrangements between countries allow people to travel to another country without a visa. Luckily for Japan lovers, at the moment, 68 countries benefit from these arrangements with Japan. Since visas can be really hard to get, arrangements truly simplify your life, particularly when you decide to visit another country on vacation.

In general, the countries that are concerned by the Visa Exemption Arrangements have the right to a period-stay of 90 day s, but there are some exceptions. The United Arab Emirates citizens can stay up to 30 days, while people from countries like Indonesia, Brunei, or Thailand can only stay in Japan for 15 days without a visa.

If you want to know what countries are concerned by the Visa Exemption Arrangements, you can find the full list at the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website here . Even if your country benefits from a visa exemption by the time you are reading this article, it is highly recommended to refer to the link above later, as arrangements can change without notice.

There are different types of visas according to your travel purposes and duration. The most important types of visa , and also the most used, are :

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• Tourist visa
• Working visa

As I told you before, you don’t need a visa if you’re staying in Japan for less than 90 days (when coming from a country with the Visa Exemption Arrangement). You just need to show a valid passport and your return ticket when arriving in Japan to prove that you’re going to leave within 90 days.

However, if you’re involved in paid activities or media-related activities, you can’t benefit from the visa exemption .

When arriving in Japan with a “visa-free” status, you can’t switch to another visa status without leaving Japan . You have to return to your country and start the procedure for the correct type of visa.

For instance, if you’re going to visit Japan and find a job for some reason, you have to return to your country, ask for a working visa, and only then return to Japan to start working.

If you come from a country other than the actual 68 that benefits from arrangements with Japan, you must apply for a tourist visa . The documents necessary are :

• Your passport (valid, of course)
• A visa application form filled and signed
• One photograph (passport size and less than 6 months old) to put in the application form
• Your flight itinerary (but don’t purchase the tickets before getting the visa)
• Proof that you have enough money to cover your travel expenses in Japan (last bank statement, for instance)
• Documents that show your travel purpose (hotel reservation, etc.)
• Immigration documents

Always check with your embassy first, as this list can change without notice.

If you’re going to Japan for work purposes, you must apply for a working visa , otherwise, you won’t be able to enter Japan. There are plenty of different working visas because they are categorized according to the professional field. For almost every type of working visa, you need to have a job offer .

When applying for a working visa, you must provide these documents :

• The original “Certificate of Eligibility” from the Ministry of Justice in Japan + one photocopy (you can find more information about this certificate here )

If you don’t have a Certificate of Eligibility, you must provide a lot of other documents to replace it . If you need more information on these documents, just visit the Japanese Embassy website for all the details.

If you’re from one of the 68 countries that have an arrangement and intend to study in a Japanese School for less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa. Your valid passport is enough for this kind of study. But if you plan to study for more than 3 months, you’ll have to apply for a study visa . Just like the working visas, you will need these basic documents :

• Your passport with a sufficient validity date
• One photograph (passport size) to put in the application form

If you can’t provide a Certificate of Eligibility, you must gather a lot of other documents . The Japanese Embassy can guide you and help you with specific details.

Application Procedures

When applying for a visa, the applicant must go to the Japanese Embassy or the closest Consulate General of his residence . If your passport is issued from a country other than the one you live in, you must pick a Japanese Consulate General or Embassy that has jurisdiction over your country’s passport.

Depending on the purpose of your travel and your nationality, you will need to gather and present different documents. You can even be asked for documents from the inviting person in Japan in some cases.

Here’s a chart from the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website to help you better understand the procedure steps.

In the US, you can apply at the Japanese Embassy or any consulate-general in the country . The full list of Japanese embassies and consulate websites for all the countries can be found here .

Remember to always take with you the original documents and at least one copy . As a general rule, embassies and consulates don’t make copies, so if you want to keep your original documents, you better be prepared and take a copy with you.

Also, be warned that the embassy can ask for additional documents if they think it’s necessary.

Usually, it takes around 5 working days to get your application reviewed . However, notice that if you apply without a Certificate of Eligibility, it can take months , so it’s worth it to make the effort of getting it.

Visa General Information

Standard Fees (Until March 31, 2020, because they are reviewed every year)

• Single entry visa:  27 USD
• Double and Multiple entry visa:  55 USD
• Transit visa:  6 USD

In the United States, US citizens don’t have visa fees . All payments must be done using cash when you’re going to pick up your visa, and it is recommended to have the exact amount of money. You can’t pay with checks or credit cards.

Some countries don’t have to pay visa fees. You can view the list of these countries here . This list is from the Japanese Embassy of the United States, if you are in another country, please check the list of the Japanese Embassy of your country.

Normally, a single entry visa is valid for 3 months, so you must enter Japan within this period. Yet, if you have a multiple entry visa , this one is valid for one to five years . This type of visa is given to those with business purposes or coming from a country that has a bilateral agreement with Japan.

I want to stay longer in Japan. Is it possible? Yes, with the Longer Stays Program, people can stay up to one year. The initial period is 6 months, but it can be extended to one year (this can be done only once).

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What is the "Temporary Visitor" entry status?

If you wish to visit Japan for leisure or touristic purposes you will be granted entry under “Temporary Visitor” status. This allows visitors to remain in Japan from 15 to 90 consecutive days . A border control officer will grant arrivals who apply for “Stay for sightseeing” when entering Japan a “Temporary Visitor” stamp.

The stamp is placed in your passport on arrival. The stamp, your passport, and the Exchange Order (JR voucher you receive by post) are the 3 documents that you must have with you to obtain your japan Rail Pass in a JR Exchange Office. Only original documents are accepted (photocopies, emails, and photos are not accepted).

NOTE: If you use an automated gate at the airport, no stamps or stickers will be placed on your passport. You must thus use a manned automated gate or ask a clerk to affix a stamp or sticker to your passport. Customers who have “registered user cards” through the Trusted Traveler Program will also need to display their cards to prove that they are a “Temporary Visitor”.

Visa-exempt Countries

Some countries are exempt from the Temporary Visitor Visa. Nationals and citizens from the 68 countries and regions listed below are not required to obtain a visa before traveling to Japan as they receive a visa-on-arrival stamp in their passports instead. A visa-on-arrival will be granted to citizens and nationals of the countries listed below when traveling for one of the following reasons:

• Conferences
• Visiting relatives or friends

However, these nationals will need to request a visa if the reason for their visit to engage in paid activities or if their stay exceeds the length of time allowed. The maximum period for short-term stays granted is 15 days for Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand, 30 days for the United Arab Emirates, and 90 days for the remaining countries and regions.

I am entering Japan as a Temporary Visitor without a Tourist Visa. Am I still eligible for the Japan Rail Pass?

Citizens from the 68 countries and regions listed above can travel to Japan visa-free for touristic and business reasons. Please check our Eligibility page for further information about Japan Rail Pass eligibility requirements.

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