Japan Visa Requirements
Handled by VisaHQ. Government fees are set by the destination country.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I apply for my Japan e-visa?
Apply as early as you can once your travel dates are set. Processing times can vary, especially around holidays or peak travel seasons, so leaving it until the last few days before your flight is risky — an e-visa that's still pending when you're due to board can mean being denied boarding.
What happens if my Japan e-visa application is rejected?
Rejections do happen, and the reason isn't always given in detail. If yours is rejected, check that every field matched your passport exactly, that your passport has enough remaining validity, and that any required photo or document met the stated format — then reapply or, if time is short, contact Japan's official visa portal or nearest consulate directly rather than guessing.
Can I extend my stay in Japan once I'm there?
Only in limited circumstances, and not simply to keep travelling. You must apply before your current permission expires, and where a fee applies it is ¥10,000. Temporary Visitor status is not extendable for continued sightseeing — Japanese immigration law treats that as impermissible. Extensions are granted only where an unavoidable circumstance physically prevents departure, such as a medical emergency or a natural disaster, and require documentary proof. From 1 October 2026 the flat ¥6,000 fee (¥5,500 online) is replaced by a tiered schedule based on the period granted: ¥10,000 for up to 3 months, rising to ¥75,000 for five years or more. The fee is fixed by the date the application is accepted, so filing before 1 October keeps the old rate. Apply for Permission for Extension of Period of Stay at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau covering your address, well before the date stamped in your passport. Where an extension is not available, the only lawful course is to leave before your permitted stay ends and apply again from outside Japan.
Is the information on this page guaranteed to be accurate?
We check what we publish against official sources where we can, and clearly flag anything still pending verification. Even so, visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice — so please treat this page as a strong starting point, not a final word, and confirm directly with the official source linked above before you book or fly.
Will you make it?
Documents required
- Passport valid for the duration of the intended stay
- Completed and signed visa application form
- One recent photograph, 45 × 45 mm, taken within 6 months
- Flight itinerary covering entry to and departure from Japan
- Schedule of stay, listing accommodation and activities day by day
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as recent bank statements
- Certificate of employment, or proof of student status
- Documents from a guarantor or inviting party in Japan, where one is involved
Before you travel — checklist
- Check your passport has enough remaining validity for your trip to Japan — many countries require at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, even for visa-free entry.
- Start your e-visa/authorisation process well before your travel date — don't leave this until the last few days.
- Budget for the entry fee (¥15,000 (single entry) · ¥30,000 (multiple entry)) and check whether it needs to be paid in a specific currency or method.
- Note this specific requirement for Japan: Residents in India, except those exempted from a short-term visa, will need to submit their documents through VFS. Residents in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, UK and US can also apply for a single entry e-Visa for Tourism purposes only and travel to Japan by air..
- Check whether Japan requires proof of onward or return travel — some border officers ask for this even when it isn't formally listed as a requirement.
- Consider travel insurance that covers your trip to Japan, particularly if any medical or emergency evacuation coverage is required or advisable for the region.
- This page's details for Japan are still pending full verification — confirm everything directly with an official government source before finalising your plans.
Visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice. This page reflects our best information as of 2026, but if you're reading this later than that, treat it as a starting point rather than the final word, and always confirm with the official source above before you travel.