Japan · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Japan grants short-term-stay status for tourism and business, typically up to 90 days. Nationals of many countries are visa-exempt for short visits; everyone else applies for a short-term-stay visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes which nationalities are exempt and on what conditions. Short-term visitors cannot work.
Japan grants short-term-stay status for tourism and business, typically up to 90 days. Nationals of many countries are exempt from a visa for short visits; others apply for a short-term-stay visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists which nationalities are visa-exempt and the conditions; short-term visitors cannot work.
- Short-term-stay status covers tourism and business, typically up to 90 days.
- Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits; check the MOFA list and conditions.
- Others apply for a short-term-stay visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate.
- Short-term visitors cannot take employment.
- 1
Check the MOFA visa-exemption list
Confirm on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site whether your nationality is visa-exempt for short stays, and for how long.
- 2
Apply at a Japanese mission if needed
If you are not exempt, apply for the short-term-stay visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate for your area, or through its designated agency.
- 3
Prepare itinerary and supporting documents
Typically a schedule of stay, accommodation details, proof of funds and, for some applications, an invitation or guarantee from a contact in Japan.
- 4
Complete arrival formalities
At the port of entry you go through immigration inspection, which includes fingerprinting and a facial photograph for most foreign nationals.
- 5
Respect the short-term-stay conditions
Short-term stay does not permit paid work. Keep your passport with you, and leave before the permitted period ends.
- Visa-exemption status checked on the MOFA site
- Short-term-stay visa applied for if not exempt
- Schedule of stay and accommodation prepared
- Proof of funds for the visit ready
- Invitation or guarantor documents if requested
- Passport valid for the whole intended stay
- No paid work planned during the stay
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa
Official short-term-stay visa and exemption information.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Japan without a visa?
Typically up to 90 days for visa-exempt nationalities, though the exact period differs by country and some are shorter. The MOFA list states the permitted length for each nationality.
Can I extend a short-term stay in Japan?
Extensions of short-term stay are granted only in limited circumstances and must be applied for at an immigration office before the current period expires. Do not assume an extension will be available.
Can I do business activities on short-term stay?
Short-term stay covers business visits such as meetings, negotiations and conferences. It does not cover paid employment in Japan, which requires a work-related status of residence.
Government portals
- Prime Minister's Office of Japan — Official site of Japan's Prime Minister — cabinet policies, press conferences, policy statements
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Japan visa applications, overseas safety info, consular services, and diplomatic policy
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Residence status, work visas, permanent residency, and naturalization in Japan
- National Tax Agency (Japan) — Income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax filing and e-Tax online submission