Japan Visa Information

Updated: February 14, 2025

Citizens of 71 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and EU nations, can enter Japan visa-free. Among those countries, citizens of Indonesia and Thailand are granted a 15-day visa-free stay. Citizens of Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are granted a 30-day visa-free stay, while all the other citizens whose countries benefit from the visa-free entry programme are granted a 90-day visa-free stay.

However, citizens of CIS countries, China, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, and several others must apply for a visa.

For tourism purposes, Japan offers an electronic visa (eVisa) system, which significantly speeds up the entry process.

Can I Enter Japan Without a Visa?

Yes, but only if you are a citizen of one of the 71 visa-exempt countries (see the full list below) and your stay does not exceed the number of days granted.

Japanese Visa-Exempt Countries

Asia

Brunei (maximum 30 days)
Hong Kong (*Note 1)
Indonesia (maximum 15 days), (*Note 2)
Macao (*Note 3)
Malaysia (*Note 4)
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan (*Note 5)
Thailand (maximum 15 days), (*Note 6)

Middle East

Israel
Qatar (maximum 30 days), (*Note 7)
Turkey (*Note 8)
UAE (maximum 30 days) (*Note 6)

Europe

Andorra
EU countries (*Note 9)
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Monaco
North Macedonia
Norway
San Marino
Serbia (*Note 6)
Switzerland (*Note 9)
United Kingdom (*Note 9)

Oceania

Australia
New Zealand

Africa

Lesotho (*Note 8)
Mauritius
Tunisia

North America

Canada
USA

Latin America & the Caribbean

Argentina
Bahamas
Barbados (*Note 8)
Brazil (*Note 6)
Chile
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico (*Note 9)
Panama (*Note 6)
Suriname
Uruguay

Notes

*Note 1

For citizens of Hong Kong, visas are not required only for holders of Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports issued by the Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China or British National Overseas (BNO) passports who have the right of residence in Hong Kong.

*Note 2

For nationals of Indonesia (since December 1, 2014), visas are not required only for those who have registered ICAO-compliant ePassports with diplomatic missions of Japan in Indonesia (the embassy, consulates-general, or the consulate). The validity of the registration is three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

*Note 3

For citizens of Macao, visas are not required only for holders of SAR passports issued by the Macao SAR of the People’s Republic of China.

*Note 4

Malaisia: For nationals of Malaysia (since July 1, 2013), visas are not required only for holders of ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold such an ePassport are advised to obtain a visa in advance ; otherwise they will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.

*Note 5

Visa exemption arrangements for Taiwan are limited to passport holders with a personal ID number.

*Note 6

For nationals of Panama (since April 1, 2024), Brazil (since September 30, 2023), the United Arab Emirates (since November 1, 2022), Thailand (since July 1, 2013), and Serbia (since May 1, 2011), visas are not required only for holders of ePassports in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold such an ePassport are requested to obtain a visa in advance; otherwise, they will be refused entry to Japan.

*Note 7

Qatar: For nationals of Qatar (since April 2, 2023), visas are not required only for those who have registered an ICAO-compliant an ePassport with diplomatic missions of Japan (the embassy, consulates-general, or the consulate). The validity of the registration is three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

*Note 8

For nationals of Barbados (since April 1, 2010), Türkiye (since April 1, 2011), and Lesotho (since April 1, 2010), visas are not required only for holders of Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold an MRP are advised to obtain a visa in advance; otherwise, they will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.

*Note 9

Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. For nationals of those countries with visa exemptions permitting stays of up to 6 months under the bilateral visa exemption arrangements, those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) before the period of permitted stay is to expire.

Japanese Visa Requirements

If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you must apply for a visa to enter Japan, even for a short stay. Visa-free entry is not available for citizens of Russia, CIS countries, Ukraine, Georgia, China, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and several others.

Who Cannot Land in Japan?

Permission to land in Japan can be denied to foreign nationals who fall under any of the items listed in Article 5 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Some of those items are listed below:

Have a criminal record, an individual who was convicted of a violation of any law or regulation of Japan or of any other country, or has been deported from Japan;
Have severe mental disabilities and certain categories of infectious diseases;
An individual who illegally possesses any narcotics or psychotropic substances as prescribed by the law;
Are involved in trafficking in persons or prostitution;
Are indigent or have no dwelling place to live.

