Japan remains one of the most accessible destinations in Asia for Western travellers — but entry rules have evolved in recent years, and 2026 brings a few important changes worth knowing before you book your flights.
This guide covers everything: who needs a visa, how the JESTA works (Japan's new electronic travel authorisation), how to prepare your arrival through Visit Japan Web, and what to carry or declare at the border.
Key facts
- France, Belgium, Switzerland, the UK, and most Western countries are visa-exempt for up to 90 days (UK: 6 months)
- The JESTA — a mandatory electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors — must be obtained before departure
- Visit Japan Web lets you pre-register your customs and immigration declarations online
- Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay
- A return or onward ticket may be requested at the border
Who needs a visa?
Japan grants a visa exemption to nationals of many countries for short tourist stays. If you are travelling from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom, or most Western European or Anglophone countries, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance — you enter directly on your passport.
| Country | Maximum stay without a visa |
|---|---|
| France | 90 days |
| Belgium | 90 days |
| Switzerland | 90 days |
| Canada | 90 days |
| United Kingdom | 6 months |
| United States | 90 days |
| Australia | 90 days |
| New Zealand | 90 days |
| Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. | 90 days |
These exemptions apply to tourist stays only. Working, studying, or carrying out any paid activity in Japan requires a specific visa — even for a single day.
If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a tourist visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country before travelling. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
The JESTA — Japan's electronic travel authorisation
From 2026, Japan requires an electronic travel authorisation called the JESTA (日本電子渡航認証) for visitors from visa-exempt countries. Modelled on the US ESTA or Canada's eTA, the JESTA must be obtained before you board — your airline will check it at check-in.
How to apply
Validity: A JESTA authorisation is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first), and allows multiple entries to Japan during that period.
Apply early: Processing is usually fast, but do not leave it to the last minute. Apply at least two weeks before your departure.
Visit Japan Web — prepare your arrival
Visit Japan Web is the Japanese government's digital portal that lets you pre-register your immigration and customs declarations before you land. It is not mandatory, but it significantly speeds up your time at the airport — particularly during busy periods.
By registering at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp, you can:
- Complete your arrival card online (no need to fill in the paper form on the plane)
- Pre-declare your luggage and goods for customs
- Generate a QR code to present at automated gates on arrival
The service is free and available in English. I recommend it to every traveller — it is ten minutes at home rather than thirty minutes in the queue at the airport.
What to bring
At the border: what to expect
Arriving in Japan is, on the whole, a smooth and well-organised process. Here is what to expect:
What to declare (and what not to bring)
- Cash over ¥1,000,000 (≈ €5,300 / $6,700)
- Alcohol beyond duty-free allowance (3 × 760 ml)
- Tobacco beyond duty-free allowance (200 cigarettes)
- Gifts and goods exceeding ¥200,000 in total value
- Cannabis in any form
- Firearms and ammunition
- Unprocessed meat and certain animal products
- Counterfeit goods
Length of stay and rules to know
Do not overstay. Remaining in Japan beyond your visa or exemption period is a serious offence and can result in deportation and a future entry ban. If you wish to stay longer, extension procedures exist in some circumstances — contact the regional immigration bureau before your authorised stay expires.
It is also prohibited to work in Japan on a tourist status, including remote work for a foreign employer in legally ambiguous circumstances. If you are planning to work from Japan, look into the appropriate visa category before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
I have a British / French / US passport — do I really need the JESTA?
Yes. From 2026, the JESTA is required for all visa-exempt travellers regardless of nationality. Without a valid authorisation, your airline may refuse to let you board.
How far in advance should I apply for the JESTA?
Authorisations are usually issued within a few hours, but the process can take up to 72 hours in some cases. To be safe, apply at least two weeks before your departure.
Is Visit Japan Web mandatory?
No, Visit Japan Web is optional. You can still fill in the paper forms on the plane. But it noticeably speeds up arrival at the airport — I recommend it to everyone.
Can I enter Japan with a passport that expires during my stay?
No. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. For extra security, use a passport with at least six months' validity beyond your return date.
What happens if I don't have a return ticket?
Immigration officers may ask for proof that you will leave Japan within the permitted period. If you are travelling on a one-way or open ticket, be prepared to explain your itinerary. In practice, Western travellers are rarely turned away on this basis alone — but it is a theoretical risk worth knowing about.
Can I bring my regular medication?
Most everyday medicines are permitted in reasonable quantities for personal use. However, some products common in Western countries are regulated or prohibited in Japan. Check the Japanese embassy website for your country before you travel, and bring a prescription or doctor's letter for any ongoing treatment.
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