🇯🇵 Japan visa requirements

For most Westerners, Japan is visa-free for 90 days. If you're from a country not on that list, you'll likely need to apply for a visa beforehand.

Who gets into Japan visa-free?

If you hold a passport from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or most EU countries, you get 90 days of visa-free entry. That's the standard for tourism. For a shorter hop, countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia also enjoy this 90-day privilege. Then there's a longer list of countries that get 30 days visa-free, including places like Mexico and Turkey. If your country isn't on any of these lists, you'll need to apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in advance. This usually involves proving your purpose of visit and financial stability.

How long can you actually stay?

The 90-day visa-free period is your main allowance. It's typically a single-entry period; leaving Japan and coming back doesn't reset the clock automatically. You can apply for a re-entry permit if you plan to leave and return within your initial stay, but this isn't always straightforward for remote workers. Overstaying is where things get serious. Fines can be substantial, and you risk deportation or being banned from re-entry for up to 10 years. While specific fine amounts aren't always published and can vary, expect penalties well into the tens of thousands of Yen, coupled with potential jail time of up to one year. Don't mess with this.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp?

This is where Japan gets murky. Officially, you cannot work in Japan on a tourist visa or visa-free entry. This means engaging in business activities, even if it's just taking Zoom calls for your employer abroad, is technically prohibited. However, enforcement is inconsistent. Many digital nomads do work remotely from Japan without issue, particularly in cafes or co-working spaces. The key seems to be not drawing attention: avoid overt business meetings, don't advertise your work, and ensure your activities primarily look like tourism. If you need to stay longer than 90 days and work remotely, you'll need to look into a proper visa, which usually isn't designed for short-term remote work.

What's new with Japan's entry rules?

Japan rolled out an eVisa system for certain nationalities in 2024, starting with citizens of the US, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for short-term stays. This aims to streamline the application process for those who require a visa. The fee for a single-entry visa is typically ¥3,000 (around $20 USD), with multiple-entry visas costing more. While this eVisa is primarily for tourism and short business trips, its expansion could signal future changes for longer-term visitors. Keep an eye on official Japanese immigration websites for updates, as programmes and eligible countries can change. The goal is to make entry smoother, but always check the latest requirements before booking.