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.
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 to Get a Japan Visa if I Need One?
If you need a visa for Japan, you can apply at one of the Embassies or Consulates of Japan abroad. The application process for a Japan Visa is outlined here.
How long is Japan exempt from visa?
Additionally, nationals of the following countries are exempt from Japan Visas for up to 90 days, only if they have a Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or an ePassport in line with ICAO standards. Barbados. Indonesia (visa exemption for up to 15 days) Lesotho. Malaysia.
Do I Need a Japan Visa for Long-term Stays?
Yes, you do. Even if you are from a visa-exempt country, if you want to study, work, join a family member in Japan, or travel for any other long-term purpose, you have to apply for the respective Japan Visa from your home country before you travel.
Why is Japan a tourist hotspot?
Japan is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. This island nation has a lot to offer, from culture to modern cities, to history and nature. This is why Japan has waived visas for citizens of several countries. They also intend to make the visa application process easier for citizens ...
How long does a passport need to be valid for Japan?
If you are from one of the visa-exempt countries listed above, and you are traveling for short-term purposes, you can travel to Japan with just: Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months and have at least two blank pages for the entry/exit stamps. A confirmed return ticket.
Can I travel to Osaka without a visa?
If you are traveling through Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) or Kansai International Airport in Osaka, you can transit without a visa if: You have a confirmed onward ticket within the next 72 hours. You stay within the international transit area of the airport.
Do I Need a Visa for Japan?
You need a visa for Japan unless you are from one of the countries which are exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays (listed on the table below).
Japan is an awesome place to live, work and play
Working and living in Japan is a dream for many people around the world, but if your uncertainty about your visa status in Japan is holding you back, don’t let that be what keeps you from your dreams of living in Japan.
Know before you land if you need a visa to Japan
Check below to see if your country is one of many that allows you get to Japan without a visa. If your country isn’t on the list, don’t worry. There are still ways to get to Japan.
Applying for a visa to go to Japan is not necessary for over 67 countries
If you want to just double check to see if your country is on the visa-exemption list for Japan, check this list below by the 日本国外務省 Nihonkoku Gaimusho Japanese Ministry of foreign affairs.
Nationalities that can stay in Japan for up to 90 days on non-extendable visas
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Iceland, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malta, Macedonia, Mauritius, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, The USA and Uruguay..
Easing restrictions for ASEAN nations
You may notice that in recent years, several ASEAN country passport holders cannot enter Japan and obtain a visa on arrival.
ASEAN countries that enter Japan without a visa
The ASEAN countries that can enter Japan without a visa as of today are Thailand, Brunei, and Indonesia (provided you register with your ePassport ahead of time). But notice that they can only stay in Japan for 15 days at a time.
Vietnamese, Indonesian and Filipino passport holders: Be aware of inaccurate news online
The MOFA website reports the following regarding Vietnamese and Filipino passport holders:
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.
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.
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 ...
When will Japan start accepting tourist visas?
Japan plans to introduce an electronic system for tourist visa applications in April 2020.
When did Japan ease visa requirements?
Japan was reportedly set to ease visa requirements for visitors from key markets, such as India, China and Vietnam, starting in the summer of 2016. A new wave of visa liberalization policies for Chinese nationals started from 17 October 2016, for Indian nationals started from 1 January 2018.
How many Japanese visas were issued in 2015?
In 2015 4,768,286 Japanese visas were issued. It is an increase of 66% from 2014 when 2,871,639 visas were issued and the highest number ever recorded.
How long is a Japan visa free?
Holders of passports issued by the following countries who possess an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) containing the "JPN" code on the reverse that it is valid for travel to Japan can enter visa-free for business trips for up to 90 days.
How long can you stay in a country without a visa?
Holders of passports issued by the following 66 countries or regions are usually visa-exempt for visits up to 90 1 days (unless otherwise noted) but as of November 2020, all except 7 countries (noted below) have been temporarily suspended and require visas:
How long do you have to be in Japan before you can enter?
As of November 2020, a measure approved by the Japanese cabinet bans anyone present in 152 countries or regions 14 days before entering Japan to limit the spread of COVID-19. Japanese citizens and Special Permanent Residents are exempt from this ban but must still isolate for 14 days upon entry.
Does Japan have a MOFA?
In addition, Japanese MOFA has special visa policies for nationals of China and the Philippines. Nationals of these countries also must apply through an accredited travel agent or be invited by a Japanese citizen or a resident of Japan.
How to Apply for a Japan Transit Visa?
You have to apply for a Japan Transit Visa from one of the Diplomatic Representation offices of Japan abroad (an Embassy or Consulate). The application process for a Japan Transit Visa is as follows:
Who Can Transit in Japan Without a Visa?
If you would normally need a visa to enter for Japan, you can transit without a visa only if:
How long is a Japan transit visa valid?
The Japan Transit Visa is issued for a maximum of 15 days, and it cannot be extended.
How long does a passport need to be valid?
Complete all the fields, even if they do not apply to you (write “N/A”). Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months and have at least two blank pages for the visa to be affixed in. Cover letter stating the purpose of your travel.
How long does it take to get a Japanese visa?
Wait for the visa to be processed. This will usually take 5 working days, starting from the day the Japanese Representative Office receives your completed application.
Which countries are exempt from Japan transit visas?
United Kingdom. United States. Uruguay. Passport holders of the following countries are exempt from Japan Transit Visas only if they have a Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or an ePassport in line with ICAO standards: Barbados. Indonesia (visa exemption for up to 15 days) Lesotho. Malaysia . Serbia.
Can I travel to Osaka without a visa?
If you are traveling through Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) or Kansai International Airport in Osaka, you can transit without a visa if: You have a confirmed onward ticket within the next 72 hours. You stay within the international transit area of the airport.
