Who needs a visa?
In general, all foreign nationals are required to apply for a visa to enter Japan, unless they enter with a valid re-entry permit or are eligible for visa waiver measures.
Visa exemptions apply to certain countries and regions, including Australia. Passport holders from these countries/regions do not need to apply for a visa for short stays if the purpose is tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends and family.
However, a visa will be required for those engaging in remunerated activities or staying longer than the short-stay period set for their country.
Australian Citizens
Q: As an Australian citizen with an Australian passport, do I need a tourist visa to enter Japan?
A: No. Australians who enter Japan as tourists may stay for up to 90 days as long as they hold a valid Australian passport. The passport needs to remain valid during the duration of their stay.
❖ The visa exemption is based on nationality, not Australian residency status.
| Citizenship | Purpose of Travel | Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian | Short-term stay (90 days or less) (e.g. Tourism, business meeting, conference, visiting family and friends) |
Not Required | |
| Long-term (More than 90 days) (e.g. COE holders, spouse or child of a Japanese national, working holiday) |
Required | ||
| Non-Australian | Visa exemption countries and regions | Short-term stay (period may differ depending on country/region) (e.g. Tourism, business meeting, conference, visiting family and friends) |
Not Required |
| Long-term (more than the designated short-stay period) (e.g. COE holders, spouse or child of a Japanese national, working holiday) |
Required | ||
| Other countries and regions | All purposes | Required | |