Japan Visa: Entry requirements and travel information for Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? Understanding Japan's visa requirements can be as intricate as the art of origami. The good news is, we've mastered the folds and creases of this process!

Picture yourself under the delicate cherry blossoms in Kyoto, wandering through Tokyo's vibrant streets, or relishing authentic sushi. These iconic Japanese experiences start with the right visa.

iVisa is your expert in simplifying the visa application process. Our team has the knowledge and tools to guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth path to your Japanese escapade. Let's start turning your dream of exploring the Land of the Rising Sun into reality!

Mastering the maze: Japan Visa options

A visa is like a special permission slip that allows you to enter countries like Japan. Think of it as a key that unlocks the door to new places. Without a visa, you might not be able to go past the airport or border into Japan. So, getting the right visa is a crucial step in planning your trip to explore Japan’s beautiful landscapes and rich culture.

1. Short-term stay visas

This visa category is ideal for individuals planning to visit Japan for stays under 90 days. It caters to those traveling for leisure, business purposes, or to visit friends and family, provided they do not engage in activities that earn them income during their stay.

Tourist Visa

The Japan Tourist Visa is designed for individuals seeking to explore the country's rich cultural and scenic beauty on a short-term basis. This visa strictly caters to tourism activities such as sightseeing, leisure, and exploration.

Who is it for?

Eligibility for the Japan Tourist Visa extends to nationals from countries that do not have visa exemption agreements with Japan for short-term stays. The countries that need a visa to enter Japan include (but are not limited to):

Use our handy Visa Checker Tool to find out if you need to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa.

Who cannot apply?

• Those from countries with visa exemption agreements for short-term tourism stay in Japan.

• Individuals intending to engage in business-related activities, visit friends or relatives or undertake any work.

Purpose of the visa?

The visa allows tourism activities like sightseeing, exploring cultural sites, and enjoying recreational experiences.

Duration of stay?

The visa typically permits a stay of up to 30 days Per Entry, focusing on short-term visits. The exact duration and number of entries are based on individual applications.

Learn more about the Japan Tourist Visa.

GET YOUR VISA TODAY

Tourist eVisa

The Japan eVisa represents a modern, convenient approach to obtaining a short-term stay visa for Japan, specifically for tourism purposes. Unlike traditional visas, the eVisa system allows applicants to complete the entire process online, simplifying and speeding up the application procedure.

Who is it for?

The eVisa is available to nationals in specific countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the USA. It's also open to Chinese and Vietnamese nationals under certain conditions.

Who cannot apply?

• Nationals from countries not listed in the eligible countries for the eVisa.

• Those visiting for reasons other than tourism (e.g., visiting friends or relatives, business purposes).

• Travelers with non-ordinary passports or other types of travel documents.

Purpose of the visa?

The eVisa is strictly for tourism-related activities, such as sightseeing and recreational travel. It does not permit visits for business, visiting friends/relatives, or any remunerative activities.

Duration of stay?

The eVisa is valid for a Single Entry short-term stay of up to 90 days Per Entry. The validity of the is 90 days after arrival.

Learn more about the Japan eVisa.

GET YOUR EVISA TODAY

Please note: The Tourist Visa and eVisa are solely for tourism-related activities. Different visas are required if you plan to visit family or friends or participate in business-related activities for less than 90 days. Please contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for more information.

Japan visa-free entry: Countries list

As of October 2023, the following countries are eligible for visa-free travel to Japan for short-term stays (under 90 days).

2. Work or long-term stay visas

This category is designed for individuals who intend to engage in paid work in Japan or for those whose stay exceeds 90 days. It encompasses various employment and long-term residency scenarios, catering to various professional and personal needs. Here’s a brief overview of the different types:

• Highly skilled professional visa: Tailored for foreign nationals with exceptional skills in fields such as academia, business, or technology, this visa enables them to pursue their professional careers in Japan.

• Working visa: Designed for individuals seeking to undertake professional roles in Japan, this visa encompasses various occupations, including education, arts, journalism, and business management.

• General visa: This visa caters to individuals involved in non-remunerative activities in Japan, including cultural studies, education, training, and accompanying family members for long-term stays.

• Specified visa: Targeted towards specific individuals such as spouses or children of Japanese nationals, long-term residents, and those participating in designated activities, this visa addresses various residency needs.

• Start-up visa: Focused on supporting foreign entrepreneurs and their families looking to establish businesses in Japan, often with the backing of local municipalities.

• Diplomatic visa: Reserved for diplomatic personnel like ambassadors and couriers, this visa is dedicated to those on official diplomatic missions in Japan.

• Official visa: Applicable to administrative and technical staff members of diplomatic missions, facilitating their official responsibilities in Japan.

