Visa policy of Japan

Visitors to Japan must obtain a visa from one of the Japanese diplomatic missions, unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries.

A multiple-entry Japanese temporary visitor visa, 2023-present format

A single-entry Japanese temporary visitor visa, 2016-2023 format

A double-entry Japanese transit visa on a Chinese passport (Old design)

Visa policy map

Japanese Visitor Visa in early 2000s on a Hong Kong SAR Passport

  Japan

  Visa not required - 90 days (extendable up to 6 months)

  Visa not required - 90 days

  Visa not required - 30 days (including registered passports)

  Visa not required - 15 days

  Visa not required - 15 days (registered passports only)

  eVisa - 90 days

  Visa required

  Admission refused

Visa exemption

A Japanese temporary visitor landing permission sticker issued at the Haneda Airport on a Taiwan passport in 2011

The Japanese temporary visitor landing permission stickers issued at the Narita Airport in 2018

Holders of ordinary passports of the following jurisdictions do not need a visa to stay in Japan, for stays up to the duration listed below:^[1][2]

90 days European Union member statesE  Andorra  Argentina  Australia  Bahamas  BarbadosPM  BrazilPB  Canada  Chile  Costa Rica  Dominican Republic  El Salvador  Guatemala  Honduras  Hong Kong1  Iceland  Israel  LesothoPM  LiechtensteinE  Macao2  MalaysiaPB  Mauritius  MexicoE  Monaco  New Zealand  North Macedonia  Norway  PanamaPB  Uruguay  San Marino  SerbiaPB  Singapore  South Korea  Suriname   SwitzerlandE  Taiwan3  Tunisia  Turkey  United KingdomE  United States 30 days  Brunei  QatarR  United Arab EmiratesPB 15 days  IndonesiaR PB  ThailandPB

_{E - Nationals of Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom may apply for an extension of stay (up to a maximum of 6 months) at the Ministry of Justice.
R - Passport must be registered for visa waiver online or at a Japanese diplomatic mission. The registration is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. For Indonesian passport holders, only biometric passports are eligible for registration.
PB - Biometric passport required.
PM - Machine-readable passport required.
1 - For holders of Hong Kong SAR passports or British National (Overseas) passports who have the right of abode in Hong Kong.
2 - For holders of Macao SAR passports.
3 - For holders of Taiwan passports that include a personal identification number.
4 - For British citizens or British Nationals (Overseas).}

Date of visa changes

Visa exemption: Unknown: Barbados; 1 June 1967: Yugoslavia (may continue to apply to Croatia and Slovenia)[3] 1 July 1955: West Germany (continues to apply to Germany)[4] 1 December 1955: France[5] 15 January 1956: Italy[6] 10 June 1956: Greece[7] 14 June 1956: Tunisia[8] 15 August 1956: Belgium[9] and Denmark[10] 28 August 1956: Netherlands[11] 1 September 1956: Norway[12] and Sweden[13] 15 April 1957: Liechtenstein and Switzerland[14] 19 April 1957: Dominican Republic[15] 5 January 1958: Turkey[16] 1 April 1958: Austria[17] (previously also from 1 September 1928 to 13 March 1938[18]) 1 February 1959: Finland[19] 1 August 1960: Luxembourg[20] 1 January 1962: Argentina[21] 2 December 1962: United Kingdom[22] 20 September 1964: Canada[23] 15 April 1965: Spain[24] 1 September 1966: Ireland[25] 20 November 1966: Iceland[26] 15 February 1968: San Marino[27] 15 November 1969: Chile[28] 15 June 1970: New Zealand[29] 1 October 1971: Israel[30] 1 January 1972: Singapore[31] 10 April 1972: Mexico[32] 25 February 1973: El Salvador[33] 1 March 1973: Malta[34] 1 April 1973: Cyprus[35] 1 March 1974: Portugal[36] 2 May 1974: Uruguay[37] 27 May 1974: Suriname[38] 1 June 1974: Honduras[39] 16 September 1974: Costa Rica[40] 1 January 1976: Guatemala[41] 15 July 1977: Lesotho[42] 1 July 1980: Mauritius[43] 1 October 1981: Bahamas[44] 20 June 1986: Brunei[45] 15 December 1988: United States[46] 11 November 1996: Andorra[47] 1 April 1997: North Macedonia[48] 21 June 1997: Hungary[49] 10 September 1998: Czech Republic[50] 1 December 1998: Australia[51] 14 February 1999: Poland[52] 23 September 1999: Monaco[53] 1 December 1999: Estonia[54] 1 April 2000: Latvia[55] and Lithuania[56] 22 March 2002: Slovakia[57] 1 April 2004: Hong Kong[58] and British Nationals (Overseas)[59] 1 March 2005: South Korea[60][61] 25 March 2005: Macao[62] 1 May 2005: Bulgaria[63] 26 September 2005: Taiwan 1 September 2009: Romania[64][65] 1 May 2011: Serbia[66] 1 July 2013: Malaysia[67] (previously also from 1 March 1983 to 1 June 1993[68]) and Thailand[69] 1 December 2014: Indonesia (for pre-registered passports)[70] 1 November 2022: United Arab Emirates[71] (previously also from 1 July 2017 for pre-registered passports[72]) 2 April 2023: Qatar (for pre-registered passports)[73] 30 September 2023: Brazil[74] 1 April 2024: Panama[75] Cancelled: Pakistan: 1 January 1961 to 15 January 1989[76][77] Bangladesh: 20 August 1973 to 15 January 1989[78][77] Iran: 1 October 1974 to 15 April 1992[79][80] Peru: 1 February 1972 to 15 July 1995[81] Colombia: 1 September 1962 to 1 February 2004[82]

