Japan

1. Passport Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Japan.
• It should have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
• Machine-readable passports are required for visa-exempt entry.
• No strict 6-month validity rule beyond stay (unlike some countries), but passport must remain valid throughout your visit.

2. Visa or Visa Exemption – What You Need Depends on Your Nationality

Japan has visa exemption arrangements with 74 countries and regions for short-term stays (tourism, business without paid activities, transit, etc.) as of 2026.

• Visa-exempt nationalities (74 countries/regions): Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City.
  
  → No visa required for short-term stays.
  → Allowed stay: usually 90 days (Brunei/Qatar: 30 days; Indonesia/Thailand: 15 days – check official list for exact duration).
  → Extensions possible for certain nationalities (e.g. up to 6 months for Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, UK – apply at Immigration Bureau before expiry).
  → No pre-arrival authorization (like ESTA) required in 2026 – Japan’s JESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is planned for rollout by 2028–2029 only.


• Countries requiring a visa (e.g. China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, most African countries, most South American countries not listed above)
  
  → You must apply for a short-term visitor visa (single/multiple entry) at a Japanese embassy/consulate before travel.
  → Processing time: varies (weeks to months) – apply early.
  → Required documents: application form, passport, photos, invitation letter (if applicable), proof of funds/onward ticket, etc.

Quick check: Official visa exemption list → Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Visa Exemption

3. Length of Stay

• Most visa-exempt visitors: up to 90 days (granted on arrival as “Temporary Visitor”).
• Special cases: 15/30 days for specific nationalities (e.g. Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Qatar).
• Extensions: possible for eligible nationalities (apply at Regional Immigration Bureau before expiry; not automatic).
• You cannot work or study long-term without separate visas/permits.

4. Other Important Requirements

• Proof of onward/return ticket — often checked at check-in or immigration.
• Proof of sufficient funds and accommodation — may be asked (rarely enforced strictly).
• No COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine required (rules removed since 2022–2023).
• Customs: Declare cash over ¥1,000,000 (~USD 6,500), restricted items (food, plants, medicines, weapons, etc.). Fill out customs declaration on arrival.
• Fingerprinting & photo: taken on arrival for most non-Japanese nationals.

5. Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Check your exact allowed stay based on nationality – rules vary slightly.
• Verify latest info directly on official sites (rules can change):
  → Visa & exemption: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
  → Immigration Services: Immigration Services Agency
  → JNTO (tourism info): Japan National Tourism Organization
• Admission is at the discretion of immigration officers – answer questions honestly.
• Japan’s new JESTA system (pre-approval for visa-exempt travelers) is not yet in effect in 2026 – expected around 2028–2029.

Safe travels to Japan — whether you're heading to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, or Mount Fuji!