Visa & Entry
Tourist visa for Japan
短期滞在査証たんきたいざいさしょうtanki taizai sashōFor travellers whose country is not visa-exempt
Travellers whose nationality is not on Japan's visa-exemption list need a short-term stay visa for tourism, family visits or business trips. They apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence or, for certain nationalities and countries of residence, online through the JAPAN eVISA system.
Japan waives the visa requirement for citizens of 74 countries and regions, but many travellers still need one. For them the short-term stay visa covers the same purposes as a visa-free stay: sightseeing, visiting family and friends, conferences and business meetings. Paid work is excluded.
Application procedures differ by country, and required documents depend on nationality, purpose and who pays for the trip. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sets the framework; the embassy or consulate responsible for the applicant's place of residence publishes the exact list of documents.
Step by step
- 1Check whether a visa is neededLook up your nationality on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa-exemption list. If it is listed, no visa is needed for a short stay.
- 2Find the responsible mission or the eVISAIdentify the Japanese embassy or consulate for your place of residence, and check whether your nationality and country of residence qualify for the JAPAN eVISA.
- 3Prepare the documentsCollect the documents listed by that mission for your purpose of travel, including passport, application form, photo, itinerary and proof of funds.
- 4Submit the applicationApply in person, through an accredited agency or online, depending on the rules of the mission, and allow enough processing time before departure.
- 5Travel within the validityEnter Japan while the visa is valid and keep copies of bookings and invitations to hand at immigration.
Who needs a visa
Anyone whose nationality is not on the visa-exemption list needs a visa before travelling, whatever the length of the trip. Citizens of exempt countries need a visa only if they want to stay longer than the exemption allows or for a purpose that the exemption does not cover, such as work or long-term study; those cases require a different visa type altogether.
For residents of Germany, Austria or Switzerland who hold a non-exempt nationality, the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence handles the application.
Where and how to apply
Applications are generally made in person or through an authorised agency at the Japanese diplomatic mission responsible for the applicant's place of residence, often with an appointment. In some countries accredited travel agencies submit applications on behalf of tourists. Processing usually takes several working days, longer if the case is referred to Tokyo.
The JAPAN eVISA system allows online applications for single-entry short-term stays for certain nationalities living in certain countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists the eligible combinations, which have been expanded several times; the eVISA is shown on a smartphone at check-in and on arrival.
Typical documents
Requirements vary, but a typical application for tourism includes the items below. For visits to relatives or business trips, a letter of invitation or guarantee from the host in Japan may be needed. Embassies may ask for additional documents in individual cases.
Passport
Valid for the planned stay, with free pages.
Application form and photo
The official visa application form and a recent passport photo.
Itinerary and bookings
Flight reservation and a day-by-day plan with accommodation.
Proof of funds
Bank statements or other evidence that the trip can be paid for.
Residence status
For applicants who are not nationals of the country where they apply, proof of legal residence there.
After the visa is issued
A visa is a recommendation for entry, not a guarantee. The immigration officer at the port of entry decides on admission and grants the period of stay. The visa must usually be used within its validity, commonly three months from issue for a single-entry visa. Arrival forms can be completed in advance through Visit Japan Web.
Online arrival and customs forms.
Frequently asked questions
Do German, Austrian or Swiss citizens need a tourist visa?
No. They are visa-exempt for short stays. A visa is needed only by nationals of countries not on the exemption list, or for purposes such as work or long-term study.
Can I apply for a Japanese visa online?
Through the JAPAN eVISA system, if your nationality and country of residence are eligible. Otherwise the application goes to the Japanese embassy or consulate for your place of residence.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. The short-term stay status excludes paid activity. Employment requires a work-related residence status.
Does a visa guarantee entry?
No. The immigration officer at the airport decides on entry and on the period of stay.
Related
Sources
- 1.VISA – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (opens in a new tab) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- 2.The JAPAN eVISA system (electronic visa) (opens in a new tab) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- 3.Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay) (opens in a new tab) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- 4.Botschaft von Japan in Deutschland (opens in a new tab) — Embassy of Japan in Germany