Japan visa: who needs one and how to apply

A Japan visa is not needed for short tourist trips by citizens of more than 70 visa-exempt countries and regions. For everyone else, and for anyone planning to work, study or stay longer than 90 days, the visa must be obtained before departure from an embassy or consulate, or online through the Japan eVISA system where it is available.

Visa-exempt or not?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan publishes the official list of visa-exempt countries and regions. Exemption depends on nationality, not on the country of residence: a Canadian living in India is exempt, while an Indian national living in Canada needs a visa. Exempt stays are limited to tourism, visiting family or friends, conferences and business meetings without payment in Japan.

Types of visas

How to apply

1. Check the requirementsConfirm on the website of the embassy or consulate that covers your place of residence which documents are required.
2. Gather the documentsUsually a valid passport, an application form, a recent photo, a flight booking, an itinerary and proof of funds. Invitation or guarantee letters may be needed for family or business visits.
3. ApplySubmit the application at the embassy, consulate or an approved visa centre, or online through Japan eVISA if you are eligible.
4. Wait for processingStandard processing takes about five working days, longer if the embassy needs to consult Tokyo.
5. Travel and registerOnce the visa is issued, the arrival registration can be completed online with the visa details.

Japan eVISA

Japan offers an online single-entry visa for short tourist stays to nationals who need a visa and who live in a growing list of countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, South Africa and Taiwan. The eVISA is linked electronically to the passport and shown on a smartphone at check-in and at the airport. Eligibility depends on both nationality and residence, so checking the official eVISA page before applying avoids a refused application.

Fees

Japan visa fees were revised on 1 July 2026. Amounts are set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and some nationalities pay reduced fees or none under bilateral agreements. The embassy or consulate confirms the exact amount when the application is accepted, and the fee is not refunded if the visa is refused. Fees are only paid to the embassy, the consulate or an approved visa centre.

JESTA from around 2028

JESTA is a planned electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, similar in spirit to the US ESTA. It will not replace the Japan visa: travelers who need a visa today will still need one, and visa-exempt travelers will add a short online application before their flight.

After the visa is issued

A visa allows you to apply for landing; it does not guarantee entry. The immigration officer at the airport grants the period of stay, and the passport and visa must be presented together. Check that the name, passport number and dates on the visa match the passport before leaving the embassy.

Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, visa information

Frequently asked questions