Do I need a passport or visa to visit Japan?
Please use the Visa Information Line for all visa questions. All foreign nationals entering Japan, with the exemption of certain categories listed below, are required to provide fingerprint scans and be photographed at the port of entry. This requirement does not replace any existing visa or passport requirements.
Can a US citizen get a Japan e-visa?
Instead, all United States citizens can apply for a Japan e-Visa that is obtained entirely online and serves as a short-term visa. When you’re applying for a short term e-Visa, be mindful of fulfilling the following requirements: You must have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the planned date of departure
What is the Japan visa?
The Japan visa is a permit of entry into the physical borders of Japan for different purposes. Although the United States Of America citizens are on the visa-exempt list of Japan, this exemption is only for short-term visit visas. However, US citizens will most likely be on the list of eligible countries for the newly introduced Japan e-Visa.
Can a US citizen fly to Japan without a passport?
U.S. citizens may not board flights in Japan without valid documents for their onward destination, even if they are simply transiting in Japan. See the foreign entry requirements for the country you plan to visit to make sure everything is in order.
Can I enter Japan as a US citizen?
U.S. citizen travelers wishing to visit Japan for short-term purposes must apply for a single-entry eVisa. Potential applicants should review the applicable information and apply online by visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' eVisa website .
Who needs a visa to enter Japan?
All foreign citizens currently need a visa to enter Japan due to coronavirus-related visa exemption suspensions. In normal circumstances, citizens of certain countries can enter with Temporary Visitor status for limited periods of time (15 to 90 consecutive days) for tourism or business purposes.
Which countries can travel to Japan without visa?
To visit Japan for a short term visit, citizens of these countries can travel without a visa:All European Union citizens.Australia.Argentina.Bahamas.Barbados.Brunei.Canada.Chile.More items...
Is Japan visa free?
All foreign nationals who wish to travel to Japan must obtain a visa before entering the country, except for those with re-entry permit.
How long can I stay in Japan without a visa?
You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
Do you need Japan visa for connecting flights?
Transiting through Japan: Currently we are not issuing any transit visas, and travelers cannot go through the immigration & customs area at an airport in Japan without a valid visa.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Japan?
Visa & Passports The good news is that UK passport holders can enter Japan without a tourist visa and stay for up to 90 days. On arrival, you'll need to present a valid passport with at least one blank visa page, and an onward ticket to prove you're not trying to emigrate.
Can I go to Japan from Canada?
Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Japan without restrictions. Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Japan with a negative COVID-19 test result.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ON THE RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19
In order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Consular Section has modified several operations and services. We are anticipating longer than usual wait times at the consular office. If your application is not urgent, then we ask you to please consider rescheduling your visit.
Who needs a visa?
The information listed below only applies to standard entry procedures and does NOT apply to the entry procedures under COVID-19 restrictions.
4. Visa Validity
In general, a visa is only valid for one entry. A visa is valid for 3 months from the day of issuance. Therefore, entry into Japan should occur within this time frame.
5. Application Form and Necessary Documents
The information listed below only applies to standard entry procedures and does NOT apply to the entry procedures under COVID-19 restrictions.
What is a Japan visa?
The Japan visa is a permit of entry into the physical borders of Japan for different purposes . Although the United States Of America citizens are on the visa-exempt list of Japan, this exemption is only for short-term visit visas.
How long does it take to get a visa from Japan?
Finally, the Japanese Embassy will process your application and send you an electronic visa within 72 working hours to your email box.
How many US citizens visit Japan in 2016?
Every year thousands of US citizens visit Japan for tourism, work, business, and other reasons. According to data of 2016, there were roughly 4.7 million visits to Japan from United States. Most US citizens visit Japan for vacations or sightseeing.
Why do people visit Japan?
Every year thousands of people from the United States and all over the world pay a visit to Japan, either to cherish natural beauty or earn a living.
Does Japan have an electronic visa system?
However, the country’s authorities have taken the initiative to make the visa filing process smooth and quick. Japan introduced the electronic visa system.
Is Japan a beautiful country?
Japan is a beautiful country with a rich culture, history, and heritage. Besides, the industrial giant is an attraction for job seekers all around the world.
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan?
Many people get confused about visa requirements and wonder if US citizens need a visa for Japan?
How to apply for a Japanese visa?
Foreign nationals traveling to Japan must meet certain criteria for submitting a successful visa application. The following documentation will need to be submitted as part of the Japanese visa application process: 1 A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months validity 2 A completed visa application form 3 A recent photo of the traveler taken against a white background 4 A secondary identification document in the form of a driver’s license, birth certificate, etc. 5 If the traveler is married, the marriage certificate will have to be submitted 6 Travel itinerary, including travel dates, places of accommodation in Japan during visit, intended port of entry, etc.
How long is a Japanese visa valid?
Specified visa: meant for the spouses and children of Japanese nationals. This type of visa can be valid from 6 months to up to 5 years and requires the appropriate documentation to be submitted along with the application proving Japanese ancestry.
