If you are a citizen of the European Union (or many other countries such as Canada or the United State), you are exempt from needing a visa to enter Japan. You can stay in the country for up to 90 days if your visit is for tourism, visiting relatives, attending business meetings or conferences, or other unpaid activities. If you’re unsure about your visa situation based on your nationality, you can check the official status using this link.
In these cases, for example, if you are traveling with a European country passport, you don’t need to worry about visas—just show up at the airport and get a 90-day entry stamp on arrival.
However, there’s one additional step now required for all travelers to Japan: filling out your entry and travel information through the official government app. If you don’t complete this before arriving, you’ll have to do it at the airport, which can waste valuable time. So, below, we’ll explain how to do it in advance.
As mentioned, travelers from countries like Canada, Uk or the United States, and others only need a valid passport to enter Japan. However, before booking your trip, always confirm the current requirements with the Japanese embassy in your country.
If you’re from Peru, Colombia, or any other country that does require a visa, you can apply through Japanese consulates—and in some cases, even online.
There is another requirement, which can be completed at the airport, but due to its complexity, it’s highly recommended to do it beforehand: registering on the Visit Japan website.
There are several steps to complete:
To complete these steps, you’ll first need to register by scanning your passport with your camera or uploading a photo of it. This information is verified, and your user code is saved for future trips to Japan.
Additionally, you can register for tax-free shopping at approved stores. By showing your passport at participating locations, taxes will be waived if you meet the minimum purchase amount.
Once everything is completed, you’ll receive a QR code to present upon arrival in Japan—first at a scanner, then to an immigration officer.
During the registration process, you’ll notice a section stating that travel insurance is not required but strongly recommended by the Japanese government. In the event of illness or an accident, you will be fully responsible for medical costs.
The arrival process at the airport can feel a bit chaotic—especially if you haven’t completed the Visit Japan form in advance. But if you know what to expect, it’s just another step.
The first line you’ll encounter is to verify your Visit Japan QR code. An official will check that everything has been filled out correctly. If all is well, you’ll proceed to a set of machines with digital displays, cameras, and scanners, where most of the entry process is completed.
When you scan the QR code, your information will appear (if pre-filled). You’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and have your photo taken.
If there are any issues, don’t worry, staff members are available to help. They speak English and are familiar with the process, which typically takes no more than two minutes.
The next step is the immigration queue, where you hand your passport to an officer and show your Visit Japan QR code. Once your passport is stamped, you proceed to baggage claim.
After retrieving your luggage, you’ll go through customs. There, you’ll show the QR code again for scanning, and that’s it—you’re free to exit. If selected for baggage inspection, the process is usually quick.
Arriving at a Japanese airport might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—everything is designed to run efficiently. Just like almost everything else in this country.
