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Visitor & short-stay visas

Japanese Japan Temporary Visitor Visa (Short-Term Stay)

For tourism, visiting friends or relatives and business meetings on a short-term stay, with no income-earning activity permitted while you are in the country.

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Japan government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Temporary Visitor Visa (Short-Term Stay)
Route type
Short-term stay
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
Number of entries
Single-entry (multiple-entry available for eligible applicants)
Cost
Single-entry visa fee equivalent to 3,000 yen (multiple-entry 6,000 yen; transit 700 yen)
Charged in local currency at the reciprocal rate; some nationalities are exempt from the fee.
Standard processing time
About 5 working days from the day after a complete application is accepted
Can take longer (weeks to months) if additional confirmation is needed or during busy periods.
Where to apply
Japanese embassy, consulate-general or consular office with jurisdiction over your area

Who can apply

  • Travellers visiting Japan for tourism or sightseeing
  • People visiting friends or relatives in Japan
  • People attending short business meetings in Japan

What you can do

  • Visit Japan for tourism and sightseeing
  • Visit friends or relatives in Japan
  • Attend business meetings (no income-earning activity), per the official conditions

Requirements

  • The visit must be for a short-term purpose only — tourism, visiting friends or relatives, or business meetings — with no income-earning activity in Japan
  • The total stay must be 90 days or less
  • You must hold a valid passport
  • Applications are made in person or through an accredited agency at the Japanese diplomatic mission responsible for your area of residence

How to apply

Applications for the Temporary Visitor Visa are submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over where you live. Where a JAPAN eVISA is available for your nationality, the tourism short-stay visa can instead be applied for and issued entirely online.

  • Confirm you actually need a visa — nationals of visa-exemption countries do not need one for a qualifying short stay
  • Identify the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your area
  • Complete the official visa application form and prepare the supporting documents for your purpose of visit
  • Submit the application (in person or via an accredited travel agency) and pay the visa fee
  • Collect the visa once approved — standard examination takes around 5 working days

Documents you may need

  • A valid passport
  • Completed visa application form
  • A recent passport-style photograph
  • An itinerary or schedule of your planned stay in Japan (dates of arrival and departure, and what you plan to do)
  • Flight and accommodation details, where known (bookings and payment are not required at the application stage)
  • For a visit to friends or relatives: documents evidencing the relationship and, where relevant, a Letter of Reason for Invitation and Schedule of Stay prepared by the inviting person
  • Any additional documents requested on a case-by-case basis by the embassy or consulate

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The short-term stay does not permit any income-earning activity. To work you need the appropriate long-term work status of residence.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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