What is a diplomatic visa?
Diplomatic visa: granted to individuals who engage in activities as part of a diplomatic mission, consular office or embassy or any supportive role affiliated with such. The maximum length of stay is determined by the diplomatic mission requesting such a visa on behalf of the individual. Appropriate documentation certifying the individual’s role in the diplomatic mission needs to be submitted along with the application.
What is a Japanese transit visa?
The Japanese transit visa: available for individuals transiting through Japan on their way to another country.
Why do people travel to Japan?
Some people travel to go sightseeing, some to indulge in the local culture and yet others have business to attend to or need to make a trip to see friends and family. Each traveler has their own reasons for why they want to travel to Japan.
Can Americans get a visa for Japan?
Once the Japanese government implements the new electronic visa authorization system, Americans will be able to apply for and obtain a Japanese visa online for short-term stays in Japan. It is designed for travelers seeking to engage in business, tourism and for meeting friends and family in the country.
How long does it take to get an evisa in Japan?
Applying for a Japan eVisa is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. The application now takes place entirely online, and requires the applicant to have certain documents to fill in the form correctly.
Can Americans travel to Japan?
Americans wishing to visit Japan for periods of stay not permitted with an eVisa will still be required to organize a visit to a Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a consular visa, whether they are traveling for tourism, business, to study or work, or for another motive .
Can I travel to Japan 2020?
Travelers from a number of countries and regions (including Canada, India, Iran, Russia, the UAE, the UK, the US, and most of Europe) are currently prohibited from entering Japan. Travelers arriving from certain countries, such as Australia, Brunei, China (PRC), Hong Kong (SAR China), South Korea, Macao (SAR China), New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam are allowed to enter Japan. Nationals of Japan and their spouses and children are exempt from this restriction, as are residents of Japan with a re-entry permit, passengers with a Special Permanent Residence Permit, provided they also have a Re-entry Permit or an Embarkation and Disembarkation Card, certain visa holders, and a number of other exemptions. Arrivals must complete a Quarantine Questionnaire online and present a QR code on arrival. Passengers with an Olympic Identity and Accreditation Card (OIAC) or Paralympic Identity and Accreditation Card (PIAC) are also allowed to enter if they also have a Written Pledge. All travelers must have a printed medical certificate in English showing that they tested negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours prior to departure from the first point of embarkation. Accepted tests include LAMP, NEAR, Next Generation Sequence, quantitative antigen (CLEIA), RT-PCR, Smart Amp, TMA, and TRC tests with samples collected via nasopharyngeal swab or saliva. This does not apply to passengers under the age of 6, those with a diplomatic or an official visa issued by Japan, US military personnel, or civilian personnel of the US Armed Forces in Japan (and their dependents). Passengers with a consular letter specifying why the test could not be taken are also exempt. All passengers are also subject to testing for COVID-19 and must undergo a 14-day quarantine. Most visas and visa exemptions are currently suspended. Passengers with a single or multiple-entry visa issued on or before 2 April 2020 by Japanese Embassies or Consulates General in Australia, New Zealand and Taipei Kaohsiung offices of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association are also permitted entry. Travelers transiting through Tokyo (NRT) must leave on the same calendar day. All passengers arriving in Japan must install the MySOS app, except for military personnel and civilian components with SOFA status. Find out the travel requirements that you must meet to visit the country by checking the visa policy of Japan.
Do you need a visa to go to Japan?
Citizens from the United States are required to obtain a visa to travel to Japan, regardless of the intended length of stay and the purpose of the visit.
Do you have to double check the information on a visa application?
US travelers are also advised to take time to double-check the details on the form before submitting it for approval. This is to avoid delays caused by incorrect or missing information being uploaded as part of your application.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan from the United States?
All US passport holders visiting Japan require a visa, matter how long they plan to stay or the motive for the trip.
What about Japanese visas on arrival?
US citizens qualify for a tourist visa on arrival in Japan for up to 90 days . There is no fee. The only requirements are to provide a passport valid for the duration of your stay and proof of departure, but the latter is not always checked.
What can I do once I’m in Japan?
You name it. Anthony Bourdain declared Tokyo as his favorite city. Temples and shrines are abundant. Robots dance among the bright lights of Shinjuku. Hot springs provide relief after a long travel day. Don’t forget about the cherry blossoms – April is the busiest time to visit.
What if I want to stay in Tokyo longer than three months?
Assuming you’re doing so on a tourist visa, many visitors choose to make a visa run by spending a day or two in China or South Korea before returning to Japan. Both countries are accessible by land or sea, and allow US citizens to come to Japan on a “fresh” three-month visa.
Do you need a visa to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
However, the requirements for a tourist visa to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo or the temples of Kyoto are reasonable and affordable.
Do you need a passport to travel to Japan?
