{The following is based on an article originally written for the newsletter of the Japan Foreign Lawyers Association (RBA).}
The Japan Visa Program – Do I need a visa to enter Japan?
Background
Historically, in order to visit a foreign country, a visa had to be obtained in advance of the travel. This was not a large problem in the days when few people undertook international travel. However, with the advent of mass travel, it became clear that a more efficient system was needed. The result was a series of bilateral visa waiver agreements between (mainly) economically advanced countries. These visa waiver agreements allow citizens of their respective countries to travel without the need to obtain a visa in advance.
How Are Countries Chosen to Be Part of Visa Waiver?
This inclusion of a country in a visa waiver agreement is based on assessment of the risk that travelers from that country will comply with the terms of entry. This includes the risk that a visitor from that country may remain beyond the permitted period of stay or work illegally.
Important Notes About Visa Free Travel
Several important general points should be noted about visa free travel:
- Eligibility to travel using visa waiver does not constitute an automatic right to enter a foreign country. Under a visa waiver arrangement, an assessment of each traveler is made by the authorities at the port of entry. If the border official determines that the traveler is high risk (e.g., due to lack of funds, past immigration breaches, etc.) a traveler may be subject to further screening or even refused entry into the country. Generally, there are no rights of review afforded to travelers who are deemed ineligible to enter a country under visa waiver.
- Before undertaking visa free travel, a traveler should ensure that she meets the specific requirements of the country he will visit. This will depend upon the country but typically includes no criminal record and no record of past immigration violations (working without authorization, overstaying, etc.).
- Check the passport requirements. Traver under visa waiver usually includes a requirement that the traveler possesses an e-passport (machine readable) that has a minimum remaining validity – for example some countries require a minimum of six months validity remaining on the traveler’s passport.
Requirement to Register Before Traveling
There is a trend to add additional conditions to the visa waiver requirements. In particular, many countries now require advance registration, usually via a government website. The most well known example is the United States government’s ESTA – Electronic System For Travel Authorization.
Japan does not currently have such a pre-travel registration system but it is wise to double check prior to travel.
The Japan Visa Waiver Programs
Japan has visa waiver arrangements with approximately 68 countries The number changes slightly as countries are removed from the list (for example due to citizens of that country remaining beyond their authorized period of stay) or added to the list.
Can I Enter Japan Using the Japan Visa Waiver Program?
Up to date information concerning which countries citizens can utilize the Japan visa waiver program (and the related conditions) can be found on the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
What Activities Am I Permitted To Undertake If I Enter Japan Under Visa Waiver?
The scope of activities permitted under visa waiver is quite broad. It may cover activities such as tourism, business trips, attending conferences, and visits to friends and relatives.
However, a visa in advance of travel may be required under the following circumstances:
- If you will engage in paid activities in Japan, or
- If your planned period of stay exceeds that stipulated in your country’s Visa Waiver arrangement (see below).
How Long Can I Stay In Japan If I Enter Under the Japan Visa Waiver Program?
The maximum duration of stay is specified in each bilateral Visa Waiver agreement with 90 days (or three months) being the most common.
However, the specified period of stay may be as long as six months (for citizens of Mexico, the U.K., Liechtenstein, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany) or as short as 14 days (in the case of citizens of Brunei).
Again, more detailed information about Japan’s visa waiver program and the country specific requirements can be found on the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Are All Of Japan’s Visa Waiver Agreements the Same?
No. There are differences (both large and small) between the conditions contained in Japans various Visa Waiver arrangements.
Also, from a practical viewpoint, it can be observed that not all visa waiver arrangements carry equal weight. Notwithstanding the existence of a visa waiver arrangement, nationals of certain countries may be subject to more stringent inspection upon arrival in Japan.
In addition, while Japan has (approximately) 68 Visa Waiver agreements in place, two are currently suspended:
- Peru (since 15 July 1995), and
- Columbia (since 1 February 2004).
What Should I Do If I Can’t Utilize the Japan Visa Waiver Program?
If you are unable to enter Japan under a visa waiver arrangement, you should contact the closest Japanese embassy or consul. Alternatively, you may seek guidance from a certified Japanese immigration specialist.
Additional Information About the Japan Visa Waiver Program and Visa Free Travel to Japan
There are two good sources of information about the Japan visa waiver programs and visa free travel to Japan:
- The website of the Japanese embassy located in the country from which you hold a passport.
- For more general information, the website of Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Japan visa waiver program is a great convenience for many international travelers, it is wise to carefully check the conditions associated with nationals of your country prior to your travel.
Contact JAPAN VISA™ to learn more about Japan visa waiver and the requirements for obtaining a visa to enter Japan.
The above is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice to undertake or refrain from undertaking any action. Only qualified Japanese professionals are able to advise on Japan immigration, legal, and tax matters.