For European citizens, traveling to Japan is relatively straightforward when it comes to administrative procedures. Simply having a passport allows you to automatically obtain a tourist visa valid for up to 90 days. This means you can visit Japan without going through complex processes. However, there are a few conditions to meet before your departure to ensure a smooth trip.
What are the entry requirements for tourists in Japan?
Having a valid passport
The first requirement for traveling to Japan is to have a valid passport for the duration of your stay. This essential document will be checked at your departure airport, along with your plane tickets.
I already have a passport: Is it valid for my trip?
If you already have a passport, the Japanese embassy states that it must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Japan. As you are never safe from a delay or cancellation on your return plane, keep a safety margin of a few days to avoid any possible problems.
I don’t have a passport yet / it’s expired: How do i get one?
If you need to create or renew your passport, this is done through your country administration.
It’s important to note that processing times can vary between 2 and 4 weeks after the application is finalized. This timeframe can extend up to 3 months during peak periods, such as before the summer holidays. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan this process well in advance, especially if your departure is imminent.
Do you need a Visa to go to Japan ?
To find out if you need a VISA, you can visit the official page of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It provides a list of all countries whose tourists automatically receive a temporary VISA for a period of 15 to 90 days.
For example, for Americans and Europeans, a tourist VISA is automatically granted for 90 days, and no special action is required to obtain it. If your country is not on the list, you will need to explicitly apply for a VISA at the Japanese embassy.
Can I extend my stay or return multiple times in a year?
Most of tourists can make multiple 90-day visits to Japan within the same year. There’s no strict regulation on the number of visits you can make annually. However, it’s advisable to leave a few months between stays to avoid any issues upon entry into the country.
Some travelers have reported making two consecutive 90-day stays by temporarily leaving Japan for a neighboring country, like South Korea, before returning. While this practice is possible, it carries some risk. If your re-entry to Japan is denied, it could complicate future travels to the country. Therefore, it’s best to space out your visits to minimize risks.