Visa exemption for Japan

The visa-exemption list covers all EU member states, the other European Economic Area and European Free Trade Association states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and many Latin American and some Asian and Middle Eastern countries. For some countries the exemption applies only to holders of biometric passports that meet ICAO standards, and a few countries receive a shorter period.

Nationals of countries not on the list need a visa issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate before travelling. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the current list with all conditions.

Temporary Visitor status covers sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, attending conferences, business meetings, contract negotiations, market research, short courses and amateur sports events. What matters is that no remuneration is paid from a Japanese source. Working for a Japanese employer, even briefly, performing for a fee in Japan or receiving a fee for services in Japan requires a proper residence status.

Remote work for an employer abroad during a holiday is a grey area in practice; for longer stays built around remote work, Japan created a separate digital nomad status in 2024.

Citizens of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, together with those of Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico and the United Kingdom, receive 90 days on arrival. Under bilateral arrangements they may apply at a regional immigration services bureau in Japan, before the 90 days end, for an extension to a total stay of up to six months. An extension is not automatic: the applicant must explain the purpose, show means of support and usually a return or onward ticket, and the bureau decides.

For citizens of other EU countries, 90 days is the maximum for a visa-free stay. The German, Austrian and Swiss embassies of Japan explain the procedure on their consular pages.

On arrival, visitors present their passport, have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken, and may be asked about the purpose of the trip, accommodation and return ticket. Immigration officers decide on the period of stay; the exemption is not a right of entry. The passport must be valid for the entire stay.

Visit Japan Web lets travellers complete the immigration and customs information online before landing. It is optional, and paper forms remain available.

Japan has enacted a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, similar to the US ESTA and the European ETIAS. Under an amendment to the Immigration Control Act promulgated in June 2026, travellers will have to obtain approval online before boarding. The system is planned to start in fiscal 2028; until the government announces a start date, no authorisation is needed.