Japan eVisa Maximum Stay Duration

Japan, a captivating country where ancient traditions intertwine with modern advancements, draws countless travellers annually. Whether you're eager to explore serene temples, relish authentic Japanese cuisine, or immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of its cities, understanding the visa rules—especially the permissible length of stay—is essential before embarking on your adventure.

Unlock the World: Uncover the Duration of Your Tourist Visa Adventure!

A tourist visa is the most common option for those visiting Japan for leisure. The allowed duration of stay varies by nationality. For instance, U.S. citizens and many others can remain in Japan for up to 90 days without requiring a Japan eVisa. However, visitors from some countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, are typically given a 15-day stay, while travellers from Brunei can stay for 14 days.

It’s important to note that working in Japan on a tourist visa is strictly restricted. If you plan to work, you must apply for a suitable work visa.

Visa for Short-Term Stay Duration

You can stay in Japan for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family, as long as you’re not engaging in paid work. Travellers can visit Japan for up to 90 days for tourism, business trips, or spending time with family and friends. However, engaging in any form of paid work or income-generating activities is strictly prohibited during this period. Whether travelling, attending meetings, or reconnecting with loved ones, following Japan's visa rules is essential to ensuring a hassle-free stay without legal complications.

Chinese nationals living in China can receive an electronic visa allowing a stay of either 15 or 30 days. Meanwhile, Vietnamese nationals residing in Vietnam are eligible for an electronic visa with a maximum stay of 15 days.

Visa for Long-Term Stay Duration

Following is the list of the long-term stay duration visas for Japan.

1. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

This visa category is designed for foreign professionals with advanced skills, work experience, and educational qualifications.

1. Highly Skilled Professional (i) (a)/(b)/(c): Issued to individuals recognised as highly skilled under Japan’s existing criteria.
2. Exceptional Highly Skilled Professional: For foreign professionals meeting specific educational, work experience, and income conditions.
3. Highly Skilled Foreign Professional: Covers dependents of foreign professionals under this visa category.

2. Working Visa

For foreign nationals engaged in professional work across different industries in Japan.

1. Professor Visa: Granted to university faculty, including professors, assistant professors, and academic researchers.
2. Artist Visa: For composers, painters, sculptors, photographers, and other creative professionals.
3. Religious Activities Visa: Issued to monks, bishops, missionaries, and religious workers engaging in spiritual activities.
4. Journalist Visa: Covers foreign journalists, editors, news reporters, and media professionals working in Japan.
5. Business Manager Visa: This is for executives, directors, and entrepreneurs managing businesses in Japan.
6. Legal/Accounting Services Visa: This visa is given to certified attorneys, public accountants, and tax consultants who practice in Japan.
7. Medical Services Visa: For healthcare professionals such as doctors, dentists, and nurses licensed in Japan.
8. Researcher Visa: Granted to researchers and investigators working at research institutions.
9. Instructor Visa: For elementary, middle, or high school educators.
10. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa: Covers IT specialists, engineers, translators, designers, and interpreters.
11. Intra-Company Transferee Visa: This is for employees relocating to a Japan-based company branch.
12. Nursing Care Visa: Issued to certified carers providing medical or elderly care.
13. Entertainer Visa: For performers, musicians, actors, dancers, and sports professionals.
14. Skilled Labour Visa: Covers professionals such as foreign cuisine chefs, pilots, sommeliers, and sports trainers.
15. Specified Skilled Worker Visa: For foreign nationals with specialised expertise in designated industries facing labour shortages.
16. Technical Intern Training Visa: Allows foreign trainees to gain practical experience in Japan through internships.

3. General Visa

Covers various non-work-related stays, including education and cultural exchanges.

1. Cultural Activities Visa: This visa is for individuals studying traditional Japanese arts like tea ceremonies and flower arrangements.
2. Student Visa: Issued to international students enrolled in Japanese educational institutions.
3. Training Visa: This is for government trainees participating in specialised learning programs.
4. Dependent Visa: Granted to family members of foreign nationals working in Japan.

4. Specified Visa

Covers individuals under special residency categories.

1. Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa: For foreign spouses or biological children of Japanese citizens.
2. Spouse of Permanent Resident Visa: Issued to spouses of foreign nationals with permanent residency in Japan.
3. Long-term resident Visa: Covers individuals with Japanese ancestry, refugee settlers, and exceptional residency cases.
4. Designated Activities Visa: Includes working holiday applicants, diplomatic personal assistants, and paid interns.
5. Designated Activities (Long Stay for Sightseeing & Recreation) Visa: Allows extended leisure stays.
6. Designated Activities (Future Creation Individual) Visa: For individuals contributing to Japan’s economic and cultural growth.