Online travel authorization

In June 2024, the Japanese government announced future plans to try and introduce an online travel authorization system called JESTA for visa-exempt visitors, as part of a migration legislative reform by the year 2030.^[83][84] The new system will require foreign visitors who are exempt from obtaining short-stay visas to declare information such as the purpose of their stay online before entering Japan. This measure aims to prevent illegal stays and will be implemented by the Immigration Services Agency, drawing inspiration from the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).^[85]

Non-ordinary passports

  Japan

  Visa exemption for diplomatic and official passports

  Visa exemption for diplomatic passports

Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports of the following countries may enter Japan without a visa for a maximum period of 90 days each visit (unless otherwise stated):^[80]

All European Union member states  Albania[a]  Andorra  Argentina  Australia  Azerbaijan[a]  Bahrain  Bahamas  Bangladesh[a]  Bolivia  Barbados  Bosnia and Herzegovina  Brazil  Brunei[b]  Cambodia  Canada  Chile  Colombia  Costa Rica  Dominican Republic  Ecuador[a]  El Salvador  Georgia[a]  Guatemala  Honduras  India[a]  Indonesia[c]  Iran  Israel  Kazakhstan  Kosovo  Laos  Lesotho  Liechtenstein  Malaysia  Maldives  Malta  Marshall Islands  Mauritius  Mexico[d]  Moldova  Monaco  Mongolia[a][c]  Montenegro  Morocco  Myanmar[a]  Nauru  New Zealand  North Macedonia  Oman  Palau  Panama  Papua New Guinea  Paraguay  Peru  Qatar  Samoa  San Marino  Serbia[e]  Saudi Arabia [86]  Singapore  Solomon Islands  South Korea  Suriname   Switzerland  Thailand  Tunisia  Turkey  Turkmenistan  Ukraine[a]  United Kingdom  United Arab Emirates  United States[f]  Uruguay  Uzbekistan[a]  Vatican City[a]  Vietnam

Holders of diplomatic and official passports of other countries to whom a visa exemption applies when using an ordinary passport are also exempted from a visa, but are granted the status of residence as temporary visitors under the same conditions and maximum stay as with an ordinary passport. This exemption does not apply to holders of diplomatic and official passports of Taiwan, and to those of the United States traveling for official purposes.^[80]

• In addition, all nationals of selected visa-exempt countries and territories entering Japan with a United Nations laissez-passer may enter Japan visa-free for up to the periods stated varying between 14 – 90 days under current reciprocal agreements.^[87]
• In addition, all Interpol Passport Holders regardless of nationality may enter Japan visa-free for 90 days.

