After being completely closed for tourism for more than 2 years, Japan finally reopened on October 11, 2022, restoring the previous visa exemptions and reducing the visa requirements.
Many nationalities are exempt from having to get a visa. Nationals and residents of select countries can obtain an eVisa online and everyone else can visit one of the over 200 embassies and consulates worldwide.
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Visa Policy and Visa Types
Nationals from 70 countries can travel to Japan visa-free. Most can stay up to 90 days.
Unless exempt, nationals and residents from 11 countries can apply for an eVisa online. They may still have to visit their nearest Japanese embassy. The eVisa allows stays for up to 90 days.
Everyone else must obtain a regular tourist visa from a Japanese overseas mission before traveling.
Japan does not have a visa on arrival.
Below is a summary of available visa types for tourists.
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free | 70 countries are eligible to travel to Japan Visa-Free |
| eVisa | Nationals and residents of 11 countries are eligible for eVisa |
| Tourist Visa | Those not eligible for Visa-Free or eVisa can obtain Tourist Visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate |
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Entry Requirements
The following requirements apply to all visitors to Japan:
- Passport, which will remain valid during the period of stay
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of stay
- Return or onward ticket
Border officials rarely ask about the last 2.
For the specific visa requirements, see the corresponding section below.
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Visa Exemption
Nationals of 70 countries are visa-exempted to travel to Japan. 65 countries are allowed to stay 90 days and the remaining 5 countries are allowed to say 14 to 30 days depending on the nationality.
There are additional requirements for some nationalities, outlined below. It’s best to check the official Japanese Foreign Ministry website for details.
90 days
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria (6)
- Bahamas
- Barbados (5)
- Belgium
- Brazil (2)
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany (6)
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong (3)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland (6)
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lesotho (5)
- Liechtenstein (6)
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau (3)
- Malaysia (2)
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico (6)
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia (2)
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland (6)
- Taiwan (4)
- Tunisia
- Turkey (5)
- United Kingdom (6)
- United States
- Uruguay
30 days
- Qatar (1)
- United Arab Emirates (2)
15 days
- Indonesia (1)
- Thailand (2)
14 days
- Brunei
Notes:
- Must register an ePassport at a Japanese embassy in the respective country. Registration is valid for 3 years but not longer than the passport’s expiry date.
- Must have an ePassport, otherwise, need a visa.
- Only for passports issued by the corresponding Special Administrative Region.
- Must have a personal ID number.
- Must have a Machine-Readable Passport.
- Eligible to extend their stay to up to 6 months. Applications are made at a Regional Immigration Bureau inside Japan.
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Japan eVisa
All nationals and residents from below 14 countries are eligible to apply for Japan eVisa. Those already visa-exempt don’t need to apply.
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Mongolia
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- China*
- Vietnam*
- Mongolia*
*Required to apply through an agency (see below).
Characteristics
- Only for tourism
- Valid for 3 months, single-entry only
- Duration of stay up to 90 days
- Fee 3,000 JPY or equivalent. Payable online or in person at the embassy. Some nationalities are exempt from the fee (check with your embassy)
- Processing takes 5 days to issue but could sometimes take longer
Documents required
What documents are required depends on your nationality and residence. These are the most commonly asked documents but check on the eVisa portal online for an exact list.
- Passport scan
- Color picture taken within the last 6 months
- Proof of immigration status (e.g. Permanent Residence Card or Visa if applicable)
- Flight itinerary (you don’t have to buy the tickets in advance, an itinerary from an airline is sufficient)
- Recent bank statement
- Travel itinerary (must be specific format, download eVisa travel itinerary template here)
- Proof of current residential address (e.g. driver’s license, state ID, utility bill, or lease agreement)
- Visa for the country you will visit after Japan (unless it’s your own country)
Application procedure
Applying online is incredibly simple. You can check out this video from Japan’s MOFA or follow the steps below.
- Go to Japan eVisa portal
- Register an account
- Fill out the application and upload the necessary documents
- Wait for your documents to be examined. You may be asked to submit additional documents. You will receive an email inviting you to pay when this step is complete.
- Pay online or in person
- After the eVisa has been issued, log in and make sure you can show the “Visa Issuance Notice” on your smartphone.
There’s no need to print any documents. On the contrary, you must show the visa on a digital device. Screenshots are not accepted either.
At the border, show the visa issuance notice with the QR code.
Once inside the country, you will receive an email saying your eVisa has expired. Don’t panic. This means you cannot use it to enter Japan again. You are allowed to stay up to 90 days inside Japan.
