Japan Tourist Visa: All you need to know

All you need to know about the Japan Tourist Visa

Last updated: April 2024

We currently don't offer this visa, but you can find more information on the Japan government website.

This article will explain the visa requirements and how to apply for the Japan Tourist Visa.

What is the Japan Tourist Visa?

The Japan Tourist Visa is a document for eligible travelers planning to visit Japan for tourism purposes.

It's different from the Japanese eVisa, for which only certain nationalities are eligible, and has more requirements.

What can you do with a Japan Tourist Visa?

This visa is meant for tourist purposes only.

What can you not do with a Japan Tourist Visa?

Keep in mind, you may need a different visa if you're visiting Japan for:

• Cultural exchanges, municipal exchanges, and sports exchanges

• Work and live in the country

• Business activities like liaisons, meetings, consultations, signing contracts, after-sales service, advertising, or market research

• Visit or to stay with family and friends, including your spouse

Who requires the Japan Tourist Visa?

More than 100 nationalities can apply for a Japan Tourist Visa.

Find the full list of eligible nationalities on the government website.

Visa-exempt: Who doesn't need to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa?

Over 70 countries are exempt from having to apply for a short-stay tourist visa, including the United States, many EU countries, and the United Kingdom.

Find the full list of visa-exempt nationalities here.

Do minors have to apply for the Japan Tourist Visa?

Yes, minors from eligible countries must also have a Japan Tourist Visa to enter Japan.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for applying for the Japan Tourist Visa on behalf of their child.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to submit their application at a Japanese Embassy. Children under 12 years old are not allowed to travel alone to Japan.

How long is the Japan Tourist Visa valid for?

There are two types of Japan Tourist Visas:

• The single-entry visa allows you to stay in Japan for 15 to 30 days, depending on your nationality.

• The multiple-entry visa is valid for 1 to 5 years and allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit.

Can I extend my Japan Tourist Visa?

If you want to extend your stay, you must **apply at the appropriate Japanese authorities before the expiry date of your visa.

Never overstay the validity of your visa to avoid legal issues. You may need to show proof of the reasons for the extension, such as a medical emergency.

Japan Tourist Visa required documents

To get this travel document, travelers must submit the following documents to the Japanese government:

• A passport, valid for at least six months

• Applicant’s passport-size photo

Depending on your nationality, Japanese authorities may ask for additional documents such as:

• Financial documents to prove that you have enough funds to pay for your entire stay in Japan, such as bank deposits, statements, or other evidence

• Travel itinerary or any other evidence of planned tourism activities in Japan

• Reservation of your flight tickets to prove your intent to return to your home country

Please note:

Travelers are no longer required to submit their applications in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS). The ERFS was a system foreign travelers had to use to obtain an ERFS certificate to be eligible for a visa to visit Japan.

Minimum bank balance for Japan Tourist Visa

There is no specific minimum bank balance required for a Japan Tourist Visa.

However, proving your ability to pay for travel expenses is essential. To calculate the amount of money, consider how much time you’ll stay in Japan and the daily expenses, such as hotel, food, and transportation.

You could present:

• Bank statements from the last three months

• An income certificate or a tax declaration certificate issued by a public agency

• Certificate showing your deposit balance

How to apply for the Japan Tourist Visa with us

Apply for the Japan Tourist Visa via the nearest Japan Embassy or Consulate and follow their instructions.

In some cases, the Japanese authorities require you to attend an interview, depending on your individual circumstances.

Costs and processing times for the Japan Tourist Visa

The government fee is US$42 (at the time of writing).

Depending on your location, scheduling an appointment to submit the documents may take weeks to a few months. From the appointment date or submitting your documents, Japanese authorities process visa applications in 1 to 4 weeks.

We recommend applying as early as possible to avoid delays.

Arriving in Japan with a Japan Tourist Visa

Once you arrive in Japan, an immigration officer will check your visa and the reasons for your visit. After that, you’ll receive a Landing Permit.

This document will replace your Tourist Visa during your stay in Japan, and your issued visa will become invalid. The Landing Permit will be placed in your passport upon entry, so always keep it with you and present it when requested.

Where can I find more information about the Japan Tourist Visa?

If you have questions about the Japan Tourist Visa, other travel documents, or our services, please contact our customer service team via online chat or WhatsApp. We're happy to help!