Dreaming of Japan? You're not alone! Japan is a bucket-list destination for many travelers from all over the world. The good news: if you're planning a short trip for tourism, the entry requirements are usually simple and straightforward. But "simple" doesn’t mean automatic, there are still a few essential rules to follow to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport.
Travel requirements for Japan
Do you need a Visa to visit Japan as a tourist?
In most cases, no. Citizens from over 60 countries (including those from the European Union, the United States and Canada) can visit Japan for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This is called a visa waiver program.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport granting you "temporary visitor" status for up to 90 days. This is not a visa, but rather a form of automatic authorization, no application needed in advance.
To find out if you need a visa, please check the information on the official page of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What you’re allowed to do under temporary visitor status
- Travel freely around Japan for up to three months
- Enjoy tourism, visit family and friends, or scout for a future project
- Attend unpaid events, seminars, or conferences
What’s not allowed
- Work, including internships or volunteer activities
- Enroll in long-term education programs
- Stay beyond 90 days without formal approval
Entry requirements: what you need to enter Japan without a visa
Even if you’re exempt from needing a visa, entry into Japan isn’t guaranteed. Immigration officers will check several things when you arrive.
A valid passport
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. While Japan doesn’t require it to be valid for six months beyond your return date, having a few extra days of validity is a smart precaution in case of delays or changes.
Proof of return or onward travel
Immigration may ask you to show that you plan to leave Japan before the 90-day period is up. This can be:
- A round-trip plane ticket
- A flight or travel reservation to another country
One-way tickets without proof of onward travel are risky. Some travelers have been denied entry for this reason alone.
Hotel Reservations or Itinerary
While not mandatory, having at least your first night’s accommodation booked and a rough itinerary can help. It shows you're a genuine tourist with a clear travel plan.
For a step-by-step guide on what happens at the airport, from immigration to customs and QR codes, check out our detailed article on Japan’s arrival procedures.
Common Reasons for Entry Denial in Japan
Refusals are rare, especially for travelers from visa-exempt countries, but they can happen. Here are the main reasons:
- No Proof of Departure: immigration may suspect you intend to overstay.
- Invalid or Suspicious Passport: expired, altered, or flagged passports will be rejected.
- Unclear Travel Intentions: If your answers are vague or suggest you want to work or stay long-term, expect closer scrutiny.
- Behavior at Arrival: Nervous, aggressive, or evasive behavior can raise red flags. Stay calm, polite, and prepared with your documents.
What about your passport?
You’ll need a valid passport to enter Japan, regardless of your age or nationality. If you’re planning your first trip or need to renew an expired passport, start the process well in advance.
Passport Tips (General Guidelines)
- Processing times can range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on your country and season.
- During peak periods (summer holidays, year-end), delays are common.
- Aim to apply at least 3 to 4 months before your departure date.
- For country-specific passport application steps, check your local government’s official website or consular services.
Traveling with Children: What to Prepare
Every child (yes, even infants) must have their own passport to enter Japan. National ID cards (like those used in Europe) are not accepted, even for layovers.
If one parent is traveling alone with a child, some countries require:
- Parental consent documentation
- Family register or birth certificate
- A letter from the other parent (recommended)
Always check with both your own country’s travel regulations and Japan’s entry policies.
Can you extend your stay beyond 90 days?
In general, tourist stays are not extendable. You must leave Japan within 90 days.
Rare exceptions for extension
In special circumstances, like illness, flight cancellations, or humanitarian reasons, you can apply for an extension at a local immigration office. This is not guaranteed and is rarely granted for citizens of visa-waived countries like France, Canada, or the U.S.
What about doing a "Visa Run"?
Some travelers leave Japan (e.g., to South Korea) and return shortly after to reset their 90-day clock. This strategy, known as a visa run, is not illegal but can raise red flags.
Japanese immigration may:
- Deny re-entry if they suspect abuse of the system
- Expect longer gaps between visits, especially if you travel frequently
Wait several months between visits if you plan to return often.
Is Japan introducing an ESTA-Style entry form?
Yes! Starting in 2028, Japan will implement a new electronic authorization system similar to the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA. It’s called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
What we know about JESTA so far?
Travelers from visa-exempt countries will likely need to:
- Fill out an online application
- Submit personal details and travel plans
- Pay a processing fee (cost TBD)
- You’ll need to complete this authorization before boarding your flight to Japan. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry.
For now: optional use of Visit Japan Web
Currently, travelers can use the Visit Japan Web platform to speed up immigration and customs procedures. While optional, it’s highly recommended to pre-register your trip digitally.
Want help filling it out? Check out our step-by-step guide to using Visit Japan Web.
