Japan Travel & Tourist Visa 2026 — Short-Term Stay & Entry Requirements

Everything you need to visit Japan — visa-free entry, tourist visa, transit visa, and eVisa

Japan welcomes millions of tourists every year. Depending on your nationality, you may enter visa-free for up to 90 days, apply for an eVisa online, or obtain a traditional tourist visa (short-term stay visa) from a Japanese embassy or consulate.

Visa Categories

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Short-Term Stay (Tourism / Business)

Tourism, family visits, and short business trips — no residence status required

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Japan eVISA

Eligible nationalities can apply online for a short-term tourism visa — no embassy visit needed.

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Visa-Free Entry (74 countries)

Passports on the exemption list need no visa for stays up to 90 days — check the list before you book.

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Types of Short-Term Stay

Tourism / Sightseeing

Visit Japan for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives.

15 / 30 / 90 days

Business Visit

Attend meetings, conferences, sign contracts. No employment allowed.

Up to 90 days

Transit

Pass through Japan to a third country. Shore pass or transit visa.

Up to 72 hours

Visa-Free Countries & Regions

Citizens of 74 countries and regions can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays. Common visa-free nationalities include:

Asia: South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia (30 days)

Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland (90 days)

Americas: USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile (90 days)

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand (90 days)

Required Documents (If Visa Needed)

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Required Documents & Application Steps

The single authoritative checklist lives on the Short-Term Stay visa page — forms, photo specs, itinerary, and the full process.

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Visa Fees

Consular fees from July 1, 2026 (single ¥15,000 / multiple ¥30,000), local-currency equivalents and exemptions.

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Japan eVisa (Electronic Visa)

Japan has launched an eVisa system for citizens of select countries. The eVisa can be applied for online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy. Check if your nationality is eligible on the official Visit Japan Web portal.

Japan Tourist Visa — Frequently Asked Questions

Does Japan have visa on arrival?▾

No, not for regular tourism. Japan either waives visa requirements for 74 countries (visa-free entry on arrival) or requires a pre-issued visa from an embassy/VFS/eVisa system before boarding. See the full answer and exceptions.

Do I need a business visa for a short business trip to Japan?▾

No. Short-term business activities (meetings, conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions) are covered by the standard Short-Term Stay (Tourist) visa. You do not need a separate "business visa" for visits under 90 days. Only full employment in Japan requires a work visa.

What's the difference between single-entry, multi-entry, and 10-year visa?▾

Single-entry: one entry within 3-6 months validity, standard first-time grant. Multi-entry (short): 1-3 years, multiple trips each up to 90 days. 10-year multi-entry: for nationals with frequent travel history (especially Chinese passport holders), allows repeated trips over a decade. Apply for the higher tier only after your first visa is used successfully.

What are Japan's travel requirements for tourists in 2026?▾

Required: (1) passport valid beyond your planned stay, (2) visa or visa-free eligibility, (3) return or onward flight ticket, (4) accommodation confirmation, (5) proof of sufficient funds, (6) completed disembarkation card on arrival. COVID-era requirements (vaccines, tests) are no longer in effect as of 2026.

Can I extend my tourist visa once I'm in Japan?▾

Generally no. Short-Term Stay is fixed at 15/30/90 days. Extensions are granted only in narrow exceptions (documented illness, natural disaster, unavoidable flight cancellation), applied at the Immigration Bureau before the original stay expires. Plan around the original permitted stay — don't rely on extension.

Can I apply for the Japan tourist visa online?▾

For eligible nationalities (including Indian, Chinese mainland, UAE, Qatari, Saudi, Brazilian residents), yes — via the Japan eVisa system. Other nationalities must apply through an embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center depending on their country.

Need Help Planning Your Japan Trip?

Our team can assist with visa applications, itinerary planning, and travel advice.

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