Japanese Visa Application Requirements

To apply for a Japanese visa, you must submit the required documents, including:

Passport
Photo
Visa application form
Additional documents depending on your visa type and country of residence
(see below for details on tourist visa documents)

All documents must be completed accurately and without errors.

When to Apply for a Japanese Visa?

It is recommended to apply at a Japanese embassy or consulate 1 to 3 months before your planned departure. Processing time can take 5 working days from the next day of the submitted application to a month, and you must enter Japan within 3 months of your visa approval. Please note that it may take up to several months to be processed in certain cases where additional confirmation is required (submission of documents, interview, etc.) for and when long-term stay visas are requested without a Certificate of Eligibility.

Japanese Visa Categories

Japan offers various types of visas, categorised into short-term and long-term visas.

Short-Term Stay Visa

A short-term stay visa allows you to stay in Japan for up to 90 days. This visa is suitable for tourism, visiting relatives or friends, and short business trips (not for profit).

Short-term visas are required for citizens of China, India, CIS countries, the Philippines, Vietnam, and several others. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need the following documents:

Visa Application Form 2025

You must provide personal details (full name, date and place of birth, passport information), the purpose and duration of your stay, and answer questions regarding your criminal record or involvement in illegal activities.

Passport or Identity Document

Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.

Photo

Japanese visa photo requirements are detailed and extensive. To avoid confusion, please check the JAPAN e-VISA website or the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for precise information.

Travel Itinerary
Flight Details (both arrival and departure from Japan)
Proof of Financial Means (e.g., income certificate, bank statement) to show you can cover your expenses during your stay.

Additional Documents for Visiting Family/Friends & Business Travel

If you are visiting family or friends or travelling for business, you may need additional documents:

Letter of Guarantee
Invitation Letter
Event Program (for conferences, symposiums, etc.)
Proof of Relationship (for non-business visits to family or friends in Japan)

The required documents may vary depending on your nationality and travel purpose. Please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for detailed information.

Working or Long-Term Stay Visa

Highly Skilled Professional Visa – Valid 5 years to unlimited
Working Visa – Valid for 3 months to 5 years
General Visa – Valid for 3 months to 5 years
Specified Visa – Valid for 3 months to 5 years or a term designated by the Minister of Justice
Start-Up Visa – Valid for 6 months
Diplomatic Visa – Valid for the duration of the diplomatic mission
Official Visa – Valid for 15 days to 5 years

Non-Working Visa

This visa category is for individuals who do not plan to earn income while in Japan. The following types of Japanese visas fall under this category:

Internship Visa (Trainee and Technical Internships) – Valid for 3 months to 1 year.
Student Visa (for school or university studies) – Valid for up to 4 years and 3 months.
Cultural Activities Visa (e.g., music, art, and other non-income-generating activities) – Valid for 3 months to 3 years.

This category also includes family visas issued to spouses and children of individuals holding either a working or non-working visa. The visa validity period is set by the Minister of Justice (not exceeding five years).

Family-Related Visa

This visa is issued to spouses (including former spouses) and children of Japanese citizens or permanent residents, as well as to refugees with Japanese ancestry. The visa validity period is set by the Minister of Justice (not exceeding five years).

Designated Activities Visa

This category includes visas valid for 3 months to 5 years for individuals engaged in remote work in Japan, graduates of Japanese universities, a working holiday or paid internships, and various other specific activities.

Visa for Medical Stay

The Medical Check-up, Treatment, and Sightseeing All in One Visit to Japan visa. This visa is valid for up to 3 years if necessary and as needed, and the period of stay is granted from 90 days to 1 year.

This type of visa is issued to the patient and accompanying person(s) if necessary and as needed; it can be granted a multiple-entry visa. This visa is valid for people who want to have check-ups, medical examinations, dental care, and recuperation, including hot spring recuperation treatments.

Japanese eVisa (Tourism Only)

To simplify the processing of short-term tourist visas, Japan has introduced an eVisa, which can be obtained online at the JAPAN eVISA portal.

