Country hub
Japan visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Japan depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Japan’s visas are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Nationals of many countries are covered by visa exemption for short stays; others can apply for the JAPAN eVISA online or a Temporary Visitor Visa at an embassy, while work and study require a long-term visa. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel or apply.
- Official informationFrom government sources
- Clear guidanceStep-by-step explanations
- Regularly reviewedKept up to date
Important information
Your exact requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays; others use the JAPAN eVISA or a Temporary Visitor Visa; work and study need a long-term visa with a Certificate of Eligibility. Always confirm what you need on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan pages before you travel or apply.
Find the right Japan visa for you
Choose the category that matches your plans. Each route explains who it is for, what it covers and how to apply.
Visit
Japan Temporary Visitor Visa (Short-Term Stay)Tourism, seeing family or friends, and short business trips.View visitor visasSettle
Japan work and long-term stay visasLonger-term residence and settlement routes.View settlement visasOther routes
2 visa routesTransit and other visa routes.View other visasJapan visa overview
How to apply – in 3 simple steps
- Check eligibilityUse the quick checker to confirm which visa you need for your trip.
- Prepare documentsGather your passport, photos and supporting paperwork using our guides.
- Submit & trackSubmit your application and track its progress.
Apply for a Japan visa
Start an application online and follow the guided steps.
Explore Japan visa types
Every Japan route we cover, with a short summary of who it is for.
Japan Temporary Visitor Visa (Short-Term Stay)
Japan’s short-term-stay visa for tourism, visiting friends or relatives and business meetings, with no income-earning activity permitted.
Japan work and long-term stay visas
An overview of Japan’s work and long-term-stay routes, which in principle require a Certificate of Eligibility before you apply for the visa.
Japan Visa Exemption (Short-Term Stay)
A reciprocal arrangement under which nationals of eligible countries and regions can enter Japan for a short stay without a visa.
JAPAN eVISA (Short-Term Stay)
Japan’s online single-entry short-term-stay tourism visa, for eligible countries whose nationals are not already visa-exempt.
Popular Japan guides
People also asked
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
It depends on your nationality. Nationals of the countries and regions with a Japanese visa-exemption arrangement can enter for a short stay without a visa; others need a Temporary Visitor Visa or the JAPAN eVISA where eligible. Check the official visa-exemption list for your nationality.
What is the JAPAN eVISA?
The JAPAN eVISA lets eligible travellers apply online for a single-entry short-term-stay tourism visa. It is for nationals of eligible countries who are not already visa-exempt — confirm on the official JAPAN eVISA pages whether you can use it.
How do I get a work or study visa for Japan?
Work, study and other long-term stays generally require a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services Agency before you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. See the official long-term-stay pages for the right category.