Please note: iVisa does not currently offer these visas. Each long-term stay visa comes with specific requirements that must be met. Not meeting these requirements could lead to application difficulties or visa denial. Please contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for details about applying for these visas.

3. Visa for medical stays

This visa category is aimed at foreigners seeking medical treatment or comprehensive health check-ups in Japan. It can also be granted to those accompanying the patient, as and when required, to ensure they have the necessary support during their medical visit.

Please note: iVisa does not currently offer this visa. For details about applying for one, please contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.

Japan Visa application process

Navigating through Japanese visa applications can be complex and time-consuming. We're here to simplify it, increasing your chances of success.

How to apply for the Japan Tourist Visa

Applying for your Japan Tourist Visa just got easier with our platform. We offer more than just a form to fill out. We blend clarity with a step-by-step guide, ensuring you navigate the process easily and confidently.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Enter your personal and travel details on our website or via our mobile app.

Step 2: Verify your information is correct and pay the service fee using a debit or credit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

Step 3: Fill in the rest of the visa application form and upload the required documents. Once you’re done, submit it.

Step 4: We will schedule a visa appointment on your behalf and send you a checklist of the documents you must present during your visa interview.

Step 5: Attend the visa interview at the Japanese embassy or consulate and pay the visa fee.

Once you’ve completed these steps, wait for the visa decision.

Apply for your Japan Tourist Visa today!

How to apply for the Japan eVisa

Using our platform to apply for the Japan eVisa gives you an edge in the application process. While handling visa requirements can be challenging, our dedicated team is here to simplify it for you.

Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Enter your personal and travel details on our website or via our mobile app.

Step 2: Verify that all your information is accurate and choose your preferred processing time. Pay the fees with a credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

Step 3: Complete the rest of the application form, upload the required documents, and submit it.

As soon as your eVisa is approved, we’ll email you

Apply for your eVisa today!

How to apply for a Japan long-term stay visa and medical stay visa

While we don’t offer services for these specific visa types (yet!), we won’t leave you in the lurch. Below is a quick guide to help you get your visa quickly. To apply for these visas, you must visit the Japanese embassy or consulate nearest you.

Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Contact a Japanese embassy or consulate near you to find out what you need to apply for your desired visa.

Step 2: Collect the required documents and make an appointment at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate (if required).

Step 3: Attend your visa interview, submit your application, and pay the visa fees.

Step 4: Wait for the visa decision. If your visa is approved, pick up your Japan visa from the Japanese embassy or consulate where you applied.

Before you start your visa application for a long-term stay, you first have to get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from a regional immigration authority in Japan. This document determines whether an applicant will be granted entry to the country. A proxy in Japan has to apply for it on your behalf.

Japan entry requirements

Getting ready for your exciting trip to Japan? We know the entry rules can seem a bit complex, but we're here to help you through it!

One crucial permit you need for entering Japan with a visa is the Japanese Landing Permission When you arrive in Japan, immigration officers will check your visa and other necessary documents. If everything looks good, they will stamp your passport with the Landing Permission.

It's the Landing Permission that actually allows you to stay in Japan, not just the visa. Think of the visa as the first step; it gets you to the airport. The Landing Permission is what lets you actually enter and stay in the country.

For travelers with a single-entry visa, remember that your visa won't be valid anymore once you get the Landing Permission. But if you have a multiple-entry visa, it stays valid even after you receive the Landing Permission.

The following guidelines are your keys to a smooth and enjoyable arrival in Japan. Let's go over them together to make sure your trip is as amazing as it should be!

Health information for travelers to Japan

To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, staying informed about the health guidelines in Japan is critical. Think of the table below as your companion to navigating Japan's health landscape, ensuring your adventure is as carefree and memorable as the country's rich heritage.

Need a helping hand in Japan?

Embassies and consulates stand as a support system for individuals in a foreign nation such as Japan. This holds for Japanese nationals on international trips, visitors taking in the country’s sights, or anyone from abroad requiring aid. Being informed on how to reach your national embassy or consulate can offer reassurance throughout your time there.

For Japanese citizens traveling overseas:

Japanese citizens journeying overseas have access to the embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions, ready to help with emergencies and provide travel-related advice.

For visitors within Japan:

Visitors in Japan can contact their country's diplomatic posts for assistance, including help with legal concerns and requests for visa renewals. Use our comprehensive [Embassies and Consulates directory] to locate your nation's representation in Japan.

How to connect with embassies and consulates:

• Our Embassies and Consulates directory offers up-to-date contact information and outlines available services.

• Use the provided contacts on the embassy or consulate’s official site for quick assistance during emergencies.

• Communicating via email is suitable for less urgent communication or to arrange meetings..

• Should a face-to-face meeting be necessary, scheduling an appointment beforehand can lead to a more organized visit.

With this knowledge, you can navigate Japan with the assurance that assistance from your embassy or consulate is available should you need it.