What documents do I need to enter Japan?

Entry & Exit: You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.



To enter Japan as a tourist in 2026, you generally need a valid passport and, for many nationalities, a Visit Japan Web QR code for expedited customs and immigration. As of March 2, 2026, Japan has introduced mandatory appointment-only visa submissions for certain jurisdictions (such as South India) via VFS Global, ending the walk-in system. If you are from a visa-exempt country (like the USA, UK, or Canada), you do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, all visitors should have proof of a return or onward ticket and a confirmed accommodation address. While COVID-19 certificates are no longer required, 2026 travelers are encouraged to have digital copies of their travel insurance, as Japanese medical facilities increasingly verify insurance coverage before providing non-emergency treatment to foreign visitors.

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You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business visa free stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day visa free entry.

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Visit Japan Web's QR Codes
You are also required to have your own individual QR code. This can be acquired through Visit Japan Web's website. This will basically fast track you through various procedures such as quarantine, immigration, and customs declaration.

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Medicines that are hallucinogenic, narcotic, and/or psychotropic in nature will be confiscated, except in extenuating circumstances where prior approval has been obtained (e.g., a cancer patient taking a type of medication that has a high percentage of pain killer; these cases are treated on a case by case basis).

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Prescription Medications Up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine (by Japanese law) can be brought into Japan. Travelers should bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.

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Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.

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Take plenty of cash. Japan is largely a cash-based society, so you'll find that some places may not accept your credit card – especially outside of major cities. You'll generally need to use cash in local restaurants, bars, markets, tourist sights and ryokans.

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Officials will review your required passenger travel documents, such as passport, visa, green card, disembarkation card (provided by flight attendant during flight), immunization documentation, letters of confirmation or support, etc.

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Entering the Country: Japan Customs Procedures Up to three bottles (760ml per bottle) of alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought into the country duty-free, up to 400 cigarettes and up to two ounces of perfume are allowed.

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The periods between March to May and October to November have the best weather. These times, which line up with spring and most of autumn, are filled with calm days and comfortable temperatures.

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Solo travelling in Japan is very popular, and you will not be on your own whilst solo travelling. Make sure you book onto tours, visit museums and eat local cuisine to really feel the culture. Check out our guide on where to go in Japan if you're planning to visit soon.

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