Entry requirements for Japan

Along with the relevant visa requirements, Australians travelling to Japan will need to complete the required customs and immigrations procedures to enter Japan. Foreign travellers can register their travel online via Visit Japan Web or by paper disembarkation arrival card and customs declaration upon arrival to Japan.

Follow the below steps to register your travel details for Japan online via Visit Japan Web:

1. Create an account on the official Visit Japan Web website

2. Register your user details including:

   • Category of entry/return procedure

   • Your passport information

   • Your basic personal information

   • Enter your contact information (place of stay) in Japan

   • Register your entry/return schedule

3. Fill your entry/return procedure

4. Complete the Immigration clearance and customs declaration

You will receive QR codes that you can present to Immigration or customs officers upon arrival in Japan.

Japan is expected to roll out an electronic travel authorisation system provisionally called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) by 2028. It is important to keep updated with changes to Japan’s entry requirements that may impact your travel plans.

Japan’s visa exemption scheme

Japan’s Visa Exemption Scheme allows Australians to enter Japan visa free for short-term stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, or transit.

To be eligible to enter Japan visa-free as a tourist, the following conditions apply:

• Entry requirements: Hold an Australian passport which is valid for the duration of your stay and for your return

• Purpose of travel: Only tourism, short business activities, or visiting family and friends. You must Not undertake any form of work, paid or unpaid.

• Duration: Stays must not exceed 90 days

Travellers who do not meet the conditions of the Visa Exemption Scheme will need to apply for a Tourist visa. For full details on eligibility and limitations, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan or contact the Japanese consulate for clarification.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Japan?

Australians cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Japan. If you travel without the appropriate visa or do not qualify for the Visa Exemption Scheme, you risk being denied entry and may need to return home immediately. It’s essential to secure the right visa before departure for a hassle-free entry.

Japan visa requirements

If you’re an Australian citizen, most trips to Japan will require obtaining a visa and following specific visa requirements. Whether you’re travelling to Japan from Australia for tourism, work, or visiting family, the visa type and requirements will vary depending on the length and purpose of your trip.

All visas generally require the following documents to be provided by the visa applicant:

• Passport

• Passport photo

• Visa application form

• Flight information / booking confirmation

• Proof of sufficient funds of visa applicant

• Travel itinerary

What are the passport requirements for Japan?

Australian passport holders visiting Japan need to ensure their passport meets the following criteria before travelling:

• Validity period: Passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay - even if your visit is short term - and your return to Australia

• Condition: Passports should be in good condition, without significant wear, tears, or damage that could raise concerns during inspection.

• Blank pages: At least 2 spread blank pages

• Passport photo: Must meet the following requirements

  • Dimensions: 4.5x3.5cm

  • Currency: Taken within 6 months

  • Background: Plain

  • Material: On glossy photo paper

While Japan does not demand a minimum of six months' validity for passports, some airlines may impose stricter rules. Check with your carrier and verify your passport meets all requirements for a seamless entry experience.

Additional visa requirements for short-term visas to Japan

Below is an overview of additional visa requirements for common short-term visas for Australians travelling to Japan. Applicants should provide the following documents in addition to the standard visa requirements.

Documents required for a transit visa in Japan

To obtain a transit visa, you'll need to provide information on:

• The next country visa after Japan (required only for a Transit visa application)

Documents required for visiting relatives / acquaintances visa in Japan

Here are the additional documents required for a visa to visit relatives or acquaintances:

Provided by visa applicant:

• Documents to prove kinship (i.e. birth or marriage certificate)

• Next country visa after Japan (required only for a Transit visa application)

Prepared by inviting person/guarantor in Japan:

• Letter of invitation

• List of visa applicants

• Travel itinerary

Prepared by the guarantor who pays for the travel expenses:

• Letter from guarantee

• Proof of financial capability of guarantor (i.e. income certificate, tax payment showing annual income)

• Certificate of residence (Juminhyo or residence record) must be issued within 2 months of application date

• Copy of residence card (when the inviter is a foreign national)

Documents required for a business meeting / conference visa in Japan

Here are the documents you'll need to prepare for a business meeting or conference visa:

Provided by visa applicant:

• Letter from Australian Company (including applicant’s full name, date of birth, passport number, nature of the trip, schedule, length of stay)

• Certificate of employment

Prepared by inviting person/guarantor in Japan:

• Letter of invitation

• List of visa applicants

• Travel itinerary

Prepared by the guarantor who pays for the travel expenses:

• A letter from guarantee

• A certified copy of the incorporation register or an overview of the company/organisation

Consider if you need travel insurance for a business trip to Japan.

