Entry Procedures
Visa and entry requirements depend on the country that issued your passport. The information here is general guidance. Always confirm the requirements for your own nationality with the official source.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
About 70+ countries/regions can visit visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days). Confirm your nationality on the official list.
- Visa-free stay
- Up to 90 days for eligible nationalities, tourism only
- Not allowed
- Paid work or income-earning activities on visa-free entry
- Check
- Visa exemption depends on nationality, not residence
- If your country is not exempt, apply for a Temporary Visitor visa before travel
- Always verify the current list on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Your passport must be valid for your entire stay. Japan does not require 6 months of remaining validity for most visitors.
- Validity
- Valid through your period of stay
- Blank pages
- At least one for the entry stamp
- Some airlines apply their own validity rules — check with your carrier
- Keep a copy or photo of the ID page separately
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
Passport, a return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation. Registering on Visit Japan Web speeds up arrival.
- Essential
- Passport + return/onward ticket + address of stay
- Visit Japan Web
- Optional pre-registration for immigration & customs QR codes
- Have your hotel address and booking handy for the arrival card
- Sufficient funds for your stay may be asked in rare cases
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
Declare cash and equivalents exceeding ¥1,000,000 (or equivalent) on arrival or departure.
- Threshold
- Over ¥1,000,000 or equivalent in cash/means of payment
- Also counts
- Precious metals over 1kg
- Includes cash, checks and securities combined
- Failure to declare can lead to penalties
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Personal effects are duty-free. Limits apply to alcohol, tobacco and gifts; declare anything over the allowance.
- Alcohol
- 3 bottles (about 760ml each)
- Tobacco
- 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250g (non-resident allowance)
- Other goods
- Up to ¥200,000 total market value (items under ¥10,000 excluded)
- A single item worth over ¥200,000 is taxed on its full value
- Rules differ slightly for residents and minors
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Illegal drugs, firearms, counterfeit goods and most fresh meat/fruit are prohibited or strictly controlled.
- Banned
- Narcotics, firearms/ammunition, counterfeit brand goods, child pornography
- Quarantine
- Most fresh meat, meat products, and many fruits/plants are restricted
- Declare animal/plant products for quarantine inspection
- Even small amounts of prohibited drugs lead to arrest (see Local Laws)
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
You may bring a personal supply of most medicines, but some common drugs are banned. Check before you pack.
- Banned
- Stimulant ADHD meds (Adderall, Vyvanse) — prohibited even with prescription
- Restricted
- Some cold/allergy meds with pseudoephedrine or codeine (quantity limits)
- Large amounts
- May need a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate
- Carry medicines in original packaging with a copy of the prescription
- A personal-use quantity (about 1 month) is generally fine for allowed drugs
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
No vaccinations are required to enter Japan. Just keep routine vaccines up to date.
- Required
- None for entry
- Recommended
- Routine vaccines up to date; CDC suggests hepatitis A for some travelers
- No yellow fever certificate is needed unless arriving from a risk area
- Consult a travel clinic if you plan rural stays or long trips
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
At immigration, visitors give fingerprints and a photo, then clear customs. Visit Japan Web QR codes make it faster.
- Biometrics
- Fingerprints + face photo for visitors aged 16+
- Arrival card
- Disembarkation card + customs declaration (or Visit Japan Web QR)
- Stamp
- Usually a 90-day landing permission for short stays
- Have your accommodation address ready to fill in
- Automated gates are available at major airports for eligible travelers
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
Register Visit Japan Web, grab cash/IC card at the airport, and connectivity, to start smoothly.
- Before landing
- Complete Visit Japan Web for faster immigration & customs
- At the airport
- Get some yen, an IC card (Suica/PASMO/ICOCA), and SIM/eSIM or Wi-Fi
- Airport limousine buses and trains connect to city centers easily
- Keep the JNTO Visitor Hotline handy: 050-3816-2787 (24/7)