5. Start-Up Visa

For entrepreneurs supported by Japanese municipalities.

• Start-Up Visa: Designed for foreign entrepreneurs launching businesses in Japan, including their spouses and children.

6. Diplomatic Visa

For foreign diplomats and government officials.

• Diplomat Visa: Covers ambassadors, diplomatic couriers, and officials representing foreign governments.

7. Official Visa

For the administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions.

• Official Visa: Issued to service staff and personnel working for diplomatic institutions in Japan.

Important Considerations: Avoiding Visa Violations

Japanese immigration authorities are highly attentive to individuals who attempt to extend their stay through visa runs. These runs involve briefly leaving Japan and returning to reset the 90-day limit. If you need to stay more than 90 days, it’s recommended that you apply for a visa extension or a different visa category that aligns with your purpose of stay.

Student Visa: Stay Periods and Requirements

Based on their study program, students enrolled in Japanese educational institutions need a student visa, which allows them to stay anywhere for between 4 years and 3 months. Language school students are typically granted a maximum duration of two years.

Key Requirements for a Student Visa:

• Enrollment in a recognised Japanese educational institution
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses
• Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Health Insurance Requirement:

Students staying in Japan for over three months should enrol in National Health Insurance (NHI), which helps cover medical expenses at a lower cost. Registration is available at local municipal offices.

Work Visa: Duration and Acceptability

If you plan to work in Japan, you must obtain a work visa. Japan offers work visas for various professions, including:

• Engineers and IT specialists
• Researchers and professors
• Business managers and investors
• Journalists
• Medical professionals
• Artists and entertainers

Work visas last from three months to five years, depending on the nature of the job and the employment contract. Employers typically sponsor the visa; applicants need a Certificate of Eligibility for approval.

Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW-2)

Japan has also introduced the Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW-2) to address labour shortages in specific industries. This visa allows foreign workers to contribute to specific technical fields.

Extending Your Stay in Japan

If you must remain in Japan beyond your visa’s original validity, you can apply for an extension at a local immigration office. Ideally, you should begin the process at least one month before your visa expires to avoid last-minute complications.

Required Documents for a Visa Extension:

1. Valid passport and current residence card
2. Completed visa extension application form
3. Proof of continued enrollment (for students) or employment contract (for workers)
4. Recent passport-sized photographs
5. Proof of financial stability

Necessary Restrictions to Keep in Mind

1. Working Restrictions: You cannot work while on a tourist visa. Engaging in unauthorised employment could lead to deportation and future entry bans.
2. Medication Restrictions: Certain medications legal in other countries might be prohibited in Japan, even with a prescription. Therefore, it is vital to check Japan’s official importation rules before bringing medicines.
3. Customs and Border Regulations: Japan enforces strict customs rules. 

Some key points to remember:

• Duty-Free Limits: You can bring personal items, alcohol, tobacco, and perfume within specified amounts.
• Prohibited Items: Firearms, explosives, and certain drugs are strictly banned.
• Restricted Items: Hunting weapons, swords, and some chemicals require special permits.
• Currency Declarations: If carrying over 1 million yen (or equivalent), you must declare it at customs.

Permanent Residency: Living in Japan Indefinitely

A permanent residency visa is an option for those wishing to settle in Japan permanently. This visa removes employment and stay restrictions, allowing you to live in Japan indefinitely. Generally, eligibility requires:

• A minimum stay of 10 years in Japan (this may be shorter for certain applicants).
• A stable income and employment record.
• Demonstrated good conduct and no criminal record.
• Meeting additional criteria, such as language proficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I'm a U.S. citizen planning a three-week trip to Japan. Do I need a visa?
No, you don’t! As a U.S. citizen, you can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.

I’m on a student visa and want to travel around Japan during my breaks. Do I need any special permission?
Not at all! Your student visa allows you to move freely within Japan, so you can explore as much as you like.

I’ve heard that cash is still widely used in Japan. Should I carry some money with me?
Yes, it’s a good idea. While credit cards are becoming more common, especially in big cities, many smaller shops, local restaurants, and temples still prefer cash.

What should I do if I get sick in Japan? Do I need health insurance?
If you stay in Japan for over three months, you must enrol in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, which helps cover medical expenses.

Disclaimer: Please ensure that these facts were last updated in February 2025. We recommend you validate with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure accuracy regarding your travel plans.