Japan Tourist Visa 2027: Requirements and Steps
Learn who needs a Japan tourist visa, the documents you need, the new visa fee from July 2026, how to apply or use the eVISA, and what changes with JESTA.
Sara Ahmadi
Last updated
What a Japan Tourist Visa Lets You Do
From Tokyo’s neon streets and Kyoto’s ancient temples to Mount Fuji and cherry blossom season, Japan is one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. A short-term visa lets you visit Japan for tourism, to see family and friends, or for short business trips. You can usually stay up to 90 days, but you cannot work or earn money in Japan on a tourist visa. Many travellers don’t need a visa at all, so check your nationality first.
Who Needs a Visa for Japan
Citizens of more than 70 countries and territories, including EU countries, the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia, can visit Japan without a visa for short stays. Citizens of other countries must apply for a short-term visa before they travel, and some nationalities can now apply online through Japan’s eVISA system. Check the official website of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see which rules apply to you.
Documents You Need
You usually need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent photo, your flight booking and a day-by-day travel plan. You also need proof that you can pay for your trip, such as bank statements or proof of income. If someone in Japan invites you, for example a friend or relative, you may also need an invitation letter and a letter of guarantee from them. The exact list depends on your nationality, so follow the checklist of the Japanese embassy in your country.
How to Apply Step by Step
First, check whether you can use the online eVISA, or whether you must apply at the Japanese embassy, consulate or an approved visa agency in your country. Next, gather your documents and submit your application. Since 1 July 2026, a single-entry visa costs 15,000 yen, five times more than before, so check the current fee before you pay. Apply well before your trip, because processing usually takes at least several working days.
JESTA: A New Step From 2028
Japan is preparing a new online travel authorisation system called JESTA for people who don’t need a visa. It is planned for Japan’s fiscal year 2028, between April 2028 and March 2029. JESTA does not affect trips in 2026 or 2027, so visa-free travellers can still visit as usual for now. Once it starts, visa-free visitors will need to register online before they travel.
Can You Extend Your Stay on a Tourist Visa?
Usually not, except in special situations like illness. Plan to leave Japan before your permitted stay ends.
Can You Work on a Japan Tourist Visa?
No. Paid work is not allowed on a short-term visa. To work in Japan, you need a work visa with a Certificate of Eligibility.
Is the Visa Fee Refunded If You Are Refused?
Visa fees are usually charged only when the visa is issued. Check the rules of the embassy in your country, because they can differ.
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