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Visitor & short-stay visas

Japanese 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.

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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
Visa Exemption Arrangement (Short-Term Stay)
Route type
Visa exemption
Countries and regions covered
74 countries and regions with a reciprocal arrangement
Maximum stay
90 days for most countries; 30 days for Brunei and Qatar; 15 days for Indonesia and Thailand
Cost
Free — no visa is issued and no visa fee applies
Where to apply
No application — a period of stay is granted on landing at the port of entry

Who can apply

  • Nationals of the countries and regions with a Japanese visa-exemption arrangement

What you can do

  • Enter Japan for a short-term, non-work stay without a visa, per the official conditions

Requirements

  • You must be a national of one of the 74 countries or regions that has a visa-exemption arrangement with Japan
  • Your stay must be within the exemption period for your nationality (generally 90 days, but 30 days for Brunei and Qatar and 15 days for Indonesia and Thailand)
  • You must not engage in any income-earning activity during the stay
  • You must hold a valid passport meeting the arrangement's conditions

How to apply

There is no visa to apply for. If your nationality is covered, you are granted a short-term stay on landing when you meet the immigration officer at the port of entry. Check the official visa-exemption list for your nationality before you travel — if you are not covered, you will need a Temporary Visitor Visa or the JAPAN eVISA where eligible.

Documents you may need

  • A valid passport that meets the conditions of the exemption arrangement (Indonesian nationals must have an ICAO-compliant e-passport registered with a Japanese diplomatic mission)
  • Evidence supporting your entry at immigration, such as onward or return travel and accommodation details, may be requested by the immigration officer

Frequently asked questions

  • For most nationalities the exemption is for a fixed short-term stay and cannot be extended for the same purpose. Nationals of countries whose arrangement allows up to 6 months must apply to the Regional Immigration Bureau to extend beyond 90 days before the permitted period expires.

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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