Step 1 of 6
Prepare before departure
Prepare the essential immigration, travel, and arrival information you may need before travelling to Japan.
Overview
Before departure, confirm that your passport, visa or other entry documentation, travel arrangements, and arrival information are ready. Exact visa requirements depend on nationality, purpose of travel, and individual circumstances, so users must confirm the requirements that apply to them with the competent Japanese embassy or consulate and other official Japanese authorities.
Requirements
- Confirm your entry requirementsCheck whether you require a visa and which status or visa procedure applies to your intended activities in Japan. Requirements vary by nationality and purpose of travel.
- Prepare for long-term visa procedures where applicableFor work, study, family and other long-term stays, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before applying for a visa where applicable. A COE can make visa and landing procedures smoother but does not guarantee visa issuance.
Documents and items
- PassportConfirm that the passport you will use for travel is valid and matches the information used for your immigration and visa procedures.
- Visa or visa-related documentationKeep the visa and/or applicable Certificate of Eligibility documentation required for your individual circumstances accessible for travel and arrival procedures.
- Accommodation detailsKeep your intended address or accommodation information in Japan available. Arrival procedures such as Visit Japan Web may request your intended address in Japan.
- Important contact informationKeep contact details for your employer, school, sponsor, accommodation provider, family member, or other relevant contact in Japan where applicable.
Actions
- Check the Japanese embassy or consulate instructionsConfirm the exact visa application documents and procedures applicable to your nationality, residence, and purpose of travel.
- Complete visa procedures earlyApply with sufficient time before your planned departure. Processing may take longer when additional examination is required.
- Prepare Visit Japan WebConsider registering your arrival information in Visit Japan Web, the Digital Agency service for immigration and customs arrival procedures.
- Check customs restrictionsReview Japan Customs information before packing, especially if carrying medicines, food, meat products, plants, large amounts of goods, or other potentially restricted items.
Practical notes
- Requirements vary by nationality, residence, purpose of travel, status of residence, and individual circumstances.
- A Certificate of Eligibility does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
- Do not rely on JMNET as the final authority for immigration eligibility. Confirm current requirements with the Japanese government or the relevant Japanese embassy/consulate before travel.