
To enter Japan you need a passport and a visa (unless you are from a country which is visa-exempt). There are a number of different types of Japanese visas which are designed by the Japanese government for different purposes and lengths of time. There are 68 countries whose citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business.
What do you need to know before visiting Japan?
9 Japanese Customs You Need to Know Before Traveling to Japan
- Take Your Shoes Off. Shoes are never worn in someone's home or on Japanese traditional flooring (tatami mats). ...
- Be Quiet With Your Phone. Japanese people don't have loud public conversations on their mobile phones. ...
- Kampai. ...
- Chopstick Manners. ...
- Language. ...
- Escalator. ...
- Onsen. ...
- Don't Tip. ...
- Blowing your nose in public. ...
Does an American citizen need a visa to visit Japan?
The documents required for a transit visa are the same as those listed below: 1 to 5. U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries which have a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement with Japan may be eligible to visit Japan without a visa for a short-term stay for the activities allowed to Temporary Visitors.
Can I go to Japan without passport and visa?
Visa Information Travelers from 68 countries across the globe can visit Japan for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas. See below for commonly asked questions about Japan visa requirements.
How early to apply the visa to Japan?
How early can I apply for a Japan visa? As mentioned, the standard single-entry visa is valid for 90 days since issue date, so you can apply as early as 3 months before your travel date. But “3 months before” would be cutting it too close to expiry date.

Who needs a visa to enter Japan?
Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit. Please note that due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual.
Does a US citizen need a visa to visit Japan?
A passport and onward/return transportation ticket are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.
Which countries can enter Japan without visa?
Countries that are Visa Exempt from Requiring a Japanese VisaCountryCountryCountryDenmark*Dominican RepublicEl SalvadorEstonia*Finland*France*Germany*GuatemalaGreece*HondurasHong Kong^^Hungary*19 more rows•May 14, 2022
Can a US citizen travel to Japan?
Effective June 1, eligible travelers from the United States to Japan, regardless of their vaccination status, will no longer require COVID-19 testing and quarantine upon arrival. Pre-travel testing within 72 hours of departure, as described above, is still required.
Do I need a visa to visit Japan 2022?
Tourists from most countries can now enter Japan on package tours. Students, business travelers, and relatives of long-term/permanent residents can also enter. In all cases, you must apply for visa.
How much is a visa to Japan from US?
no feeUS 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.
Which passport is the strongest in the world?
Japan has the world's most powerful passport - providing hassle-free entry to 193 countries. Just one country short, Singapore and South Korea are tied in second place, according to the latest Henley Passport Index from Henley & Partners, an immigration consultancy.
How do I get a visa for Japan?
How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa?Contact the Japanese Embassy/Consulate to make an appointment for the submission of the application. ... Gather the required documents for a Japan visa (see them below)Submit the documents at the Embassy/Consulate or the travel agency.Wait for the visa to be processed.More items...
How many days does it take for Japan visa?
approximately 5 working daysThe processing period for visa issuance is approximately 5 working days from the day after the date of the acceptance of application as long as there are no particular problems with the content of the application. It may take less time than it depending on the Embassy/Consulate General and the purpose of visit.
Do you need a visa to go to Korea?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements For travel after September 1, 2021, you must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Korea for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain a K-ETA.
How long can you stay in Japan on a tourist visa?
90 daysWhat is the Duration of a Japan Tourist Visa? A Japan Tourist Visa is issued for a maximum duration of 90 days, usually for a single entry. You can spend up to 15 days in the country once you enter via the Tourist Visa.
How long does it take to get a visa for Japan?
approximately 5 working daysThe processing period for visa issuance is approximately 5 working days from the day after the date of the acceptance of application as long as there are no particular problems with the content of the application. It may take less time than it depending on the Embassy/Consulate General and the purpose of visit.
How can I get tourist visa in Japan?
Japan tourist visa requirements Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages. A completed visa application form. Provide a recent color passport photo and a certified copy of your birth certificate. If married, submit a marriage certificate (if issued within the last year.
Do US citizens need a visa for Korea?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements For travel after September 1, 2021, you must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Korea for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain a K-ETA.
How long does it take to move from one address to another in Japan?
If you move from one residence in Japan to another, you are required to report to your current municipal office first and then to your new municipal office within 14 days to register your new address.
Can you have a residence card in Japan?
Carry your Residence Card with you at all times. The Japanese Police are allowed to stop you and ask to see the card at any time, and not having it with you is a violation of local law.
How long does a working holiday visa last in Japan?
If you wish to spend an extended amount of time visiting Japan, you have the option to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa lasts up to one year, and allows you to work and travel in Japan at your leisure.
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
If you wish to visit Japan, there is a good chance you will be able to without a visa. Japan has alliances with many countries, which means travellers may stay in Japan visa-free for a certain period of time (specific details are listed below). If you wish to stay for an extended period of time, or for work or study, Japan also offers quite a few different visas to enable you to do so.
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.
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.
What is the passport required to travel to Japan?
To travel to Japan it is necessary to have a machine readable passport (MRP) in compliance with ICAO standards or a ePassport that is also in compliance with ICAO standards.
How many countries do not require a visa to enter Japan?
There are 68 countries that do not require a visa to enter Japan. However, it should be noted that the visa exemption applies for visitors traveling for short-term stays to Japan. Passport holders of these visa exempt countries can stay in Japan for stays of up to 90 days.
Can I travel to Japan without a visa?
To visit Japan for a short term visit, citizens of these countries can travel without a visa: The period of stay granted at the time of arrival in Japan will be 15 days for Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand, and 30 days for United Arab Emirates. To travel to Japan it is necessary to have a machine readable passport ...
