Japan Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All foreign passengers to Japan must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days (extension possible), for British passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British National (Overseas). In all other cases, a visa is required.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days. Note that passport exemptions apply to holders of an Emergency Passport (blue cover), issued to nationals of Australia after 1 December, 2003. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Japan. In such cases, a 'visit pass' will be issued on arrival.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival, and require a visa, to enter Japan.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days (extensions are possible).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Japan. In such cases, a 'visit pass' will be issued on arrival.

Healthcare

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Japan. There have been recent outbreaks of the deadly bird flu, but no human infections have been reported. Travelers to Japan are unlikely to be affected, but live animal markets and places where contact with live poultry is possible should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. Medical facilities are very good, but medical assistance in Japan can be very expensive and visitors have to pay the whole cost up front. Travelers should ensure that they have adequate medical insurance before traveling. The possession of Vicks inhalers and other common medications used for allergies and sinus problems are banned under the strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law, and visitors are advised to check with the Japanese embassy if in doubt.

Safety

The vast majority of visits to Japan are trouble-free. It is generally a very safe country with low levels of common crime, and is stable, highly developed and modern. Travelers should, however, still be vigilant about personal safety and belongings. Typhoons are common particularly from June to October and travelers should take note of storm warnings along the coastal regions if traveling during this period. Japan is in a major earthquake zone, and earthquakes of varying sizes occur very frequently.