Moving to Japan, whether for travel, study, or work, often requires a specific visa. Understanding the different categories, requirements, and procedures is essential for preparing for your stay with peace of mind.

🌸 Visa Types for Japan and How to Obtain Them

1. Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa)

• Target Audience: Visitors for tourism, family visits, or short-term stays.

• Duration: Generally 15, 30, or 90 days (depending on your nationality).

• How to Obtain: For many countries (including the US, Canada, France, UK), a visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 90 days (visa waiver program). For others, the e-Visa (electronic visa) has become widely generalized in 2026 to simplify the process.

2. Student Visa

• Target Audience: Individuals enrolled in a Japanese university, language school, or specialized vocational institution.

• Duration: 6 months to 2 years (renewable).

• How to Obtain: Requires a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). As of 2026, the CoE is primarily issued in digital format, making email delivery much easier.

3. Work Visa

There are several sub-categories (Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, Instructor, Researcher, Artist, etc.).

• Duration: 1 to 5 years depending on the contract.

• How to Obtain: The Japanese company must provide a CoE. Visa application procedures can now be completed online for many jurisdictions.

4. Dependent Visa (Spouse or Family)

• Target Audience: Spouses or children of foreign nationals already holding a long-term visa.

• Duration: Generally identical to the primary visa holder's stay.

5. "Spouse or Child of a Japanese National" Visa

• Target Audience: Spouses or children of Japanese citizens.

• Advantage: Allows the holder to work freely in Japan without restrictions.

6. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

• Target Audience: Qualified professionals in research, business, or technology.

• Advantage: Fast-track to permanent residency (possible after only 1 year depending on the points system).

7. Working Holiday Visa

• Target Audience: Young adults aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 for certain countries).

• Duration: 1 year maximum (non-renewable).

• 2026 Note: Check the quotas carefully, as they were adjusted for some partner countries at the beginning of 2026.

8. Business / Short-term Professional Mission Visa

• Duration: Up to 90 days. Often exempt for citizens of European and North American countries under bilateral agreements.

9. Permanent Residence Visa

• How to Obtain: Generally after 10 years of residency, though reforms in 2025/2026 aim to facilitate this status for profiles contributing significantly to the Japanese economy.

🛂 Where and How to Apply for Your Visa?

• Before Departure: Applications are made using the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). In 2026, the use of digital CoEs has become the standard.

• Once in Japan: Extensions are handled at regional immigration bureaus. The online portal for visa extensions has been improved to cover more categories in 2026.

📌 Mandatory Documents in 2026

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

• Visa: Not required for tourists (US, Canada, UK, etc.) for stays under 90 days.

• Visit Japan Web QR Code: Mandatory for a smooth entry. In 2026, the system increasingly integrates immigration and customs declarations into a single biometric scan at major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai).

• Travel Insurance: Still highly recommended, with a suggested minimum health/repatriation coverage of €300,000 ($325,000 USD).

⚠️ Is an ESTA-style Electronic Authorization Required?

• JESTA is not yet mandatory in 2026: The JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system is still in the technical development phase. Its full-scale rollout is scheduled for 2028.

• Currently: You must continue to use Visit Japan Web to register for free before your flight. No electronic entry fee (like the US ESTA) is required this year for visa-exempt countries.

✅ Summary

In 2026, procedures are increasingly digital (Digital CoE, e-Visa, Visit Japan Web). The JESTA system is confirmed for 2028, so for your travels this year, the classic visa exemption (90 days) remains the rule for citizens of the US, Canada, and most European countries.

🛂 1. Entry Formalities and Immigration

This is where you will handle your procedures before departure or to extend your stay.

• Visit Japan Web (Essential): The official portal to register your immigration and customs information. This is where you generate your QR codes to pass through airport controls quickly.

• Japan e-Visa: The official site for electronic visa applications (if you are not from a visa-exempt country or for specific visa types).

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) - Visa Section: The official source for visa types, fees, and the list of exempted countries.

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan: All rules regarding maintaining resident status, visa changes, and the CoE (Certificate of Eligibility).

🌎 2. Embassies and Consulates (English-Speaking Regions)

For long-term visa applications (work, student, etc.) that require a physical appointment.

• Embassy of Japan in the USA: Specific information for U.S. residents (jurisdictions, forms, and fees).

• Embassy of Japan in the UK

• Embassy of Japan in Canada

• Embassy of Japan in Australia

📚 3. Study and Work

• Study in Japan: The government's comprehensive guide for international students (scholarships, schools, and visas).

• Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme: For those looking to teach English or work in local Japanese government offices.

• Japan Racing Association (JRA) / Specialized Work: (Example for specific professional fields).

💡 Note for 2026

Warning: Please be aware that the JESTA system (paid authorization similar to the US ESTA) is scheduled for 2028. In 2026, you do not need to pay anything online for a simple travel authorization if you are from a visa-exempt country. Beware of "scam" websites that mimic official government pages to charge service fees.

Is an electronic authorization like ESTA required?

No ESTA or e-visa required in 2025: There is currently no electronic travel authorization platform like ESTA for Japan for short visits.
JESTA from 2028: Japan plans to introduce a mandatory electronic travel authorization called JESTA ("Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization") for visa-exempt nationals starting 2028, similar to the US ESTA, to be requested and paid online before traveling to Japan.

