When planning any trip it is very important to check the entry requirements for the country that you will be visiting. Whether you require a visa for Japan depends entirely on the country that you reside in. Citizens from a number of nations (see list below) can enter Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.
Visitors cannot overstay this visa-free entry unless they acquire the appropriate visa. Those who receive this 90 day entry period are required to complete an entry form which will usually be handed out on the plane or upon arrival. Visitors may be required to show evidence of an ongoing flight.
Those who plan to work or study in Japan will be required to apply for the relevant visa from their local Japanese embassy. Any queries about visa entry can be dealt with by contacting your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. It is important to note that it is illegal to work in Japan in any form without a visa. If you are undertaking temporary or casual employment, make sure to check which visa you require. Unlike other countries, when visiting Japan passports only need to be valid for the duration of your stay.
Read more about Japanese travel FAQs, such as what to pack for your trip to Japan and how to get around Japan.
Countries which need a visa to visit japan
Nations who require a visa to enter Japan are:
- The Republic of China
- Russia
- The Commonwealth of Independent States
- Philippines
Countries which do not need a visa to visit japan
The following countries are exempt from visas for a specific amount of time. Exact visa free timings can be found on your local government’s website. Some restrictions apply so always check with local consulate.
Asia
- Brunei (15 days)
- Malaysia
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- Thailand (15 days)
- Hong Kong
- Macao
- Taiwan
North America
- Canada
- United States
Latin America and the Caribbean
- Argentina
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
Middle East
- Israel
- Turkey
Africa
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Tunisia
Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
Europe
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom