Visa rules change frequently — always verify before you book.
This guide was last reviewed in May 2026. Entry requirements, fees, and stay lengths can change at short notice. Confirm the current rules with the official government sources linked below before booking flights or travelling.
- Visa needed?
- No — visa-free for short-stay tourism for US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian and many other citizens
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days for most eligible nationalities
- Cost
- Free
- Validity
- Per entry
- Processing time
- No application needed; complete Visit Japan Web online before arrival to speed up entry
Japan is visa-free for short tourism for citizens of around 70 countries and territories — including the US, UK, all EU nations, Canada, and Australia. You simply arrive with a valid passport and are granted a short-stay entry for tourism.
While no visa is required, Japan has digitised much of its arrival process through Visit Japan Web, which can dramatically speed up immigration and customs. This guide covers who qualifies, how long you can stay, and how to use the digital entry system.
Visa-Free Entry for Tourism
Most Western tourists do not need a visa to visit Japan for short tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends and family. On arrival you receive a "Temporary Visitor" status.
The standard visa-free stay is up to 90 days for most eligible nationalities (some receive a shorter period; a few — such as UK, Ireland, Germany, and a handful of others — can apply to extend to 6 months once in Japan).
Who Qualifies for Visa-Free Entry
- United States, Canada — up to 90 days
- United Kingdom and all EU countries — up to 90 days (some extendable)
- Australia and New Zealand — up to 90 days
- Around 70 countries and territories in total
- Citizens of countries not on the visa-exemption list must obtain a visa from a Japanese embassy before travel.
Visit Japan Web (Digital Entry)
Visit Japan Web is Japan's official online portal for completing immigration and customs declarations before you arrive. You register your trip and passport details, and receive QR codes to scan at the airport — replacing the old paper forms and significantly speeding up the process at major airports.
It is not a visa and is not strictly mandatory, but it is strongly recommended and saves considerable time at busy airports like Tokyo Narita, Haneda, and Osaka Kansai.
Travel insurance is often required
Many visas and entry systems require proof of travel medical insurance — and even where it is not mandatory, it protects you against medical bills, cancellations, and lost baggage. Compare cover that meets visa requirements.
Compare travel insurance →Entry Requirements
- A passport valid for the duration of your stay
- Proof of onward or return travel may be requested
- No visa for eligible nationalities on short tourism
- Visit Japan Web QR codes (recommended, not mandatory)
Official Sources
Always confirm the latest requirements directly with the official government website before travelling:
Frequently Asked Questions
No. US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens can enter Japan visa-free for short tourism, typically for up to 90 days. You just need a valid passport. Citizens of countries not on Japan's visa-exemption list must obtain a visa in advance.