Japan Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements

All foreigners wishing to visit Japan must have a passport that is valid for the duration of intended stay.

Under the "Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangements" program citizens from many countries do not require a visa to visit Japan for tourism purposes for periods of up to 90 days - this includes Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and some EU countries. Citizens of the UK, Ireland and some other EU countries can visit for a period of up to 180 days without a visa. Tourist visas generally take about 5 days to process and entitle the holder to entry to Japan on one occasion. They are valid for a period of 3 months from the date of issuance. To check visa and entry requirements please follow the link below.

Visas cannot be issued in Japan so if required hold one to you must do so before entry to Japan. You may be required to show immigration officials that you have return or onward tickets and adequate means of support and accommodation upon entering Japan.

Japan's Visa Waiver Program is strict and entry may be refused if the applicant can not provide evidence of sufficient funds, an onward/return ticket or confirmed accommodation arrangements, or if immigration authorities believe the traveller intends to seek employment. If entry is denied, the decision cannot be appealed and travellers may be denied entry into Japan for up to five years.

All foreign nationals, including permanent residents of Japan, are required to have their fingerprints electronically scanned and are photographed upon arrival in Japan. Refusal to provide fingerprints or be photographed is grounds for refusal of entry into Japan. People under 16 years of age and holders of diplomatic or official visas are exempt.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

As entry requirements may change from time to time it is strongly advised that you check with the department of foreign affairs or your local consulate or embassy for the current requirements.

More information can be found by clicking here.

We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.