Japan

Before travelling to Japan, it is essential to determine your exact situation. The applicable regime depends on your nationality, the intended length of your stay and its purpose (tourism, business, studies, work). Three main scenarios apply.

The first concerns nationals of more than 74 nationalities — including Europeans — who are exempt from a visa for tourist or business stays of less than 90 days. These travellers do not need a visa, but must comply with certain entry formalities. The second scenario concerns nationalities that require a visa and can, since 15 December 2025, apply for an electronic e-Visa for tourism (up to 90 days), subject to eligibility and residing in a country covered by the scheme. Finally, for any stay exceeding 90 days or for work and study purposes, a long-stay visa with a paper file at the Consulate is mandatory, regardless of nationality.

As a European national, you can travel to Japan for a tourist or business stay without any visa application, provided the total duration of your stay does not exceed 90 days. This exemption was reinstated by the Japanese government on 11 October 2022, after several years of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Even though no visa is required, certain formalities remain mandatory to be authorised to enter Japanese territory. These conditions apply whether your trip is tourist or business in nature.

For a temporary business trip, you must be able to present upon arrival in Japan: a valid passport with at least six months of residual validity at the date of entry, proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay, a confirmed round-trip flight, documents relating to your next destination if in transit, and any document justifying the professional purpose of your trip.

For a temporary tourist trip, the formalities are similar: a passport valid for the entire duration of the stay, proof of sufficient financial resources, a return or onward ticket, and, where applicable, accommodation confirmation. These documents are not always systematically requested, but it is strongly recommended to have them as Japanese immigration officers may require them on arrival.

Since 15 December 2025, Japan has extended its e-Visa system, allowing nationals of selected countries to submit their visa application online, without having to physically visit the Consulate. This is a genuine electronic visa — not simply an authorisation for visa-exempt travellers — intended for people who need a visa to enter Japan.

The Japanese e-Visa is a dematerialised visa: there is no physical sticker affixed to your passport. The document is linked to your identity and must be presented electronically or in printed form at boarding and on arrival in Japan. It authorises a tourist stay of a maximum of 90 days with single entry, and is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Countries whose residents can apply for the Japanese e-Visa via direct access (without an intermediary) are: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and the United States. For other countries — notably China, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia and the United Arab Emirates — the e-Visa application must go through an approved agency accredited by the Japanese government.

It is important to note that the Japanese e-Visa is only available to holders of an ordinary passport (not diplomatic, not official), and only for travellers entering Japan by air or via the international ferry routes connecting Japan to Busan (South Korea) and Shanghai (China).

The Japanese e-Visa application procedure is entirely online for nationalities with direct access. The application is reviewed by the competent Japanese authority based on your place of residence. Additional documents may be requested at any stage of the process. The normal processing time is 5 working days, but may be extended during periods of high demand or if clarifications are required.

If your planned stay in Japan exceeds three months, or if you are going there to carry out a professional activity, pursue studies or join a family member living abroad, you must apply for a long-stay visa. This visa is subject to strict regulations and requires a complete application file submitted in person at the Consulate of Japan.

For European nationals exempt from a visa for short stays, it is important to understand that this exemption does not apply to long-stay visits: if the purpose is to work, study or reside in Japan for more than three months, a long-stay visa application is mandatory regardless of nationality.

The procedure for obtaining a long-stay visa for Japan involves several steps: assembling the file with all required documents (valid passport, recent identity photo, prior authorisation certificate issued by an approved Japanese agency, proof of return, accommodation certificate provided by your hosts), then submitting the file in person at the Consulate of Japan in your country of residence, and finally paying and collecting the visa.

The indicative processing time for a Japan visa is 5 working days according to the Japanese authorities. To avoid any unexpected issues, it is strongly advised to submit your application two to three weeks before your actual departure.

For European nationals wishing to travel to Japan for a stay of more than 90 days requiring a standard visa, visa fees apply depending on the type of visa and the number of authorised entries. These fees correspond to the mandatory Japanese government tax.

These amounts represent the Japanese government tax fees. They may change and exemptions or reductions may apply depending on the applicant's nationality. You should always verify the current fees with the Consulate of Japan or the official website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) before starting your application.

Whatever your situation with regard to Japan's entry formalities — visa exemption, e-Visa or long-stay visa — thorough preparation before your departure is essential for a smooth trip. Beyond the mandatory documents, a few practical points deserve special attention.

Japanese immigration officers are known for their rigour during arrival checks. It is recommended to have all your entry documents easily accessible and to be able to justify the purpose of your stay, your accommodation and your financial resources. Having a return or onward ticket and accommodation confirmation is strongly advised, even when not formally required.