All foreign nationals/people residing in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the USA, except those who are exempt from short-term visa, can apply for an eVISA online.

Please visit the JAPAN e-VISA website for other specificities depending on countries/citizenship.

Required documents to apply for the Japanese eVisa

Passport
Photo
Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statement)
Travel itinerary & flight details
Program or plan of stay in Japan

Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality and place of residence. The complete list will be provided before you start filling out the eVisa application.

Visas For Visitors to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

The visa fees will be waived for visa applicants who will visit the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The period of eligibility for fee exemption is between 13 January and 7 October 2025.

Please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for detailed information.

How to Apply for a Japanese eVisa

Register online with your email address.
Upload electronic copies of all required documents.
Wait for your application to be processed – you will receive the result via email.
Make the payment (if approved). Note: eVisa payment must be made online.
Receive your eVisa and present it on your mobile device upon arrival in Japan.

Important: At the airport in Japan, you must display your eVisa directly on your mobile device. Screenshots, PDFs, or other image formats will not be accepted. If you don't have a mobile device to display the visa issuance notice, you should apply for a visa on paper at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

FAQ

How much is the Japan visa fee?

A standard Japan visa costs approximately $20 USD for a single-entry visa and $40 USD for a multiple-entry visa, and $5 for a transit visa. Fees amount may be different for some countries under reciprocal agreements with Japan, and may even not be required. If the visa is not issued, you will not have to pay fees. Please contact the Japanese embassy for specific details.

How can I apply for a Japan visa?

Check if you need a visa – If your country is on the Japanese visa-exempt list, you do not need a visa.
For non-exempt countries, apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country 1 to 3 months before your travel.
For short-term tourist visits (up to 90 days), you can apply for an eVisa at the JAPAN eVISA portal.

Is a Japanese visa easy to get?

Tourist visas are easy to obtain, usually taking about 5 working days to be issued with minimal documentation (passport, photo, travel itinerary, flight details, and proof of financial means).
Long-term or work visas require additional documents (Invitation Letter, Guarantee Letter, etc.), making the process more complex.

Do U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Japan now?

No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You only need to present:

A valid passport (which must remain valid for the duration of your stay)
A return airline ticket

Do I need a Japan visa if I have a U.S. Green Card?

A U.S. Green Card does not grant visa-free entry to Japan. Your visa requirement depends on your nationality, not your U.S. residency status.

Can a Japan visa be applied for online?

Yes, Japan offers an eVisa system for tourist travel up to 90 days. You can apply online at the JAPAN eVISA portal.

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Japan?

Yes, Chinese citizens need a visa to enter Japan, as China is not on the visa-exempt list. However, for tourist visits, you can quickly apply for an eVisa online: JAPAN eVISA portal.

Additionally:

Chinese citizens with a substantially high income can apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for 5 years (each trip in Japan is valid up to 90 days).
In November 2024, the Chinese government announced plans to introduce visa-free entry to China for Japanese citizens in the near future.

What is a "guarantor" for the visa application?

A guarantor is a person residing in Japan promising the authorities that the visa applicant will stay legally in Japan. The guarantor entails moral responsibilities.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility, and how do I get it?

Foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan (excluding those who intend to stay for a short period of time) must request a Certificate of Eligibility.

This is an application that foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan must submit before entering the country to prove that they meet the entry requirements. When you get the Certificate of Eligibility issued, you may quickly receive a visa or landing authorisation.

You will need to submit an application form and documents depending on the residency status requested.

Why was my visa application rejected?

Your visa application can be rejected for various reasons if you don't meet the criteria of visa issuance as described on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's website. This can also include the fact that you submitted an incomplete visa application or an application containing mistakes.

Your visa application can be rejected even though your Certificate of Eligibility was approved. This Certificate of Eligibility approved by the Japanese Ministry of Justice certifies that the applicant meets the conditions to land in Japan, but it doesn't guarantee the issuance of the visa.

What should I do if my visa application was rejected?

In case your visa application is rejected, there is a 6-month waiting period before you may reapply for the same purpose of visit. Under certain circumstances, your visa application may be reviewed before. Please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for detailed information.