All travelers must hold onward or return tickets and all documents required for their next destination, as well as sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay. If holding an APEC Business Travel Card a visa is not required provided the back of the card states it is valid for travel to Japan, upon arrival a visit pass will be issued.
Americans: United States citizens require a passport to enter Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
UK nationals: British citizens require a passport. If holding a passport endorsed British Citizen or British National
(Overseas), no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. In all other cases, a visa is required.
Canadians: Canadians require a passport to enter Japan. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Australians: Australians must have a passport to enter Japan. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
South Africans: South African nationals must have a passport. A visa is required.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
New Zealanders: New Zealanders must have a passport to enter Japan. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Health
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.