Applying from China, Vietnam, and Mongolia
Obtaining an eVisa for Japan in these three countries comes with special provisions.
China
EVisa is available to nationals of China who reside in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau). You must apply through a Japan Visa Application Center or an accredited travel agency.
The eVisa grants entry to Japan for up to 30 days. Read more about it on the Japanese embassy in China website.
Vietnam
EVisa is available to nationals of Vietnam, who reside in Vietnam. You must book a packaged tour organized by a travel agency.
Mongolia
EVisa is available ONLY to foreign nationals who reside in Mongolia. You must apply at the Japan Visa Application Center (VAC) in Mongolia. Check with the Japanese embassy in Mongolia for more information.
Read the Japan eVisa article for more in-depth information on eVisa requirements, processing times, application process and border procedures.
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Japan Tourist Visa
Everyone who’s not visa-exempt must obtain a visa to travel to Japan. If the eVisa isn’t an option, then you must obtain a tourist visa from a Japanese embassy.
Tourist visas are mostly single-entry. The term of stay can be either 15, 30 or 90 days from the date of entry. The visa itself is valid for 3 months for single entry and up to 5 years for multiple entry.
Requirements
The requirements for a tourist visa may differ depending on your nationality and the embassy you apply from. In most cases, they are:
- Passport with at least 2 blank pages
- Completed Visa Application Form
- 1 Passport-sized color photo taken within the last 6 months
- Flight itinerary
- Hotel reservation unless staying in an invitee’s home. It must cover the entire stay in Japan.
- Detailed, day-by-day itinerary in Japan.
- Most recent bank statement
- Proof of immigration status (if applicable)
- Visa for the country you will visit after Japan (unless it’s your own country)
The visa costs 3,000 JPY (~21$) or equivalent.
For further reading, check out the Japan Tourist Visa article for details such as when to apply, photo requirements and the application process.
Benefits of Japan tourist visa
Japan’s tourist visa is becoming a strong visa these days. That means Japanese visas have added benefits such as VISA-FREE travel to many other countries. As of 2024, you can travel to 14 countries with a Japanese visa. Read the VISA-FREE countries for Japan visa article for more details.
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Transiting in Japan
Not leaving the airport
If you are not already visa-exempt, you can transit in Japan without a visa only if:
- You stay within the international transit area of the airport;
- You have the necessary documents needed for the next country of destination;
- You have a confirmed onward ticket:
- within 72 hours for Tokyo Haneda Airport or Kansai Airport (Osaka);
- within the same calendar day for all other airports.
Transit Visa
If you intend to pass through immigration and enter Japan for a short period, you must obtain a transit visa.
The requirements and procedures for obtaining transit visas are identical to regular tourist visas.
The main differences are in cost and duration of stay. The transit visa costs 700 JPY (~5$) and is issued for a maximum of 15 days but usually just 2-3 days until your next flight.
Japan Shore Pass
If you are transiting in Japan for less than 72 hours and you have a connecting flight that’s NOT on the same day, you may be able to obtain the Japan Shore Pass.
The application for it is usually done by the airline so it’s best to consult them.
To be eligible for the shore pass, you must arrive and depart from airports and seaports within the same group.
- Group A:
- Airports: Narita, Haneda, Nagoya, Niigata, Komatsu, Yokota.
- Seaports: Tokyo, Yokohama, Niigata, Nagoya.
- Group B:
- Airports: Osaka, Nagoya, Komatsu.
- Seaports: Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya.
- Group C:
- Airports: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Naha, Kadena.
- Seaports: Hakata, Shimonoseki, Naha.
- Group D:
- Airports: Chitose.
- Seaports: Tomakomai, Otaru, Hakodate, Muroran.
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Entry Procedure at the Airports
You may use the Visit Japan Web to submit all required information online. It’s not mandatory. Instead of paper forms, you will show QR codes.
After landing, you will sequentially go through immigration and customs.
If you got the eVisa, show your visa issuance notice on a smartphone. Otherwise, just your passport. Get a stamp and enjoy Japan.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a COVID vaccination certificate required to travel to Japan?
COVID vaccination certificates and tests are not required since April 29, 2023.
Can I apply for a Japan visa online?
Yes but only if you’re a national or resident of the 11 eligible countries listed above.
How much does a Japan visa cost?
Japan visa costs 3000 YEN or equivalent in another currency.
How long does visa processing take?
Japan visa processing normally takes 5 working days but it could take more. It’s a good idea to apply for a visa at least a month before you travel.
Can I get a multiple-entry visa?
Japan eVisas are single-entry only. Embassies may issue multiple-entry visas depending on your circumstances.
