Who needs a visa to enter Japan?

2025/1/13
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. Currently, visa exemptions apply to certain countries and regions, including Australia. Passport holders from these visa waiver countries/regions do not need to apply for a visa for a short stay for the purpose of business, meetings, sightseeing, or visiting relatives or acquaintances. However, those who intend to engage in remunerated activities in Japan or to stay longer than the short-stay period set for each country will need to obtain a visa.
 
  Visa Requirement Purpose of Travel
Australian Citizen Not Required Short term stay (less than 90 days)
ex. Tourism, Business, Conference, Visiting families and friends, etc.
Required Long term & work
COE holders, etc.
Non-Australian Citizen Visa exemption countries and regions** Not Required Short term stay (less than 90 days)
ex. Tourism, Business, Conference, Visiting families and friends, etc.
Required  Long term & work
COE holders, etc.
Other countries and regions Required All purposes


Please refer to "Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)" (MoFA: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website) for visa exemption measures, countries/regions to which the measures apply and eligible passport types.
**The visa exemptions applies based on your Nationality, not on your Australian visa status (including permanent residency).