Documents required for a school trip visa in Japan

If you're applying for a school trip visa, you'll need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of residency

• Letter from school on an official letterhead including the following information:

• Visa applicants full name, date of birth, passport number and current address

• Nature of the trip

• Trip schedule

• Length of stay

• Travel expenses that have been or will be paid

• Proof of sufficient funds of visa applicant. Minors with no bank account or little savings can be financially supported by their family or parent and can provide the following:

• Saving accounts of financial supporter

• Letter from financial supporter explaining the situation, their full name and signature, and their relation to the visa applicant

• Official document showing the supporters relation to the visa applicant (i.e. birth certificate)

• Copy of financial supporters passport

Consider if you need travel insurance for a student trip to Japan.

Additional visa requirements for long-term visas to Japan

Australians entering Japan for employment or work, general or specified visas should obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), issued by the Ministry of Justice in Japan. The COE requires you to have a sponsor in Japan such as an employer, school, or relative and acts as a pre-screening step in the visa application process. Therefore, it can reduce the number of supporting documents required to be submitted during the visa application process.

Below is an overview of additional visa requirements for common long-term visas for Australians travelling to Japan. Applicants should provide the following documents in addition to the standard visa requirements.

Documents required for a working holiday visa in Japan

If you are applying for a working holiday visa, you will need the following additional documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Proposed schedule

• Letter of purpose of visit

• Bank account details of your saving account

Consider if you need travel insurance for a working holiday in Japan.

Documents required for a Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-SKIP) visa in Japan

If you are applying for a special highly skilled professional visa to Japan, you will need the following additional documents:

• Certificate of Eligibility

The Certificate of Eligibility certifies that you meet the eligibility requirements to enter Japan as a special highly skilled professional in advanced academic research, specialised or technical activities, or advanced business management. You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with the Regional Immigration Bureau for the J-SKIP Visa and must submit the following documents:

• Points calculation sheet for the activity you intend to undertake

• Documents verifying your points

• Application for certification as a highly-skilled foreign professional

Documents required for a Future Creation Individual (J-Find) visa in Japan

If you are applying for a future creation individual visa to Japan, you will need the following additional documents:

Future Creation Individual:

• Certificate of Eligibility

You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with the Regional Immigration Bureau for the J-Find Visa and must submit the following documents:

• Documents certifying that you have graduated (or completed) a university or graduate school and obtained a bachelor's degree or higher

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Stay schedule / description of intended activities

• Documents showing the current balance of the applicant's bank account

Spouse or child of Future Creation Individual:

• Documents to prove kinship (Marriage Certificate or Birth certificate)

• Copy of residence card or passport of future creation individual

Documents required for a Digital Nomad visa in Japan

You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with the Regional Immigration Bureau for the digital nomad visa and must submit the following documents:

Digital Nomad:

• Documents explaining the applicant's planned activities and period of stay during their stay in Japan

• Documents proving that the applicant's annual income is JPY 10 million or more

• Documents proving that the applicant has insurance against death, injury or illness during their stay in Japan (compensation for medical treatment for injury or illness must be JPY 10 million or more)

Consider if you need travel insurance for a digital nomad in Japan.

Spouse or child of Digital Nomad:

• Documents explaining the applicant's planned activities and period of stay during their stay in Japan

• Documents proving that the applicant has insurance against death, injury and illness during their stay in Japan (compensation for medical treatment for injury and illness must be JPY 10 million yen or more)

• Documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the spouse or parent with Digital Nomad visa

• A copy of the passport of the applicant’s spouse or parent with Digital Nomad visa

Visa requirements for working in Japan

Australians aiming to work in Japan must apply for a specialised visa to enter Japan. These visas are not available on arrival and require careful preparation. Here’s a summary of some of the important things you need to know:

• Sponsorship: Your employer in Japan must act as your sponsor

• Certificate of Eligibility: You must apply for a COE, issued by Japan’s immigration authorities

• Required Documents: When applying for a specialised visa, make sure to submit the documents outlined above, for your specific visa

• Validity: Work visas are typically issued for durations of 1 to 5 years, depending on your employment contract

Do I need to apply for a visa for Japan?

