Traveling to Japan: Entry Requirements and Visa Information
With its pulsing modern cities, beautiful rural landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine, Japan is a top destination for travelers seeking an immersive Asian experience. Fortunately, travelers dreaming of a long-awaited trip to Japan no longer need to wait—Japan has opened visa-free travel for visitors from various countries after having implemented some of the world’s strictest border control policies during COVID-19.
Continue reading for an overview of Japan’s latest entry requirements and vital travel tips for an enjoyable visit.
Entry Procedures – Before You Arrive
Ahead of your trip, make sure to register at the Visit Japan Web platform. Here, you can submit your documentation for customs and immigration and download your QR code to your smartphone. When you arrive in Japan, simply show the QR code when requested during the entry process.
How to Get a Visa
Travelers from 68 countries can enter Japan for up to 90 days for tourism purposes with a free visa upon arrival, which is considered a visa exemption. Countries included in this exemption are the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and most European nations. For a complete list of visa-exempt countries and applicable visa durations, refer to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Upon entry, all foreign passport holders will be photographed and fingerprinted. If asked, travelers arriving with a visa upon arrival should be prepared to provide proof of onward travel or sufficient means to purchase an air or ferry ticket out of Japan; however, this is rarely requested. Ensure that your passport is valid for the intended duration of your stay.
For travelers whose countries are not visa-exempt, it is necessary to apply for a visa through the nearest Japanese embassy or an accredited travel agent. The application fee is approximately 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa and 6,000 yen for a double or multiple-entry visa, payable in the currency of the embassy’s location.
Typically, the processing period for visas is five business days from the day following the acceptance of the application. To learn more about the specific requirements for applying for a Japanese visa, refer to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
What If I Need to Extend My Visa?
Citizens from countries such as Austria, Germany, Ireland, Lichtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, and the UK may extend their temporary visitor visa from within Japan for an additional 90 days. To do this, travelers should apply at a regional immigration bureau in Japan before their initial visa expires. An extension fee of 4,000 yen will apply if approved.
For travelers from other nationalities, extending a temporary visa can be challenging unless they have family or business contacts in Japan who can act as a guarantor. It’s advisable to discuss options with the nearest regional immigration bureau.
Moreover, longer working visas are available for individuals wishing to study, train, or work in Japan. These visas typically grant entry for periods ranging from three years to three months and must be applied for before traveling, through an embassy in the applicant’s home country.
Additionally, there is a specific working holiday visa that allows individuals aged 18 to 30 (25 in some cases) from 26 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Korea, and various European nations, to engage in small-scale employment while in Japan for tourism. The number of hours permitted for work and the types of allowed employment are limited under this visa.
Experience the culture, scenery, and hospitality of Japan with this essential visa and travel information, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
