Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
If you wish to visit Japan, there is a good chance you will be able to without a visa. Japan has alliances with many countries, which means travellers may stay in Japan visa-free for a certain period of time (specific details are listed below). If you wish to stay for an extended period of time, or for work or study, Japan also offers quite a few different visas to enable you to do so.
So what visa should you get for my trip to Japan? Keep reading to find out!
Visiting Visa
Everyone who enters Japan will need a passport that will remain valid until the end of their stay.
The standard visiting period for Japan is 90 days. Japan has “Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangements” with (for a full list, please see here):
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States
In short, if you are a citizen of any of the countries above and plan to stay in Japan for less than 90 days, then you don’t need a visa.
Working Holiday Visa
If you wish to spend an extended amount of time visiting Japan, you have the option to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa lasts up to one year, and allows you to work and travel in Japan at your leisure.
Countries that are included in this program include (for a full list, please see here):
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- The United Kingdom
- Ireland
In order to apply for this visa you must:
- Currently reside in the country of your nationality
- Intend to holiday in Japan for a specific length of time
- Be between 18 and 30 years old inclusive at the time of application (for Australians and Canadians, the age bracket is 18 – 25 years old inclusive, unless Japanese authorities agree to extend the limit to 30).
- Not have any children or dependants
- Have a valid passport with your country of citizenship
- Have either a return travel ticket or enough money to be able to purchase one
- Have a reasonable amount of money to be able to afford your initial period of stay in Japan
- Be healthy
- Have never had a Working Holiday Visa before
If you wish to apply, you can find more information via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website.
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Which country are you from? Do you plan on visiting Japan for a short or long period of time? Make sure to let me know in the comments below!
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