Japan visa exemption guide

The basics

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) states that Japan has reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with 74 countries and regions. Eligible nationals can generally enter for a short stay without obtaining a visa in advance. Landing permission is granted by an immigration officer at the port of entry.

Stay per entry

Per MOFA, the period granted on landing is 15 days for Indonesia and Thailand, 30 days for Brunei and Qatar, and 90 days for other listed countries and regions. Some nationalities may be permitted up to 6 months under their arrangements.

Where you apply

No advance visa application is described for exempt nationals. Permission is granted on arrival.

Fee

Sources do not state a fee for visa-exempt entry.

Validity

Not stated by sources as a separate term. The permitted stay is set on landing.

Who it's for

MOFA describes a short-term stay as up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives and similar purposes that do not include remunerative activities. Exemption depends on nationality, and the rules vary by nationality. Check the MOFA exemption table for your own passport.

Some nationalities have extra passport conditions. For example, MOFA states that for several countries the exemption applies only to holders of an ICAO-compliant ePassport (an International Civil Aviation Organization standard passport with a chip), and others only to holders of a machine-readable passport. Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan have their own passport conditions.

MOFA also notes that Colombian nationals are advised to obtain a visa in advance, as entering without one may lead to strict examination and possible refusal.

• Nationals of countries not on the exemption list generally need a visa for a short stay.
• Diplomatic, official and United Nations laissez-passer holders are covered by separate MOFA pages.

How to apply

Based on MOFA, nationals of exempt countries do not apply for a visa before a short stay and are granted landing permission by an immigration officer on arrival. MOFA states that a visa does not guarantee entry to Japan.

Travelers who are not exempt can apply at the Japanese embassy, consulate, accredited agency or visa application centre with jurisdiction over their residence, or online where the diplomatic mission offers it. MOFA lists residents of certain countries (including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the U.S.A.) as eligible to apply online through the JAPAN eVISA system. Visa applications cannot be made inside Japan.

Documents

• A valid passport. Sources do not state a minimum validity period.
• Where applicable, the passport type required for your nationality, such as an ICAO-compliant ePassport or machine-readable passport.
• Sources do not confirm onward ticket, proof of funds or health requirements for visa-exempt entry.
• MOFA says it is highly recommended to buy international travel medical insurance.

Stay and extensions

MOFA states that for nationals of countries whose arrangements permit stays of up to 6 months (Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are marked in the table), those wishing to stay more than 90 days must apply for an extension to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) before the permitted stay expires.

Sources reviewed do not state extension terms or required documents, or whether extensions are available to other nationalities. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan handles inquiries about status of residence.

Things to confirm

• Your own nationality's exemption status, permitted stay and passport conditions on the MOFA exemption page.
• Whether the stay length and entry pattern you plan are acceptable. Sources do not address repeated entries.
• Whether remote work during a visa-exempt stay is allowed. MOFA describes short-term stay as excluding remunerative activities.
• Any pre-arrival requirement for visa-exempt travelers, on the MOFA visa page.
• Extension terms for your nationality, with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Sources

Every claim above comes from these pages. Higher tiers carry more authority. How we tier sources.