Official links and guides:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Japan travel advice
Visit Japan Web – Online Registration
Travel document checklist 2025 (Golf St Roman)
Article on mandatory JESTA from 2028

Currently, the Visit Japan Web QR code acts as a pre-registration but no paid authorization like ESTA is required. From 2028, the procedure will be similar to the US system with JESTA.

If needed, further detailed explanations or summarization can be provided. All replaced links are from official Japanese government or trusted English-language sources for visa procedures and related travel info. Let me know if any part requires more focus or adjustment.

FAQ – Visas and Stay in Japan

Do I need a visa to stay in Japan?

For a short tourist or business stay of less than 90 days, most nationals of Schengen countries and others benefit from a visa exemption. For longer stays or other purposes (work, studies), a visa application is required.

What is the validity period of a short-term visa in Japan?

The short-term visa is generally valid for 90 days, which corresponds to the maximum stay allowed without paid activity. Some nationalities may benefit from shorter exemption periods.

Where can I apply for a visa to Japan?

Visa applications must be submitted to Japanese embassies or consulates in your home country. The visa application form must be completed and accompanied by copies of the required supporting documents.

How do I obtain a residence card in Japan?

Once in Japan with a long-term visa, you must apply for a residence card (Zairyū Card) from the regional immigration authorities. This residence card is mandatory and must be carried at all times.

What is required to apply for a visa?

You need to provide a completed visa application form, a valid passport, identity photos, and copies of supporting documents depending on the type of visa (financial proof, flight tickets, consular forms).

Can I stay multiple times in Japan with a multiple-entry visa?

Some visas, including multiple-entry work or tourist visas, allow you to enter Japan several times during their validity period, making round trips easier.

What documents are required when applying for a visa?

Generally, you need a valid passport, a duly completed application form, copies of the requested supporting documents (employment certificate, financial proof), a return flight ticket, and sometimes an invitation letter.

What is a transit visa and how can I get one?

A transit visa allows you to stay in Japan for a short period (usually a few days) during a stopover before continuing to another destination. The application follows the same consular procedures as other visas.

What is the link between a Schengen visa and Japan?

A Schengen visa does not allow you to stay in Japan. To stay in Japan, you must apply for a Japanese visa, unless exempted for short stays in certain countries.

How do Russian citizens obtain a visa for Japan?

For Russian nationals, a visa application must be submitted to Japanese embassies or consulates. The rules are specific and sometimes include particular procedures depending on the purpose of the stay.

What are the conditions related to the flight ticket and travel authorization?

A return or onward flight ticket is often required for a short-term visa as proof of departure from Japan. Since 2022, an electronic authorization (Visit Japan Web) is also required to facilitate entry formalities.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Most travellers from the Schengen area and other selected countries can enter Japan for a short-stay of up to 90 days without a travel visa. For longer stays, different visa requirements apply depending on your citizenship and purpose of visit.

What visa information should I know before my trip?

Japan offers several visa types: tourist, business visa, student, nonimmigrant visa, immigrant visa, and working holiday. Each category has specific conditions, processing times, and required travel documents.

How do I apply for a Japanese visa?

To get a visa, foreign nationals must submit application forms, a valid passport, photos, proof of financial means, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Applications are processed at the Japanese consulate-general or embassy in your country.

What is the typical processing time for a Japanese visa?

Processing times usually range from 5 to 10 working days. For special cases (diplomatic, business visa, or immigrant visa), issuance may take longer. Applicants should plan ahead to avoid delays.

How much are the visa fees for Japan?

Visa fees depend on the visa category. A short-stay single-entry travel visa has a standard fee, while multiple-entry visas or nonimmigrant visas cost more. Some diplomatic and official visas may be refundable or exempt from fees.

Can I apply for a Japan visa online?

Japan is progressively introducing online visa services for certain nationalities. Travellers can submit visa online applications through official platforms, but most still need to apply via consulates. Always check current visa information.

What documents do foreigners need for a Japanese visa?

Required travel documents generally include: passport, application forms, photos, stamped financial proof, return tickets, hotel bookings, and sometimes a biometric check. A letter of invitation may be necessary for business visa issuance.

Can I get a visa-on-arrival in Japan?

No, Japan does not provide visa-on-arrival services. Foreign nationals must obtain their visa in advance unless they are from countries exempted from visa requirements for short-stays.

What is the difference between nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for Japan?

A nonimmigrant visa is for temporary stays (tourism, study, work, business), while an immigrant visa or permanent residence is for those settling long-term. Issuing rules vary by category and traveller’s citizenship.

How do I obtain a residence permit in Japan?

Once in Japan with a long-term visa, foreigners must apply for a residence permit (Residence Card) at the port of entry or through the Immigration Bureau. This card must always be carried by foreign nationals.

Can Russian citizens apply for a Japanese visa?

Yes. A Russian visa application must be submitted at the Japanese consulate-general. Processing times and issuing conditions are specific, and travellers should confirm updated requirements before applying.

What are the conditions at the port of entry in Japan?

At the port of entry, travellers must present stamped travel documents, biometric data, and valid visas. Immigration officers verify that all visa requirements are met before allowing entry.