Visas査証
Do I need a visa for Japan? Exemption rules by nationality
Around 70 countries and regions can visit Japan visa-free for tourism. Here's how the tiers work and what to check for your passport.
Last reviewed · Sep 2026
Japan runs a visa-exemption scheme for short-term stays — tourism, visiting friends, business meetings — for citizens of roughly 70 countries and regions. If your passport is on the list, you simply arrive, show your passport and return ticket, and receive a 'Temporary Visitor' landing permission stamp or sticker.
The three common tiers
| Stay allowed | Typical passports | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 days | USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most EU states, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Brazil and many more | The standard tier for most visitors |
| Up to 6 months (on application) | UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Mexico | Granted 90 days on arrival; extensions possible at an immigration bureau |
| 15–30 days | Some Southeast Asian passports (e.g. Thailand, Brunei); Indonesia with a pre-registered ePassport | Rules for these passports change more often than others |
If you're not on the list
Citizens of countries such as India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam and most of Africa and the Middle East need a visa. Several of these nationalities can now apply for a single-entry tourist e-Visa online — see our application guide.
What officers actually check
- A passport valid for your whole stay (no fixed 6-month rule, but airlines may apply one)
- An onward or return ticket
- Your first night's accommodation address
- Enough funds for your trip — rarely asked, but be ready