Japan Visa & Entry Requirements

Japan allows visa-free entry for citizens of over 70 countries for short-term tourism. Here's everything you need to know before you board your flight.

Contents

  1. 1. Visa-free countries
  2. 2. Tourist visa (if required)
  3. 3. Arrival process step by step
  4. 4. What to have ready at immigration
  5. 5. Customs rules
  6. 6. Duty-free allowances

✅ Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the following countries can enter Japan without a visa for tourism. The standard permitted stay is 90 days (some countries get 15 or 30 days — check your specific passport).

United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Singapore
South Korea
Hong Kong
Taiwan
Thailand
Malaysia
Mexico
Brazil

Always verify with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip — this list changes.

📋 Tourist Visa (If Required)

If your country is not visa-exempt, apply for a Temporary Visitor visa at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate before departure.

Visa typeTemporary Visitor (Short-Term Stay)
Stay allowedUp to 90 days — tourism only, no work permitted
Processing time5–10 business days (varies by country)
FeeVaries by country; often $10–30 USD
Documents neededPassport, application form, photo, itinerary, bank statement

✈️ Arrival Process Step by Step

1

Visit Japan Web (recommended)

Register your entry details online before departure at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp. This speeds up immigration significantly and replaces paper forms.

2

Immigration / Passport Control

Join the "Foreigner" queue. You'll have your fingerprints scanned and photo taken. Have your return ticket and accommodation address ready.

3

Customs Declaration

Fill out the customs declaration card on the plane (or digitally via Visit Japan Web). Declare items over ¥200,000 in value or any restricted goods.

4

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage. Japan's airports are well-organised and luggage is rarely lost or delayed.

5

Arrival Hall

Pick up a pocket Wi-Fi, SIM card, or IC card at airport counters. Currency exchange booths are also available here.

🧳 What to Have Ready at Immigration

✓Valid passport (6+ months remaining is recommended)
✓Return or onward ticket
✓Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or friend's address)
✓Sufficient funds for your stay
✓Your Visit Japan Web QR code (if registered)

🚫 Customs — What You Cannot Bring

✗Narcotics, stimulants, cannabis (strictly prohibited — severe penalties apply)
✗Certain prescription medications in large quantities — check before packing
✗Firearms and ammunition
✗Counterfeit goods
✗Certain fresh meats, plants, and soil
⚠️ Medication warning: Some common Western medications (Sudafed, certain ADHD medications, some inhalers) are illegal in Japan. Check the Japanese customs website before packing any prescription or OTC medication.

🛍️ Duty-Free Allowances

ItemAllowance
Alcohol3 bottles (760ml each)
Cigarettes200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
Perfume2 oz (56ml)
Other goodsUp to ¥200,000 total value
CashOver ¥1 million must be declared

More travel guides:

🧳 Packing List🚄 Transportation📱 SIM Card💴 Cash or Card