Visas & status
Can I enter Japan without a visa?
Possibly. Whether you can enter Japan without obtaining a visa in advance depends primarily on your passport nationality, purpose of visit and intended length of stay.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- Visa-exemption arrangements apply only to listed nationalities/regions and normally to short stays.
- Entry permission is decided at the border even when you are visa-exempt.
- Work or long-term residence requires the appropriate visa/status route.
Documents
- Passport
- Residence card (if resident)
- Application form
- Status-specific supporting evidence
Likely cost
No fee simply to check eligibility. Immigration/visa issuance fees apply only if a formal application, change, extension or permit is required; use the current ISA/consular fee schedule.
Where to act
Regional Immigration Services Bureau / Immigration Services Agency; entry visas are handled by the Japanese embassy or consulate abroad where applicable.