Skip the visa application. Prepare for your trip.
Start with your passport and entry documents, then check the arrival formalities.
Before you travel
Check the passport and supporting documents listed below. Keep copies accessible during your journey.
When you arrive
Prepare Visit Japan Web and keep your travel documents to hand.
During your visit
Check the permission you receive and leave before your authorised stay ends.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Arrival paperwork is a separate step
Visit Japan Web
Prepare immigration and customs information online. Online preparation is optional and does not grant a visa.
Open Visit Japan WebDetails that can change your plans
Your passport nationality and legal residence serve different purposes
Japan applies the visa-exemption list to the nationality and type of travel document you hold. Your legal residence can affect where you apply and whether an online or agency channel is available, but a residence permit from another country does not replace your passport nationality.
Official guidanceCheck medicines before packing
Japan has separate rules for prohibited and controlled medicines. Check the active ingredient and quantity with MHLW before travel; some medicines need advance import confirmation even when prescribed at home.
Official guidancePractical tips for Japan
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Keep your accommodation details together
Save your first accommodation’s name, address, postcode and contact number with your itinerary so you can find them while completing arrival information.
Japan at a glance
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Currency
- JPY
- Calling code
- +81
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Canada need a visa for Japan?
Travelers visiting Japan for tourism with an ordinary passport from Canada do not need a visa for up to 90 days per visit. Entry conditions still apply.
How long can I stay in Japan?
The short-visit limit is 90 days per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
Do I need to complete Visit Japan Web?
Optional for this route. Prepare immigration and customs information online. Online preparation is optional and does not grant a visa. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Visit Japan Web
Check Japan’s visa exemption list
Passport eligibility, visit limits and document exceptions.
Check Japan’s work and long-stay visa rules
This page covers short tourist visits. Paid work or a stay longer than 90 days needs a different status; Japan says applicants should in principle obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before applying for a long-stay visa.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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