Japan Visa Guide 2026
Japan has visa exemption arrangements with 74 countries and regions for short stays. If you need a tourist visa, check whether you can use JAPAN eVISA.
Visa-Free Entry
Visa exemptions cover 74 countries and regions, with stays of 15, 30 or 90 days
Most CommonJapan eVisa
Single-entry tourist visa for residents of eligible countries and regions who need a visa
ExpandingVisit Japan Web
Optional online service for immigration and customs; also supports tax-free purchases
RecommendedVisa-Free Entry
Visa-free stays are 15 days for Thailand and Indonesia, 30 days for Brunei and Qatar, and 90 days for all other countries and regions on the exemption list. Passport conditions apply: Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, Brazil, Serbia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Montenegro require ICAO-compliant ePassports. Indonesia and Qatar require registered ICAO-compliant ePassports.
90-Day Countries (examples)
15- and 30-Day Countries
Note: The MOFA list is dated September 1, 2025. Nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the UK may apply at a Regional Immigration Bureau before their 90 days expire to extend their stay to up to 6 months. Check passport conditions and entry rules with your Japanese embassy.
Japan eVisa
JAPAN eVISA is a single-entry tourist visa for people who need a visa and reside in eligible countries or regions. Online applications are available to residents of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK and the USA. In other eligible locations, including China, India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and the UAE, applications go through accredited agencies; nationality and tour conditions may apply. Only ordinary passports are eligible.
How to Apply
- Check eligibility by residence and nationality at the official Japan eVisa portal (www.evisa.mofa.go.jp)
- Apply through the portal or an accredited agency, as required for your place of residence
- Follow the application instructions for your place of residence
- Check the applicable fee and payment instructions
- Attend an embassy or consulate interview if requested
- At the airport, display the "Visa issuance notice" online. A PDF, screenshot or printout is not accepted
Key Details
- Cost: For applications accepted on or after July 1, 2026, about 15,000 yen for single entry, paid in local currency. Fees may differ or be waived depending on nationality and purpose
- Validity: Single-entry tourism, up to 90 days; 15 or 30 days for some nationalities
- Passport: Ordinary passports only
- Entry: By air, or by sea only on scheduled passenger ferries from Busan or Shanghai
Visit Japan Web
Visit Japan Web is an optional online service for immigration and customs declarations. Register in advance and show the 2D code on arrival using a smartphone or tablet. Arrival declarations are required, but the paper customs declaration form can still be used. Foreign visitors can also use the service for tax-free purchases.
Registration Steps
- Go to vjw.digital.go.jp and create an account
- Register your trip details (travel dates, accommodation)
- Enter passport information
- Complete immigration and customs declarations
- Show the QR code on arrival for faster processing
Pro tip: Register before arrival and have a smartphone or tablet ready to show the 2D code. Japan Customs recommends Visit Japan Web, but the paper customs declaration form can still be used. Foreign visitors can also use the service for tax-free purchases.
Required Documents
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay, with one blank passport page. There is no minimum remaining validity requirement. Immigration may ask for a return or onward ticket. Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory.
Valid passport
Valid for the entire duration of your stay; no minimum remaining validity
Return/onward ticket
Immigration may ask to see a return or onward ticket
Arrival declarations
Required for immigration and customs; online or paper forms
One blank passport page
Required for an entry stamp or visa insert
Visit Japan Web QR code
Optional; show the code on a smartphone or tablet
Travel insurance
Recommended, not mandatory
Entry Options at a Glance
| Entry Type | Processing | Cost | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | On arrival | Free | 15, 30 or 90 days |
| eVisa | Online; interview possible | About 15,000 yen; exemptions may apply | Up to 90 days |
| Embassy Visa | Apply before travel | About 15,000 yen single / 30,000 yen multiple; fees may differ or be waived | Up to 90 days |
| Working Holiday | 2-4 weeks | Free | Up to 1 year |
Tips & Common Mistakes
Do
- Register on Visit Japan Web before your flight
- Have your accommodation address ready at immigration
- Carry proof of onward travel (printed or digital)
- Check visa-free period for your specific nationality
- Arrive with some Japanese Yen cash
- Keep your passport with you at all times (required by law)
Avoid
- Don't overstay your visa — Japan takes this very seriously
- Don't work on a tourist visa or visa-free entry
- Don't bring prescription drugs without proper documentation
- Don't assume you can extend your stay easily
- Don't forget to declare items at customs
- Don't bring prohibited items (some cold medicines are banned)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Japan visa-free?
Visa-free stays are 15 days for Thailand and Indonesia, 30 days for Brunei and Qatar, and 90 days for other countries and regions on the exemption list. Passport conditions apply. Nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the UK may apply at a Regional Immigration Bureau before their 90 days expire to extend their stay to up to 6 months. Check with your Japanese embassy.
Do I need to register on Visit Japan Web?
Visit Japan Web is optional. Immigration and customs declarations are required, but you can still use the paper customs declaration form. Japan Customs recommends online declarations. Foreign visitors can also use Visit Japan Web for tax-free purchases.
Can I extend my tourist visa?
Extensions are possible at local immigration offices but not guaranteed. You'll need a valid reason and supporting documents.