APEC Business Travel Card

Holders of passports of the following jurisdictions who also hold an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) containing the code "JPN" on the reverse may travel to Japan without a visa for business purposes for stays of up to 90 days:^[88]

Australia  Brunei  Chile  China  Hong Kong  Indonesia

Malaysia  Mexico  New Zealand  Papua New Guinea  Peru  Philippines

Russia  Singapore  South Korea  Taiwan  Thailand  Vietnam

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Sample of Japanese eVisa Issuance Notice

Holders of ordinary passports of and foreign nationals who reside in the following countries and territories can apply and obtain a single entry e-visa individually. The duration of stay for these jurisdictions is up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted). e-Visa holder must arrive in Japan by air.^[89][90]

Australia  Brazil  Cambodia  Canada  Saudi Arabia  Singapore  South Africa  Taiwan  United Kingdom  United States

There are regulations for specific e-visa applications.^[89] Applications made by Chinese passport holders residing in mainland China must be submitted by an authorized travel agency. The e-visa will be valid for a single entry, with a duration of stay of 15 days. Foreign nationals residing in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macao, Mongolia, South Korea (excluding those under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Jeju) and United Arab Emirates must also submit their applications through an authorized travel agency. Additionally, citizens of Vietnam who are part of a package tour hosted by a designated travel agency can apply for an e-visa.

E-visa holders must use the designated website to display their visa information, as screenshots and PDF files are not considered valid proof of the visa.

History

Japan historically had special visa policies for nationals of countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States who could not provide their financial guarantees and obtain a visa independently. Instead, they had to apply through an approved travel agency or be invited by a resident or citizen of Japan.^[91] However, these requirements were gradually lifted, starting with citizens of Russia on 1 January 2017,^[92] followed by Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan on 5 June 2017.^[93][94] Armenia's requirements were lifted on 1 September 2017,^[95] Azerbaijan's on 1 December 2017,^[96] and those for Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine on 1 January 2018.^[97][98]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has also maintained special visa policies for nationals of China and the Philippines, requiring them to apply through an accredited travel agent or be invited by a Japanese citizen or resident.^[99][100] In 2014, a simplified process was introduced for nationals of the Philippines and Vietnam traveling in groups through registered travel agencies, allowing them to obtain entry visas for tourist visits up to 15 days with fewer required documents.^[101] Additionally, nationals of India, the Philippines, and Vietnam can obtain multiple-entry visas if they have previously visited Japan and other G7 countries or demonstrate "sufficient financial capability."^[102][103]

Starting in 2015, Chinese tourists traveling on approved cruise ships have been allowed to enter Japan without a visa, provided they embark and disembark the same specified ships.^[104] In 2016, Japan reportedly planned to further ease visa requirements for visitors from key markets such as India, China, and Vietnam.^[105] This new wave of visa liberalization policies began on 17 October 2016 for Chinese nationals^[106] and on 1 January 2018 for Indian nationals.^[107]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan suspended visa exemptions for most countries beginning in March 2020 and later extended this suspension to all countries. These exemptions were subsequently restored on 11 October 2022.^[108] As of 2024, Japan has further expanded its visa policies by allowing Indian nationals and those residing in India to be eligible for e-Visas.^[109]

Statistics

In 2015 4,768,286 Japanese visas were issued.^[110] It is an increase of 66% from 2014 when 2,871,639 visas were issued and the highest number ever recorded.^[111]

Most visas were applied for by nationals of the following countries:^{[112][113][114][115]}

Application from	Issued visas in 2017	Share	Issued visas in 2015	Share	Issued visas in 2014	Share	Issued visas in 2013	Issued visas in 2012
China	4,504,718	77%	3,780,773	79%	2,048,106	71%	971,542	1,112,407
Philippines	325,564	5%	225,676	5%	163,386	6%	99,258	74,424
Indonesia	239,201	4%	162,273	3%	141,321	5%	122,376	90,498
Vietnam	226,993	4%	139,236	3%	96,648	3%	65,305	39,581
India	96,658	2%	74,088	2%	66,696	2%	55,622	50,938
Russia	67,445	1%	47,813	1%	57,606	2%	54,948	45,468
Brazil	50,885	1%	38,798	1%	34,217	1%	28,697	35,049
Thailand[116]	—	—	20,857	1%	21,322	1%	183,684	228,528
South Korea[117]	—	—	20,399	0%	18,861	1%	21,644	22,964
United States[117]	—	—	19,349	0%	19,017	1%	—	—
Malaysia[116]	—	—	—	—	—	—	70,231	115,348
Others	357,548	6%	239,026	5%	204,459	7%	191,118	171.316

Foreign tourists to Japan

Most visitors arriving to Japan were from the following countries of nationality: In 2015 most visas were issued for group sightseeing (1,957,498) and individual sightseeing (1,126,209). There were 62,052 multiple-entry visas for Okinawa and 10,500 multiple-entry visas for three prefectures in Tōhoku.

