In numerous cases, international travelers do need a visa to go to Japan. However, what type of visa do you need to obtain, depends on a few factors. There are also some countries that are currently exempt from the need to handle a regular visa to Japan but most likely will soon need to apply for the Japanese e-Visa.
Japan is an extremely popular destination, with millions of tourists visiting each year. In 2019 alone, more than 30 million travelers have explored Japan.
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Who does not need to have a visa to visit Japan?
Several countries are visa-exempt for short-term stays only. What does that mean? It means that if your country is listed below, you can visit Japan without a visa for up to 90 days at a time.
However, citizens of the following countries will most likely need to apply for the Japanese e-Visa once it’s completely in place.
Check if your citizenship makes you eligible for the soon to be implemented e-Visa and if you can visit Japan visa-free before the electronic system is introduced:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Brunei (visa exemption for up to 15 days)
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong*
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao**
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Surinam
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan***
- Tunisia
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
Please note! It’s best to check the visa regulations and current travel restrictions constantly since Japan is currently changing the whole system, introducing electronic travel authorizations.
What if I’m going to Japan for a long-term stay?
Visiting Japan long-term is an entirely different case. In such a situation, even citizens from visa-exempt countries must apply for a visa first.
A long-term visa cannot be obtained online. The only way to access one is via a Japanese Embassy or a Consulate. Usually, applicants need to attach an extended list of supporting documents validating the purpose of their visit. Moreover, the processing times and the whole process may be quite lengthy.
If the purpose of your visit is working or studying in Japan for a longer period of time, make sure to obtain an appropriate visa before leaving on your trip.
Do I need a visa to go to Japan for transit?
Another situation in which visas to Japan may be needed is the process of transiting through the country. However, there are two visa types that all international travelers can use – regular transit visas obtained at an Embassy or e-Visas.
You will need to apply for a visa upon transiting through Japan if:
- your next flight is not scheduled on the same day of your arrival in Japan
- you plan on leaving the area of the selected Japanese airport
- don’t have a booked onward ticket
- don’t have other required documents to get to your final destination, e.g., a visa to said country
The easiest way to transit through Japan is using an electronic Japan visa. Every eligible citizen can easily apply online using any working device with an internet connection within minutes from home!
How can I get the Japan visa online?
The electronic visa for Japan is easily accessible online. Take two simple steps before getting into the actual online application process to ensure successful and quick approval.
Step One: make sure that you meet the electronic Japan visa requirements before applying. Fortunately, the conditions are more than elementary. All you need is:
- a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the planned date of arrival in Japan
- an active email address
- access to any online payment method
Step Two: grab any working device with an internet connection. It can be your phone, laptop, PC, or even a tablet. Make sure that you have your valid passport on hand and start the application process!
Follow this quick and intuitive 3-step visa for Japan application process:
- Complete the application form – spare a few minutes to fill the online form with some essential personal and travel details. Next, thoroughly check the provided data to make sure there are no errors and no required information is missing.
- Cover the fees – using any online payment method choosing from several available, cover the fees and submit the form. All applicants whose payments have registered will receive a confirmation number delivered straight to their email boxes.
- Check your email box – the approved Japan visa arrives at your email address in the form of a PDF file. The maximum time you’ll be waiting for your Japan e-Visa is 72 hours from submitting the form.
More about the Japanese e-Visa
The Japanese e-Visa is a fairly new concept introduced by the Japanese government to facilitate traveling to this island country. It serves as a single-entry travel permit that allows its holders to stay in Japan for up to 30 days (one month).
Find out more about the Japanese e-Visa:
- the e-Visa requirements are basic (all you need is a valid passport, email address, and access to any online payment method)
- the approved online visa allows you to stay in Japan for one month (30 days)
- it enables all tourism and leisure-related activities
- it serves as a visitor visa as well, allowing its holders to visit their friends or relatives residing in Japan
- the processing time is 72 hours maximally
- the application process can be completed entirely online using any working device
Applying for the Japanese e-Visa does not require applicants to visit an Embassy nor a Consulate. You can submit your application within minutes from home with only your valid passport on hand!