Do you need a Japan visa?

If you're planning to travel on vacation anywhere in the world, you should always check out the visa and other requirements that your country of destination may need before allowing you to enter. Japan is no exception, but as long as you arrive prepared you shouldn't have any problems.

The other thing you need to confirm is that your passport is valid and that you have enough room in it for any visas or stamps that you will need!

Who Needs A Japan Visa?

Japan has some good reciprocal agreements in place with a number of different countries which means that, if you're lucky enough to come from one of these locations, you can book your holiday to Japan without needing to apply for a Japan visa.

In this case, once you land at Tokyo Narita International Airport or one of the other major airports around the country, you will need to get a landing permission stamp in your passport as you pass through immigration.

There are some landing requirements that are now a necessary part of getting your landing permission. Essentially you will be asked to provide immigration with a set of your fingerprints and a photo. It's very quick and easy to do and you will do it as you enter the country. On average it takes me about 3 minutes to go through this process.

Whatever your feelings about this particular part of the immigration process, please be aware that this procedure is not an option. If you want to enter Japan it is mandatory so arguing about this one is not going to get you anywhere.

If your country is not eligible for landing permission status you will need to check with the Japanese Embassy what the particular requirements for entry are as they differ for each country.

Planning On Staying Longer? Want To Study Or Work?

If you are visiting Japan for anything other than a vacation then you will need to apply for the appropriate Japan visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Japan http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html lists the different kinds of visas available and includes downloadable PDFs of the paperwork you will need to fill out with guidelines.

Whether you're looking to study, work full time, or want to take advantage of a working holiday agreement that certain countries have established with Japan, you must prepare well in advance.

Make sure you arrive with all the necessary documentation required as any failure to do this may well mean that you are not able to enter the country. You'll be put on a flight back home which you will also have to pay for. Not the Japan visa result you're looking for!

If you want to find out how long you will be eligible to stay in Japan with a landing permission stamp in place of a Japan visa (the length of time granted differs for each country), visit Honor's page at http://www.tokyotopia.com/japan-visa.html You can also find lots of great information about things to do in Tokyo city if you plan on spending some time there.

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