Country/Territory	2023[118]	2022[118]	2019[118]	2018[118]	2017[119]	2016[120]	2015[121]	2014[122]	2013[123]
China	2,112,683	189,125	9,594,394	8,380,034	7,355,800	6,373,564	4,993,689	2,409,158	1,314,437
South Korea	6,175,768	1,012,751	5,584,597	7,538,952	7,140,200	5,090,302	4,002,095	2,755,313	2,456,165
Taiwan	3,802,934	331,097	4,890,602	4,757,258	4,564,100	4,167,512	3,677,075	2,829,821	2,210,821
Hong Kong	1,863,322	269,285	2,290,792	2,207,804	2,231,500	1,839,193	1,524,292	925,975	745,881
United States	1,862,688	323,513	1,723,861	1,526,407	1,375,000	1,242,719	1,033,258	891,668	799,280
Thailand	869,736	198,037	1,318,977	1,132,160	987,100	901,525	796,731	657,570	453,642
Australia	523,591	88,648	621,771	552,440	495,100	445,332	376,075	302,656	244,569
Malaysia	354,906	74,095	501,592	468,360	439,500	394,268	305,447	249,521	176,521
Philippines	543,186	126,842	613,114	503,976	424,200	347,861	268,361	184,204	108,351
Singapore	477,572	131,969	492,252	437,280	404,100	361,807	308,783	227,962	189,280
Vietnam	536,869	284,113	495,051	389,005	308,898	233,763	185,395	124,266	84,469
Indonesia	365,686	119,723	412,779	396,852	352,330	271,014	205,083	158,739	136,797
Total	22,332,235	3,832,110	31,882,049	31,191,856	28,690,900	24,039,053	19,737,409	13,413,467	10,363,904

Re-entry Permit as a Visa

For the international travel document issued by Japan, see Japan Re-entry Permit.

A Re-entry Permit Stamp (sticker type)

The re-entry permit in Japan also exists in the form of a stamp, known as 再入国許可 (Japan Re-entry Permit), which is affixed to a foreign passport or other travel document and serves as a re-entry visa.

Foreign nationals planning to travel outside Japan for more than one year are required to obtain a re-entry permit. Typically, this permit is applied to the passport as a self-adhesive sticker.

For individuals without a valid passport, a booklet-type re-entry permit is issued concurrently with the re-entry permit stamp.

As of the new system introduced in July 2012, the maximum period for a re-entry permit is six years.

Special Re-entry Permit

From July 9, 2012, foreign nationals legally residing in Japan who plan to leave the country for no more than one year are no longer required to apply for a re-entry permit before their departure. Instead, they can obtain a special re-entry permit at their point of departure.^[124] Previously, if a foreign national left Japan without a re-entry permit, their visa or legal residency status could be revoked.

However, the special re-entry permit system has specific exceptions. It does not apply to individuals whose resident status is in the process of revocation, those whose confirmation of departure is suspended, individuals who have received a written detention order, those who are in the process of applying for refugee status and staying with the resident status of "Designated Activities," or individuals specified by Japan's Ministry of Justice as threats to national interests or public order. Additionally, this permit is deemed necessary for the fair control of entries and departures.

The special re-entry permit is not available for holders of booklet-type re-entry permits. These individuals must have a stamp-type re-entry permit in their booklets since the validity of the booklet re-entry permit is limited to the stamp's valid date.

Admission refused

As a result of sanctions against North Korea, entry and transit is refused to North Korea nationals, even if not leaving the aircraft and proceeding by the same flight^{[1][125][126]}

See also

• Japan portal

• Visa requirements for Japanese citizens

Notes

1. Only for holders of diplomatic passports.
2. For stays of up to 14 days.
3. For stays of up to 30 days.
4. Citizens of Mexico are normally granted a visa exemption of up to 6 months. However, if they wish to stay in Japan for longer than 90 days, they are required apply for an extension of the Ministry of Justice before the period of permitted stay is to expire.
5. Visas are not required only for holders of ICAO-compliant e-Passports.
6. For citizens of the United States who visit Japan for sightseeing or private purposes (not for official purpose).