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Japan·Visa & entry

Japan visa requirements and entry rules

Standard visa-free allowance, e-visa or visa-on-arrival options, mandatory pre-arrival cards, customs notes, and the practical entry mechanics. The country safety guide's Getting In chapter covers the per-nationality detail.

Safe Trip Score
76Low risk · exercise caution
Visa & entry is a reference surface, not a single sub-score
Headline
Visa-free 90 days for most Western nationalities

Pre-arrival card

Visit Japan Web (digital landing card)

Official portal

https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

Specifics

  • Visa-free for U.S., Canadian, EU, UK, Australian, NZ, Singapore.
  • Visit Japan Web mandatory; complete online before arrival.
  • Codeine-containing medications restricted.

By passport nationality

Headline rule for the nine most-trafficked passport groups. Always confirm on Japan’s immigration portal before booking; visa policy changes frequently.

  • US passport
    Visa-free
    Up to 90 days
    Pre-arrival: Visit Japan Web
    • Visa-free 90 days. Visit Japan Web mandatory digital landing card.
  • UK passport
    Visa-free
    Up to 90 days
    Pre-arrival: Visit Japan Web
    • Visa-free 90 days. Visit Japan Web mandatory.
  • EU passport
    Visa-free
    Up to 90 days
    Pre-arrival: Visit Japan Web
    • Visa-free 90 days for most EU passport-holders.
  • CA passport
    Visa-free
    Up to 90 days
    Pre-arrival: Visit Japan Web
    • Visa-free 90 days.
  • AU passport
    Visa-free
    Up to 90 days
    Pre-arrival: Visit Japan Web
    • Visa-free 90 days.
  • IN passport
    Consular visa required
    Up to 90 days
    Pre-arrival: Japanese consular visa
    • Tourist visa via Japanese embassy.
  • BR passport
    Visa-free
    Up to 90 days
    Pre-arrival: Visit Japan Web
    • Visa-free 90 days for Brazilian passport-holders.
  • JP passport
    Visa-free
    No day limit
    • Citizens of Japan.
  • CN passport
    Consular visa required
    Up to 30 days
    Pre-arrival: Japanese consular visa
    • Consular visa for Chinese passport-holders.

Practical guidance

For most short-stay tourists

The headline rule for Japan is visa-free 90 days for most western nationalities. US passport-holders specifically get visa-free for up to 90 days, with Visit Japan Web required pre-arrival. See the by-passport block above for your specific nationality.

Pre-arrival documentation

Japan requires Visit Japan Web (digital landing card) before boarding. Airlines check this at the gate; without it you will be denied boarding even if your visa is in order. Allow at least 72 hours for processing in case the portal queues, longer if you are travelling on a national holiday in Japan.

When to apply

For visa-required nationalities, apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa systems process in 1 to 7 days typically but can stall around major holidays or political events; do not book non-refundable travel against a pending application. Japan’s official portal is www.mofa.go.jp; only apply through that portal or through your nearest Japan embassy or consulate. Third-party visa services charge for what the government provides at cost.

Common rejection reasons

Passport with under 6 months validity from intended exit date. Fewer than two blank visa pages. No confirmed onward or return ticket. Travel insurance not naming Japan explicitly (Schengen-style coverage minimums apply for many European destinations). Prior visa overstays anywhere, especially in neighbouring countries. Most rejections cite one of these five rather than a substantive concern about the traveller.

Related for Japan

More on Japan

Read the Japan visa and entry requirements chapter →

Japan is statistically among the safest large countries in the world. Crime against tourists is rare; the relevant risks are seismic, meteorological, and procedural. This guide covers what to do when the ground moves, when typhoons close transport, how the world-class healthcare system actually works for foreigners, and the small set of cultural conventions that make a difference.

Frequently asked about Japan

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

The headline rule is: Visa-free 90 days for most Western nationalities. Specific allowance depends on your passport nationality; the by-passport block on this page covers the 9 most-trafficked passports (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, India, Brazil, Japan, China). Always confirm on Japan's official immigration portal before booking, visa policy changes frequently.

How long can I stay in Japan on a tourist visa?

Visa-free 90 days for most Western nationalities. Visit Japan Web (digital landing card) is required pre-arrival. For per-passport specifics see the block above. Overstaying carries fines and re-entry bans across most jurisdictions.

Can I extend my visa once I'm in Japan?

Most countries allow a one-time extension via the local immigration office for an additional 30 to 90 days, processed within 7 to 14 working days. Japan's policy varies; the safety guide's Getting In chapter covers it where applicable. Apply at least 2 weeks before your existing visa expires.