Japan Travel Guide

Japan — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Other EU	Yes	No/1/2/3	Yes
USA	Yes	No/2/4	Yes
British	Yes	No/1	Yes
Australian	Yes	No/2	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No/3	Yes

Passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Japan required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passport Notes

(a) Whether or not they hold a visa, visitors who do not possess visible means of support for their stay, onward or return tickets, or other documents for their next destination, may be refused entry. (b) All foreign nationals now entering Japan will be photographed and have their fingerprints taken; nationals will also be subject to a short interview regarding their purpose of stay.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Liechtenstein and the UK who although initially granted a 90-day stay may apply, while in Japan, to the local immigration department for an extension of up to a further 90 days, making the visa-free stay up to six months;
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and the USA for stays of up to 90 days;
(c) 3. nationals of Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden for stays of up to three months.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Visa Note

4. Journalists from the USA must obtain a visa regardless of intended length of stay.

Types of Visa and Cost

Free, apart from the folllowing: Single Visa: India £5, Iran £33, Others £20. Multiple Visa: ã€€ã€€ India £5, Iran £66, Others £39 Transit Visa: India £0.50, Iran £33, Others £5

Travel Warnings

Following a large earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan on Friday 11 March 2011, the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to northeastern Japan, as well as any low-lying coastal areas. Due to the evolving situation at the Fukushima nuclear facility and potential disruptions to the supply of goods, transport, communications, power and other infrastructure, British nationals currently in norteastern Japan should consider leaving the area. If you have been adversely affected, contact the FCO in London on +44 20 7008 0000 (from Japan) or (020) 7008 0000 (in the UK). Most visits to Japan are trouble-free but travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Possession of small amounts of drugs will lead to detention and prosecution. Possession of large amounts earns long sentences of rigorous imprisonment and very heavy fines.

The typhoon season in Japan normally runs from June to October.

The country is also in a major earthquake zone with frequent quakes of varying sizes.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Health insurance is strongly recommended, owing to the high cost of treatment. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (www.iamat.org) provides English-speaking doctors. There are hospitals in all major cities.