
Travelers from most countries can now visit Japan as part of a package tour. Foreign visitors must get a visa in advance. Japan started accepting tourists on June 10, 2022.
Full Answer
Do Americans need a visa to travel to Japan?
If you’re heading to Japan from America, you will now need a visa to enter. Before the pandemic, Americans didn’t pay as they were exempted from leisure travel. But all that has changed and it will cost you $28 for a single visa entry. And it’s more than obtaining a visa to gain access to the country.
How long does it take to get a visa to Japan?
It may take less time than it depending on the Embassy/Consulate General and the purpose of visit. If there is any problem with the content of the application, the Embassy/Consulate General transmits the application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo for further examination. In such cases issuance of a visa may take more than a month.
Is Japan Open for tourists in 2022?
Don’t be fooled by flashy headlines: As of August 2022, Japan is still closed to tourism. However, short-term business travelers and foreigners with Japanese partners to whom they are not married can now enter Japan, albeit only after enduring the long and arduous process of getting a visa.
Is there a backlog of Japanese visas?
There’s currently a backlog of visa applications, so it may take longer than normal to obtain one. “Due to the tremendous amount of visa applications we are processing, we cannot provide you with any status updates,” the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco stated on its website.

How long can I travel to Japan without a visa?
Japan immigration laws state that visitors from 68 countries are able to travel in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa: Stays of up to 15 days: Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand. This is provided visitors have a valid passport for the duration of their stay and don't engage in any paid work or activities. Citizens of the 68 countries ...
How long do I need a visa to study in Japan?
How do I get a student visa to study in Japan? If you are a citizen of one of the 68 countries with which Japan has a general visa waiver agreement and if you plan on studying at a Japanese language school for under 90 days, you only need a valid passport.
How long can you stay in Japan with medical insurance?
Subscription to a private medical travel insurance policy which covers death, injury and illness during his/her stay. The period of stay is six months. However, it can be extended to one year with a Permission for Extension of Period of Stay (available only once). It is necessary to obtain a specified visa of Designated Activities in advance from Japanese embassies or consulates that exercise jurisdiction over the applicant's domicile to enter Japan under this program.
What do you need to get a working visa in Japan?
Before a working visa can be issued, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your prospective employer, and approved by the Bureau of Immigration. This document is a preliminary screening process that says holders meet the conditions for landing in Japan and being considered for a visa.
What is the law in Japan for short term visitors?
Japanese law requires that all short-term foreign visitors must have proof of onward travel (departure) from Japan.
Can a spouse accompany a Japanese traveler?
If the applicant's spouse does not apply as an accompanying traveler and wishes to stay separately under this program, the applicant and his/her spouse must own savings equivalent to more than 60 million Japanese yen in total. Children are not allowed to accompany, and other rules apply.
Do you need a visa to visit Japan?
Citizens of 68 countries coming to Japan for tourism purposes including Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, UK and almost all European nations don't require a visa ( rules and conditions apply ) and will be granted permission for short-term stay upon arrival. Visitors from outside these 68 countries must apply ...
Why is Japan reopening its borders?
Beyond the Olympics, the economic benefits of international tourists is one big reason why Japan is expected to reopen its border. Boosting tourism was core to former Prime Minister Abe’s economic revitalization, and both subsequent prime ministers have indicated their intentions to maintain continuity with those plans .
How many tourists will Japan have by 2030?
Japan is also maintaining its goal of attracting 60 million foreign visitors by 2030. Additionally, the Japan National Tourism Organization has set 2024 as its goal for recovering to 2019 international travel levels. Both of these statements are reassuring given the current border closures, and indicate that Japan will unwind its travel ban in months, not years.
How many shots does Japan give per day?
Japan is now administering over 1 million vaccine doses per day–or over 9 million per week, for the fastest current pace in the world! As of yesterday, 72% of the elderly and 27% of the total population have already received one vaccination. (See above progress graph via Kyodo News .)
Why is Japan in a double dip recession?
Economists fear a “double dip” recession in Japan due to the prolonged closures and restrictions. Decreased tourism plus falling exports, an increased consumption tax, reduced consumer spending, and growing national debt. Suffice to say, Japan’s economy has serious issues and inbound tourism was previously a bright spot.
How long is the quarantine period in Japan?
Additionally, everyone entering Japan must undergo a mandatory quarantine at a designated location and may not use public transportation for 10 days upon arrival. (This was just shortened from 14 days at the end of last month.) Most foreigners, including those who have been to countries on the entry ban list within 14 days of their arrival in Japan, will be turned away under current border control measures.
When will Japan end its state of emergency?
Assuming no improvements to Japan’s current pace of 1.2 million shots per day, the country will administer approximately 54 million more inoculations between now and when Tokyo’s current state of emergency ends on August 22, 2021.
Is Japan reopening to international visitors?
At some point, reopening to international visitors will be necessary for Japan’s economy. With that in mind, the Olympics are now irrelevant for reopening purposes , as are current states of emergency.
