Visa and entry to Japan
Citizens of many countries can visit Japan without a visa for short stays; longer stays require a status of residence. These guides summarise the official rules and always point to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Services Agency.
Visa exemption for Japansashō menjoShort stays without a visa, and where the limits lieVisit Japan WebFill in the arrival forms before the plane landsJESTA (planned travel authorisation)denshi tokō ninshō seidoPlanned: online approval before boardingTourist visa for Japantanki taizai sashōFor travellers whose country is not visa-exemptWorking holiday in Japanwākingu horidēA year of travel, with work to pay for itDigital nomad visatokutei katsudō (dejitaru nomado)Six months of remote work from JapanWork visas for Japanshūrō bizaThe job decides the statusStudent visa for JapanryūgakuFrom admission letter to residence cardResidence card (zairyu card)zairyū kādoThe foreign resident's ID cardCustoms allowances for Japanmenzei han'iWhat to declare, what is free, what stays at homeBringing medication to Japanyunyū kakuninshōCheck before packing: Japan's rules are strictTax-free shopping in JapanmenzeiPay the full price, reclaim the tax on departure