While it should come as no surprise you will need to present your passport as identification at hotels or while using the Japan Rail Pass, there are some local laws of which US citizens should be aware. Though not always enforced, everyone in Japan who is not a Japanese citizen is required to have identification on them at all times. This means a valid passport for tourists and a zairyu card for residents.
Do Americans need to scan their fingerprints to enter Japan?
Americans visiting Japan for the first or even the 27 th time may find a few surprises waiting for them at immigration. Like the US, Japan requires all foreign visitors to scan in their fingerprints and stand for a photograph.
Do foreigners have to have passports in Tokyo?
Police in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are fairly understanding when it comes to foreign tourists not having their passports at all times, but they do have the authority to detain and arrest them for doing so… runners in the Tokyo Marathon take note.
What age do you have to be to travel to Japan?
Some foreign nationals are except from these requirements, such as minors under the age of 16, diplomatic or official visa holders, permanent residents, and various others.
When did Japan's new immigration law come into effect?
Japan's new Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act has come into effect on July 9, 2012.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Japan?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less for tourism or business in Japan. However, their passports must be valid for the duration of their stay . Visitors may not be employed in Japan while they are on a visa-free stay, and cannot change their visa status once they are in the country.
Do US citizens need a passport to enter Japan?
Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) personnel need not submit to biometric entry. U.S. citizens entering or transiting Japan should have valid passports and visas before leaving the United States.
How long do you have to have a passport to visit Japan?
You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
How is driving in Japan?
Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Japan is complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high. City traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking; however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.
What is the phone number for Japan Automobile Federation?
Emergency Assistance: For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 in Osaka, 011-857-8139 in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 in Okinawa.
How long does it take to get a pet in Japan?
CIB for details. Pets: The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. At a minimum, the process will take seven to eight months, though the process can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan.
What is the NPA in Japan?
See our Road Safety page for more information. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. You can find further information in English on the NPA English website. Information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site. See the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website for car rental and driving in Japan.
How much alcohol can you drink in Japan?
Driving under the influence of alcohol could also land you immediately in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. Punishments can be up to 10,000 USD in fines and up to five years in prison.
What is the blood alcohol level in Japan?
Japan has a national 0.03 percent blood-alcohol-level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you’re found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury, you are subject to up to 15 years in prison.
When will Japan declare a state of emergency?
The Government of Japan announced that a state of emergency for the Tokyo metropolitan area will take effect on Monday, July 12, 2021 and last until August 22, 2021. The state of emergency in Okinawa is also effective through August 22, 2021. A quasi state of emergency will be extended for the same period in Osaka, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama.
What is the Japan National Tourism Organization?
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has a dedicated COVID-19 page with additional information, including information on how to seek medical care in Japan . JNTO also operates a 24-hour hotline for visitors.
What is JNTO in Japan?
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has a dedicated COVID-19 page with additional information, including information on how to seek medical care in Japan . JNTO also operates a 24-hour hotline for visitors.
Can you travel to Japan without a quarantine?
Travelers arriving from certain areas may be required to quarantine for a period of time in a government-designated location. Travelers arriving without proof of pre-travel COVID-19 testing, or tests completed more than 72 hours in advance of departure from the United States will be denied entry into Japan.
Can foreigners travel to Japan?
The Government of Japan continues to enforce strict travel regulations that bar most non-resident foreigners, including tourists and business travelers, from newly entering into Japan. Japanese citizens and foreign residents with a reentry permit are generally allowed to reenter Japan but must comply with strict pre- and post- travel testing requirements and quarantine upon arrival.
Is Moderna approved in Japan?
Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines are currently approved in Japan. The Government of Japan launched an English language website with information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan. For the most up-to-date information about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan, consult with your medical provider.
Is Japan allowing travel for short term?
Travel for tourism and most other short-term purposes is still not permitted, and there is no indication that this will change in the short term. Visa-free travel is suspended. Travelers who believe they qualify for an exception to Japan’s strict entry controls should contact their nearest Japanese Embassy or consulate for information.
Types of Japanese e-visas For U.S. Travelers
- The visas to Japan for U.S. citizensare divided into two main categories based on the traveler’s intended duration of stay in the country. The short-term visas offered by Japan are: The long-term visas offered by the Japanese government are more specific in nature as they have been designed with specific circumstances in mind. These include:
The Japanese Evisa For American Citizens
- Once the Japanese government implements thenew electronic visa authorization system, Americans will be able to apply for and obtain a Japanese visa online for short-term stays in Japan. It is designed for travelers seeking to engage in business, tourism and for meeting friends and family in the country. To apply for the Japanese eVisa, Americans will have to fill out an onli…
Japan Online Visa Requirements For U.S. Citizens
- Foreign nationals traveling to Japan must meet certain criteria for submitting a successful visa application. The following documentation will need to be submitted as part of the Japanese visa application process: Travelers who have a Japanese sponsor/guarantor must also submit the following documentation with their application: If travelers do not...