Visa-Free Entry (Visa Exemption)

Japan maintains visa exemption agreements with 71 countries and territories, allowing their citizens to enter Japan for short-term stays without obtaining a visa in advance. This is the most common way international tourists visit Japan. Eligible passport holders simply arrive at a Japanese port of entry and receive a 'Temporary Visitor' stamp permitting stays of 15, 30, or 90 days depending on their nationality. This visa-free status covers tourism, business meetings, visiting friends and family, attending conferences, and other non-work activities.

Duration

15, 30, or 90 days depending on nationality. Most Western nationals receive 90 days. Some nationalities (e.g., Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia under certain conditions) receive 15 days.

Cost

Free — no visa fees apply for visa-exempt entry

Processing Time

No advance processing required. Entry is granted at the port of arrival, typically taking 5-30 minutes at the immigration counter depending on queue length. Visit Japan Web pre-registration can speed up the process.

Eligibility

Citizens of 71 countries and territories with visa exemption agreements with Japan. This includes most EU/EEA countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and many others. The permitted stay duration varies: most Western countries receive 90 days, while some nations receive 15 or 30 days. Travelers must hold a valid passport and have a return or onward ticket.

Requirements

  • Valid passport from an eligible visa-exempt country
  • Return or onward ticket (airlines may check this before boarding)
  • Sufficient funds for the duration of stay (immigration officers may ask for proof, though this is rare for visa-exempt nationals)
  • No criminal record that would trigger an entry ban
  • Must not intend to work or engage in paid activities
  • Complete the Visit Japan Web registration (recommended but not always mandatory) or fill out the arrival card on the plane
  • Completed customs declaration form

Application Process

1

Verify your nationality is on Japan's visa exemption list on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

2

Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay (6 months validity recommended though not strictly required for all nationalities)

3

Book your flights and accommodation

4

Optionally register on Visit Japan Web (visit-japan-web.digital.go.jp) to pre-register your customs and immigration information for faster processing at arrival

5

Complete the disembarkation card provided on your flight or at the airport

6

Upon arrival, proceed to the immigration counter, present your passport, arrival card, and return ticket if requested

7

Provide fingerprints and a facial photograph at the immigration counter (required for all foreign nationals over 16)

8

Receive your entry stamp — check that the dates and permitted stay duration are correct

Important Notes

  • The 90-day (or 15/30-day) visa-free stay cannot be extended at immigration offices within Japan in most cases — plan your trip within the permitted duration
  • Visa-free entry does not permit any form of employment, paid work, or remunerated activity — this includes teaching, freelancing, and volunteer work that provides compensation
  • Japan counts your stay from the day of arrival to the day of departure — the entry and exit days both count toward your permitted stay
  • If you plan to leave Japan and return during the same trip (e.g., a side trip to South Korea), you will receive a new entry stamp and a fresh stay period upon return
  • Japanese immigration has become increasingly strict about repeated short stays — if you leave and immediately re-enter multiple times, you may be questioned or denied entry
  • Always carry your passport while in Japan — Japanese law requires foreign nationals to have their passport or residence card available for police identification checks
  • Visit Japan Web registration is increasingly expected and will speed up your arrival process significantly — register at least 2 weeks before your trip
  • Some nationalities that normally qualify for visa-free entry may need to check whether the exemption has been temporarily suspended — this occurred during COVID-19
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