Japan entry requirements: what to prepare before you fly
Japan entry requirements depend on three things: your nationality, the purpose of the trip and its length. Most visitors from Europe, North America, Oceania and many Asian countries can stay up to 90 days for tourism without a visa, but every traveler goes through the same arrival steps: a passport check, fingerprints and a photo at immigration, then customs. This page gathers the essentials and links to a detailed guide for each step.
The essentials at a glance
| Item | What is required |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for the whole stay; no six-month rule for short visits |
| Visa | Not needed for tourism up to 90 days for citizens of more than 70 visa-exempt countries and regions |
| Arrival form | Paper card, or the free QR code from the official online service |
| Onward ticket | Proof of return or onward travel may be requested |
| Funds and address | Accommodation details and enough money for the stay |
| Vaccines | None required |
Who needs a visa?
Japan has visa exemption arrangements with more than 70 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and all EU member states. Their citizens can visit for tourism, family visits, conferences or unpaid business for up to 90 days. Shorter periods apply to a few nationalities, for example 15 days for Thai or Bruneian citizens. Paid work, study and long stays always require a visa, whatever the nationality. The visa guide explains how to apply, including the Japan eVISA system.
What happens on arrival
After landing, foreign visitors aged 16 and over have their fingerprints scanned and their photo taken at immigration. The officer then checks the passport, the purpose of the stay and, if needed, the return ticket or accommodation details. At customs, travelers declare goods above the duty-free allowance and any cash worth more than ¥1,000,000. Registering in advance with Visit Japan Web speeds up both steps with a single QR code.
Documents worth keeping at hand
- The passport used to book the trip, valid until the day you leave Japan.
- The return or onward flight booking.
- The address and phone number of the first accommodation.
- A credit card or other proof of funds, and your travel insurance details.
- An import certificate (yunyu kakunin-sho) if you carry large quantities of medicine or controlled medication.
Fees and changes in 2026
Two changes affect the cost of a trip this year. The International Tourist Tax charged on departure rose to ¥3,000 per person in July 2026 and is usually included in airline tickets. Visa fees were also revised on 1 July 2026 for nationalities that need a visa. Looking further ahead, Japan plans JESTA, an online travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, expected around 2028. Until it launches, the Japan entry requirements for visa-exempt travelers stay as described on this page.
Guides in this section
Prefer to hand over Visit Japan Web?
Immigration and customs: the assistance service checks your information, completes Visit Japan Web on your behalf and forwards the QR codes generated by the official system by email before departure, for a single price of €69.
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, visa information
Frequently asked questions
Do Japan entry requirements include a vaccine or a COVID test?
No. Japan lifted all COVID-19 border measures on 29 April 2023, and no vaccine is required to enter. Routine vaccinations should still be up to date.
How long can tourists stay in Japan without a visa?
Up to 90 days for most visa-exempt nationalities, including US, UK, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens. A few nationalities have shorter periods of 15 or 30 days.
Is a return ticket mandatory?
It is not always checked, but immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. Keeping the booking on your phone avoids delays.
Are the Japan entry requirements the same at every airport?
Yes. The rules are national; only the layout of kiosks and lanes differs between airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Chubu.