Visa Requirements & Travel Restrictions

Your visa needs depend on your nationality and trip purpose.

Japan offers visa-free entry for up to 90 days to citizens from 71 countries and regions:

Region	Countries	Stay Duration
Asia	Brunei, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia (registered e-passport), Macao SAR, Malaysia (biometric passport), Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand (biometric passport), Qatar	90 days (except: Brunei 30 days, Indonesia 15 days, Thailand 15 days, Qatar 30 days)
Oceania	Australia, New Zealand	90 days
North America	Canada, Mexico, United States	90 days
Central & South America	Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil (biometric passport), Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada	90 days
Europe	All EU member states plus Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Serbia (biometric passport), North Macedonia, Montenegro (biometric passport)	90 days
Middle East	Israel, Turkey (biometric passport), United Arab Emirates (biometric passport)	90 days (except UAE: 30 days)
Africa	Lesotho (biometric passport), Mauritius, Tunisia	90 days

Even if you're visa-exempt, bring documentation

Immigration officers may request:

• Proof of onward travel (return or onward ticket)

• Accommodation bookings

• Sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, bank statements)

Japan values preparedness. Having documents ready speeds your entry.

If your country isn't listed

You need to apply for a tourist visa in advance:

Region	Countries Requiring Visas (Examples)
East & Southeast Asia	China, Philippines, Vietnam, India
South Asia	Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh
Central Asia & Eastern Europe	Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, most CIS countries
Middle East & Africa	Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, South Africa, most African nations
Caribbean	Cuba, Haiti

Apply through an official Japanese consulate or authorized visa agent. Processing takes time—start early.

Visit Japan Web is an online platform that lets you submit immigration and customs information before arrival. It's optional but highly recommended.

What it does

Replaces paper forms at immigration and customs. You register your details online, receive a QR code, and scan it at the airport. This speeds up processing significantly.

How to register

Register at least 72 hours before arrival (earlier is better):

Step	Action	Details
1	Create account	Email and password required
2	Enter passport information	Exact name as shown in passport
3	Add trip details	Flight number, arrival date, accommodation address
4	Complete immigration section	Answer entry questions
5	Complete customs section	Declare restricted items if applicable
6	Generate QR code	Single combined code for both immigration and customs

You can register up to 10 family members sharing the same itinerary. Each person gets their own QR code.

Critical: Display your QR code properly

Your QR code must be displayed live from the Visit Japan Web website or app. Screenshots and printed copies are not accepted.

If you're concerned about airport Wi-Fi:

• Most Japanese airports have free Wi-Fi

• Download the Visit Japan Web offline app before your flight

• The offline mode lets you access your QR code without internet after setup

Optional: Tax-free shopping registration

Visit Japan Web also offers tax-free shopping QR code registration. This lets you show a QR code at participating stores instead of your passport for tax-free purchases.

Japan's immigration process is efficient but can involve long waits during peak times.

Expect queues

At major airports like Narita and Haneda, wait times range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours:

Factor	Impact on Wait Time
Time of day	Afternoon/evening arrivals face more crowds
Flight volume	Multiple simultaneous international arrivals create longer queues
Peak travel seasons	Cherry blossom season, Golden Week, New Year periods have heaviest congestion

Visit Japan Web speeds processing but doesn't eliminate queue wait time.

At the counter

Immigration processing follows these steps:

Step	What Happens	Notes
Biometric screening	Fingerprint scan (both index fingers) and facial photograph	Required for all foreign nationals
Document review	Officer checks passport and entry documentation	Have Visit Japan Web QR code or paper forms ready
Questions	Brief questions about itinerary, accommodation, return plans	Answer honestly and directly
Authorization	Entry stamp or sticker placed in passport	Process typically takes 2-5 minutes per person

The process is quick once you reach the counter. Officers are efficient and courteous.

After immigration: Customs

You'll proceed to customs where you can:

• Scan your Visit Japan Web QR code (if registered)

• Fill out a paper customs declaration (if you didn't use Visit Japan Web)

Officers may ask about items you're bringing in—alcohol, medications, large amounts of cash. Be honest and direct.

With documents ready and expectations set, most travelers clear immigration smoothly even during busy periods. Once you've cleared immigration and customs, the next challenge is navigating Tokyo's transportation system from the airport.

Japan is introducing new entry systems over the next few years.

JESTA: Pre-travel authorization (Fiscal Year 2028)

JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is similar to the US ESTA. It requires visa-exempt travelers to pre-register online before departure.

Aspect	Details
Implementation target	Fiscal Year 2028 (April 2028 - March 2029)
Full rollout	By 2030
Who it affects	All 71 visa-exempt countries and regions
Process	Submit passport and travel information online before trip
Purpose	Pre-screen travelers; issue authorization or recommend traditional visa if concerns arise
Current impact	None if traveling in 2025-2027

Monitor updates if you plan trips beyond 2028.

Pre-clearance: Taiwan pilot program

Starting January 2025, travelers from Taiwan can complete immigration procedures at their departure airport before flying to Japan.

Aspect	Details
Start date	January 2025
Current countries	Taiwan only (pilot program)
Process	Border formalities handled at Taiwan's departure airport
Benefit	Upon arrival in Japan, only quick confirmation needed—significantly faster entry
Expansion plans	May expand to other countries based on pilot results

Smart immigration gates

Some airports (including Narita) are testing facial recognition gates. Eventually, travelers may pass through immigration without presenting documents manually—just walk through with your passport.

These systems are being gradually introduced. Availability varies by airport and nationality.

If your nationality requires a visa, early preparation is essential.

Start at least 2 months in advance

Japanese embassies recommend applying at least 2 months before departure, especially in high-volume regions. Peak seasons may require longer processing times.

