A stay in Japan for tourism purposes is subject to a number of administrative procedures and conditions. Read our article carefully to find out everything you need to know: visa, passport, flight ticket, health situation in the country…

Visa exemption for tourist stays of less than 90 days

With the objective of developing the tourism sector, the Japanese Government has sought to simplify entry procedures for foreign nationals to the archipelago. You therefore benefit from a visa exemption to visit Japan, provided you do not exceed 90 days of stay. Beyond three months, the Japanese administration will require you to obtain a visa to remain in the country. The visa waiver applies exclusively to stays for tourism purposes or adventure travel regardless of geographic origin (Belgian, French, Canadian, Swiss nationals).

For a short visit to Japan, you will simply need to present a valid passport and a flight ticket as proof of travel.

Passport: the first essential document is the passport. The administration accepts both biometric and traditional passports. The legislation is silent on its validity period; simply ensure that the document is valid until the end of your vacation in Japan.

If you plan to spend a family vacation in the Land of the Rising Sun, know that your children, regardless of age, must possess a personal passport. Furthermore, French law has required since January 2017 an authorization for territory exit for minors traveling without their parents. The administration requires, in addition to the passport, a form signed by the child's guardian parent and a copy of the latter's identification document.

Flight ticket: the second required document is the flight ticket, which must clearly show the return date.

A disembarkation card: you will be invited to complete a disembarkation card, available only in English, in which you will provide your name, nationality, date of birth, gender, your hotel address during your stay, the purpose of your visit, how many days you plan to stay in Japan… This form is normally distributed on the plane by flight attendants. The form is also available at the airport. Prefer to fill it out on the plane to save time when passing through immigration.

Passage through the immigration office

Once you set foot in Japan, you head to the immigration office presenting the documents previously described, namely your passport and the completed disembarkation card. For internal security measures, you will also need to submit to a digital fingerprint registration procedure. Immigration authorities reserve the right to record your fingerprints and photograph you face-on. It happens quickly! You will be given your passport back and, attached to it, a provisional visa valid for 90 days.

Customs control

At the exit of the immigration office, you will deal with customs agents. They will take a look at your customs declaration form (which is distributed on board just like the disembarkation card) to ensure you are not carrying illicit products or goods with delicate characteristics whose quantity must not exceed a specific limit. Sometimes, they will ask you a few questions about the purpose of your visit and its duration. Nothing too serious! Just a simple matter of formality. Answer calmly and naturally, making clear that you are coming to Japan as a tourist. The interview is conducted in English. Once this is done, you can visit the archipelago freely.

Tourist visa for stays exceeding 3 months

If you plan to visit the Japanese archipelago for more than three months, you will need to apply for a visa.

Documents to provide

The complete list of documents to provide for your visa application is available on the website of the Japanese Embassy:

- a recent identity photo less than six months old, showing your full face;

- an application form downloadable free of charge from the Embassy website, to be completed and signed by the applicant (not available in French). The photo should be glued to the top of the form;

- a second form collecting information about your stay schedule;

- proof of accommodation: usually this will be a reservation confirmation issued by the hotel manager or secondary residence owner;

- the original and a copy of your passport;

- the original and a copy of your residence permit;

- proof of income

Two documents serve as proof of income: an employment certificate and your latest tax notice. Pay stubs are not accepted.

- a bank statement covering the last three months.

- in addition to these documents, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) by applying to the Japanese Immigration Bureau. Generally, the eligibility request must be supported by a resident in Japan (school, employer, close family member or relative, event organizer, etc.).

It is important to note that the application must be submitted in person by the applicant.

Processing time

Obtaining the visa takes between 3 and 6 days, provided the application is complete.

Application processing fees

The visa price applied to tourists is €23 for a single-entry visa, and €46 for a multiple-entry visa. Fees are payable only in cash at the time of visa issuance.

FAQ

Can I travel to Japan at the moment?

Yes. Since October 11, 2022, Japan has reopened its borders to all travelers, whether French or from another nationality. Students, workers, and tourists can now move freely across Japanese territory without restrictions.

What is the current COVID-19 situation in Japan?

Since April 29, 2023, Japan has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions on entry to its territory. Mask-wearing is still recommended in public transportation and enclosed spaces, but social distancing is no longer mandatory. Indeed, due to rigorous control measures, the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased and the risk of contracting the virus in this country is considered very low.

Do travelers wishing to visit Japan need to provide a PCR test certificate?

Since the same date, travelers are no longer required to undergo PCR tests to enter Japan, nor are they required to present a PCR test certificate. The lifting of this restriction applies to all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status.

What vaccinations are recommended or required for a trip to Japan?

In general, no particular vaccination is required to travel to Japan, but it is advisable to be up to date with your vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, chickenpox, polio). Japanese encephalitis, transmitted by mosquitoes, is rare and the vaccine is only necessary for stays in rural areas. Precautions are recommended to avoid mosquito bites in summer and during the rainy season. Japan occasionally experiences epidemics of rubella, measles, and dengue fever. In winter, it is advisable to be vaccinated against the flu due to its high transmission in urban areas. Norovirus (gastroenteritis) is also common in winter.

How do I fill in the entry documents for Japan?

As mentioned above, you simply need to provide your identity and contact information in Japan. However, note that since June 14, 2022, travelers from France have the option of not filling in the physical entry card to enter Japan. They can do so online on the Visit Japan Web site. After submitting the form, they will receive a QR code by email. This should be presented to immigration officers upon arrival in Japan.