Apply for the Japan Visa online now

Find the right Japan visa for your trip. Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle.

Your passport

Your destination

4.4/5 stars

Our Japan visa application process

How to apply for your Japan visa with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions to find out whether you need a Japan eVisa or another Japanese visa or travel document. Then, upload your documents and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 15 minutes.

We’ll guide you through any unclear steps during the application process.

We review your application

The Japan eVisa system is known for being strict – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear.

Don’t worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the Japanese government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

Get your Japan visa

We’ll email your approved Japan visa and let you know how to use it for your trip.

Woman at an airport holding a passport and boarding pass

Visa types needed for Japan

Japan eVisa
JESTA*
Japan Temporary Visitor Visa*
Japan Digital Nomad Visa*
Japan Working Holiday Visa*
Japan Long-Term Visa (Certificate of Eligibility)*

Japan eVisa

Purpose: The Japan eVisa allows eligible travelers to visit Japan for tourism, sightseeing, or short-term leisure stays.

When to apply: It’s recommended to apply at least 1 week before your planned travel date.

Processing time: Most applications can be processed in as fast as 5 days, though processing times vary depending on nationality, volume, and chosen processing speed.

Duration and extensions: The eVisa is typically valid for a short stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are not generally permitted for tourist stays.

Entries: Usually issued as a single-entry visa.

Delivery format: This is a digital visa issued online. Travelers must present the eVisa upon arrival in Japan.

JESTA*

JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a new, mandatory digital pre-screening system for travelers from over 70 visa-exempt countries and regions, including the US, UK, and Canada. Scheduled for rollout by 2028, it will require visitors to submit online information, just like the US ESTA, to strengthen border security and streamline immigration.

*The JESTA has not yet been launched. Visa-exempt travelers can travel with just their passport and meet the other required entry requirements.

Japan Temporary Visitor Visa*

This is for travelers from visa-required countries visiting for tourism, business meetings, or visiting relatives who do not qualify for an eVisa or require multiple entries. A single-entry visa is valid for 3 months, while a multiple-entry visa can be valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the applicant's nationality. You must obtain this before travel by submitting documents to a Japanese embassy, consulate, or accredited application center.

*We currently don't offer this visa.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa*

This is for high-earning remote workers, freelancers, and IT professionals from eligible visa-exempt countries wishing to work remotely while traveling in Japan. A single-entry visa is valid for a non-extendable period of up to 6 months. You must obtain this before travel by applying at a Japanese embassy or consulate with proof of minimum annual income and private health insurance.

*We currently don't offer this visa.

Japan Working Holiday Visa*

This is for young citizens aged 18 to 30 from participating bilateral partner countries wishing to vacation in Japan while taking up incidental employment to fund their stay. A single-entry visa is valid for up to 6 months or 1 year, depending on the specific country agreement. You must obtain this before travel by applying in person at a Japanese diplomatic mission.

*We currently don't offer this visa.

Japan Long-Term Visa (Certificate of Eligibility)*

This is for foreign nationals relocating to Japan for extended purposes such as corporate employment, university education, specialized research, or family reunification. The validity of the resulting residency status ranges from 3 months to 5 years, depending on the specific track approved. You must obtain this before travel by having a local Japanese sponsor secure a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Immigration Services Agency before applying at an embassy.

*We currently don't offer this visa.

Japan visa policy

Most travelers must meet entry requirements before traveling to Japan. Some nationalities are visa-exempt for short tourist stays, while others must apply for a Japanese visa or eVisa in advance. US citizens do not need a visa for short visits for tourism or business. From late 2028, visa-exempt travelers must apply for the JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), similar to the US ESTA.

Nationalities who are not visa-exempt must apply for a visa through a Japanese embassy or get a Japan eVisa (if eligible). All air travelers should complete the required Visit Japan Web digital registration before departure. Immigration officers may request proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. Entry is always subject to approval by local authorities.

General Japan visa requirements are:

Passport valid for the duration of stay
Proof of onward or return travel
Proof of accommodation in Japan
Any additional supporting documents, depending on nationality and purpose of travel

Japan visa prices

Japan eVisa

Prices starting from $69.99

Valid for 3 months after issued

Single entry

Stay up to 90 days per entry

Get it as fast as 5 days

Fast facts

Average time it takes to apply

15 mins

iVisa approval rate

99%

Main reason for denials

Insufficient funds

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind.

Benefit	Applying by yourself	iVisa
Simple, easy forms	Not included	Included
24x7 support from visa experts	Not included	Included
Error detection to prevent rejections	Not included	Included
World's easiest passport scan	Not included	Included
Multiple payment methods	Not included	Included

1.4M happy customers

24/7customer support

70,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Verified reviews

Travelers to Japan rated this product a 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

5.0 out of 5

Connell D.

December 2, 2024

"I was thoroughly impressed with the prompt response and the efficiency of both the staff and the system throughout my interactions with the Embassy"
Thomas T.

January 14, 2025

"simple application process with a professional and supportive staff."

See all 2 reviews

FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit Japan for tourism or business?

It depends entirely on your nationality. Citizens from over 60 countries—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and European Union member states—are visa-exempt and can enter Japan for short-term tourism or business meetings for up to 90 days without advance paperwork. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you must secure either a standard sticker visa or a Japan eVisa prior to boarding your flight.

Can I use a tourist visa or eVisa to conduct business or work remotely in Japan?

You cannot engage in paid local employment or perform income-generating work for a Japanese company while on tourist status. However, attending conferences, participating in business meetings, or signing contracts is permitted under a standard short-term visa. For location-independent professionals wanting to work remotely for foreign clients, Japan offers a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa allowing stays of up to 6 months.

How do I receive and present my Japan eVisa?

After approval, applicants receive the eVisa via email—this must be shown digitally (e.g., on a smartphone or tablet) at the departure port (airport or seaport). No physical sticker is provided.

Can Japan eVisa holders extend their stay?

No. Japan eVisas are single-entry and do not allow extensions. Travelers requiring more extended stays must apply for a different visa category.

Who is exempt from needing a Japan visa?

Japan grants visa exemption to nationals from 73 countries and regions for short visits. Depending on nationality, the duration of the exemption is 15 days (e.g., Indonesia), 30 days (e.g., Brunei), or 90 days (e.g., EU, UK, Australia, USA). Some nationals (e.g., Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, UK) even qualify to extend their stay up to six months.

What is the APEC Business Travel Card and who can use it in Japan?

Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) stamped with “JPN” may enter without a visa for business stays up to 90 days per visit, with multiple entries allowed.

Do transit visa rules apply when changing flights in Japan?

Yes. Transit Without Visa (TWOV) allows travelers transiting through Japan within 72 hours to a third country, provided they remain in designated transit areas. Depending on departure location, travelers are issued either a Shore Pass (if departing from the same port) or a Transit Pass (if departing from a different port). A confirmed onward ticket is required.

Ready to apply?

Start your visa application today and get approved quickly

A happy couple using iVisa to apply for their trip

Travel visas for other countries

Visa for Oman

Visa for Azerbaijan

Visa for Kyrgyzstan

Visa for Papua New Guinea

Visa for Cambodia

Visa for Singapore

Apply for the Japan Visa online now