Australians travelling to Japan may not always need to submit a visa application in advance, especially if they are eligible for a visa exemption. However, if your trip is for the following types of travel you will need to apply for a visa before departure:

• Stays more than 90 days

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) holders

• Spouse of Japanese national

• Child of Japanese national

• Working holiday makers

• Special highly skilled professionals

• Future creation

• Digital nomads

As mentioned above, entry requirements for Japan may change over time, so make sure to verify visa requirements with the Japanese Embassy in Australia, your local Japanese consulate or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Step-by-step application process for a Japanese visa

1. Identify the visa type

Determine the type of visa you need based on your travel purpose.

2. Gather supporting documents

Ensure you prepare all required documents to avoid delays.

3. Application method

Follow the application method most suitable for your visa type and location. Australians can apply for an eVISA through the Japan e-Visa website.

In person application

Applicants can submit their visa application at the Embassy of Japan in Australia, or the Japanese consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Some offices like Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney may require you to schedule an in person visit via their online appointment booking service.

E-Visa online application

Australians applying for single-entry, short-term tourist visas can apply online via the Japan e-Visa System.

You cannot apply online if the purpose of your trip to Japan is to visit relatives or friends, attend a conference or business.

Application by post

Depending on your location and visa type, you may be able to submit your visa application by post. For example, applicants who live in regional New South Wales and anywhere in the Northern Territory may submit their visa application to the Consulate General of Japan in Sydney by post.

4. Pay the visa fee

Payment for the visa fee must be completed when you submit your application.

5. Wait for processing

Processing times are generally between 5-10 business days but may take longer during peak periods.

How much does a Japan visa cost?

The cost of a Japan visa depends on the type of visa and the duration of your stay. Single-entry visas are generally cheaper than multiple-entry or long-term visas.

• Single-Entry Visa: Approximately AUD $30.

• Multiple-Entry Visa: Approximately AUD $60.

Visa fees can change from time to time, and may differ between states. So, make sure to check the current visa application fees with your local Japanese consulate.

How long can I stay in Japan with a visa?

Australians travelling under the Visa Exemption Scheme for short-term stays for tourism, visiting family and friends, and business allow Australians to stay in Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. Long-term stays exceeding 90 days will require a visa and vary depending on your visa type and nature of your trip.

Extending your visa for Japan

Australians already in Japan may wonder if it’s possible to extend their stay beyond short-term limits. Extensions depend on your visa type and eligibility:

• Tourist and Short-Term Visas: Extensions are rarely granted for short-term stays like tourism, except in extraordinary situations such as medical emergencies.

• Residency Card Holders: For those holding a residency card, such as students or workers, extensions can be applied for through immigration offices in Japan.

Documents required for extending your Japanese visa

Submit an application for a visa extension, along with the following documents to your local Immigration Bureau office:

• Documents explaining your reason to stay longer

• Current visa and passport (and/or residence card if applicable)

• Extension application form

• Proof of continued eligibility

• Updated financial documentation

What happens if I overstay my visa in Japan?

Overstaying your visa in Japan is taken seriously and involves legal repercussions. If you stay beyond the permitted visa-free 90 days or exceed the validity of your tourist visa, here’s what could happen:

• Fines and penalties: Overstaying may result in fines or possible detainment

• Deportation: Authorities can enforce deportation, restricting your entry into Japan for a specified period

• Visa issues: Future applications for a visa to enter Japan may be denied

To avoid overstaying, check your visa's expiration date.

Travel insurance for your trip to Japan

It is important to consider travel insurance for your Japan trip. Unexpected trip disruptions, emergency medical and hospital expenses, or lost luggage can quickly turn your holiday into a costly ordeal. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy for Japan to suit your specific travel needs to Japan.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with Japan’s visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to Japan.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.