Required documents typically include:

Document	Details
Valid passport	Must be valid for duration of stay (6 months recommended)
Visa application form	Completed in full with accurate information
Passport photos	Specific size requirements (check with your embassy)
Travel itinerary	Confirmed flight bookings showing entry and exit dates
Accommodation proof	Hotel reservations or invitation letter from host
Financial evidence	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for trip
Return flight booking	Proof of departure from Japan

Requirements vary by embassy. Check your local Japanese consulate's specific requirements.

E-visa options for select countries

Country	E-visa Availability	Special Requirements
China	Available	Mainland residents must apply through authorized travel agencies
India	Available	Apply online through designated portal
Indonesia	Available	Only if you don't have a registered biometric passport
Mongolia	Available	Apply online through designated portal

E-visas are submitted online and sent digitally. Display them on your phone upon arrival.

Application methods

• Some consulates accept online applications

• Others require in-person appointments

• Always apply through official channels (embassy, consulate, or authorized agent)

Unauthorized agents may delay your application or charge excessive fees.

Even visa-exempt travelers need proper documentation:

Requirement	Details	When Needed
Passport validity	Valid for duration of stay (6 months recommended)	Always
Proof of onward travel	Return ticket, onward ticket, or travel itinerary showing departure	May be checked at immigration
Proof of sufficient funds	Credit cards, cash, or bank statements	May be requested at immigration
Accommodation information	First night's accommodation details	Required for Visit Japan Web registration
Health requirements	None (COVID-19 requirements lifted as of 2025)	N/A
Customs restrictions	Declaration for: large cash amounts, medications, alcohol/tobacco over limits, food products (especially meat/dairy)	At customs

Some countries have unique requirements or recent changes.

China: Recent policy updates

Japan has streamlined visa procedures for Chinese visitors in 2024-2025:

Update Category	Details
Application procedures	Simplified procedures for qualified individuals
Visa validity	Extended validity in certain cases
High-income travelers	May qualify for visa exemptions
Group tours	Tailored fast-track processing available

Specific eligibility varies by embassy. Check with your local Japanese consulate for current requirements.

Biometric Passport Requirements

Several countries require specific passport types for visa-free entry:

Country	Requirement	Maximum Stay	Notes
Indonesia	ICAO-compliant e-passport registered at Japanese diplomatic missions in Indonesia	15 days	Registration valid for 3 years or until passport expires
Malaysia	ICAO-compliant biometric e-passport	90 days	Must apply for visa without biometric passport
Thailand	ICAO-compliant biometric e-passport	15 days	Must apply for visa without biometric passport

Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan

Passport Type	Visa-Free Entry	Special Requirements	Maximum Stay
Hong Kong SAR passport	Yes	Must have right of residence in Hong Kong	90 days
British National Overseas (BNO) passport	Yes	Must have right of residence in Hong Kong	90 days
Macau SAR passport	Yes	None	90 days
Taiwan passport	Yes	Must include personal ID number	90 days

When in doubt

Check with your local Japanese embassy or consulate. Entry requirements can have country-specific nuances not covered in general guidance.

Prevent delays by avoiding these common errors. If this level of preparation feels necessary for a smooth entry, the same careful planning pays dividends once you're on the ground—especially for first-time visitors navigating Tokyo's complexity. For those considering structured guidance, understanding how to plan a private tour can help clarify whether it's the right fit.

Mistake	Why It's a Problem	How to Avoid It
Waiting until airport to register for Visit Japan Web	Airport Wi-Fi can be slow or congested	Register at home before departure; set up offline app in advance
Assuming screenshots work for QR codes	Screenshots not accepted by immigration	Prepare live access from website or app before landing
Not checking passport expiration	Airlines may deny boarding if passport expiring soon	Verify passport valid for duration of stay (6 months recommended)
Arriving without proof of onward travel	Immigration checks this frequently	Have return or onward ticket accessible on phone or printed
Bringing medications without documentation	Japan has strict rules on medications legal elsewhere	Bring prescription/doctor's letter, original packaging, and declare controlled substances
Not declaring cash or restricted items	Can result in confiscation or fines	Declare cash over legal limit and all food products (especially meat/dairy)
Assuming all visa-exempt countries get same treatment	Requirements vary significantly by nationality	Check your specific country's biometric passport, stay duration, and registration requirements

Category	Task	Timing	Notes
Visa & Entry	Determine if you need a visa	As soon as possible	Check the 71-country visa-exempt list
	Apply for visa if required	At least 2 months before departure	Longer during peak seasons
	Verify passport validity	Before booking flights	Valid for duration of stay (6 months recommended)
Digital Registration	Register on Visit Japan Web	At least 72 hours before arrival	Earlier is better
	Set up offline app access	Before departure	Ensures QR code access without Wi-Fi
	Confirm single combined QR code	After registration	Replaces separate immigration and customs codes
Documentation	Book return or onward flight	Before finalizing travel plans	Immigration may check
	Confirm first-night accommodation	Before Visit Japan Web registration	Required information
	Prepare proof of funds	Before departure	Credit cards, bank statements, or cash
	Document prescription medications	If applicable	Bring prescription/doctor's letter and original packaging
At the Airport	Have QR code ready to display	At immigration	Must be live display, not screenshot
	Prepare for biometric screening	At immigration counter	Fingerprints and photo required
	Allow extra time for queues	On arrival	30 minutes to 2+ hours possible
	Keep customs declaration items accessible	After immigration	Be prepared to declare cash, medications, food

With proper preparation, your arrival becomes a smooth start to your time in Japan.

This guide is published by Hinomaru One, a Tokyo-based private tour operator.