Check the entry restriction
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a ban on entry by North Korean citizens, and the Foreign Minister confirmed in 2022 that the measure remained among Japan’s sanctions. Do not treat this as an ordinary tourist-visa route; contact a Japanese diplomatic mission for any exceptional individual circumstances.
Check whether the suspension applies to your situation
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a ban on entry by North Korean citizens, and the Foreign Minister confirmed in 2022 that the measure remained among Japan’s sanctions. Do not treat this as an ordinary tourist-visa route; contact a Japanese diplomatic mission for any exceptional individual circumstances.
Confirm any exception or existing visa before travel
Use the linked government guidance and the U.S. embassy or consulate responsible for your case. Do not treat an application or appointment as permission to travel.
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from North Korea need a visa for Japan?
Japan’s published policy bans entry by North Korean citizens. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a ban on entry by North Korean citizens, and the Foreign Minister confirmed in 2022 that the measure remained among Japan’s sanctions. Do not treat this as an ordinary tourist-visa route; contact a Japanese diplomatic mission for any exceptional individual circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Read the travel restriction
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a ban on entry by North Korean citizens, and the Foreign Minister confirmed in 2022 that the measure remained among Japan’s sanctions. Do not treat this as an ordinary tourist-visa route; contact a Japanese diplomatic mission for any exceptional individual circumstances.
Check Japan’s visa exemption list
Passport eligibility, visit limits and document exceptions.
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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