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.
Important information
Japanese visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Japan — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Japan to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.3 visas
- Study visasStudying in Japan — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in Japan — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Japan as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Japan long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.1 visa
Japanese visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Japan — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa or visa exemption
- Depends on your nationality and purpose of travel
- Authority
- MOFA Japan
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Online option
- JAPAN eVISA
- Single-entry short-term-stay tourism visa for eligible countries
- Visa exemption
- Short-term stay
- Eligible nationals can enter visa-free for a short stay
Japanese visas — people also ask
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.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.