How to Check Entry Requirements for Japan
Check the requirments for your country of residence and apply for a Visa if necessary. Ensure all over the counter medicine is declared in advance before traveling. Dont forget to declare tax free items purchased in Japan before exiting.
Entry for Specific Countries
It is important to check the travel requirements of Japan before you travel. Visas are required for tourism travel less than 90 days for certain countries such as China, Russia, Georgia, Phillippines, Vietnam, and others. Click here to check the requirements for your country before you go.
Countries that do not require a short term visit visa are listed here. Most of these countries are covered for up to 90 days, however some are limited to 15 days or less.
Beginning March 1st, foreigners who wish to travel can check the requirements here to see if they qualify for an electronic visa "E-Visa". You can apply for an E-Visa online by clicking here. See a video about how to apply for an E-Visa below by clicking the photo.
Over the Counter Medicine & Travel Health Insurance
There are very strict rules when it comes to bringing over the counter mediction. For more information on what you are allowed to bring, and how to bring necessary medication into the country click here. Currently, all it requires is a short email detailing the medication type, active ingredients, dosing requirements, amount of medication, etc.
Besides over the counter medications, things such as gold, alcohol, etc must be declared going through customs and declarations. Additionally, other items are prohibited. To view the fulls list of banned items and items that must be declared click here. If you do have a medical emergency overseas, it is best to go to a University Hospital. Keep the bills to bring them to see if your health care company will compensate you. Another option is to buy travel health insurance.
Tax Free Shopping
To make the most of shopping in Japan, it's essential to understand the country's tax exemption program. Certain items may have a reduced tax rate, and more details can be found on the official website. This program is exclusively for foreign visitors staying in Japan for less than six months, with non-residing Japanese nationals possibly eligible for tax exemption. Purchases exceeding 5,000 yen qualify for a tax refund, and the terms vary based on the product type. Simply present your passport during purchase and the merchant will staple the reciept to the inner pages of your passport for later declaration.
When making purchases, you can pay the tax-exempt price, but the tax refund procedure must be completed by presenting your passport at an airport or similar location. We recommend taking liquid tax-free goods to these locations before departure since liquids cannot be carried on planes, and tax-free items cannot be packed in checked luggage until they are declared.
Further details can be found by clicking here or if interested in shipping tax exempt goods back to your home country, click here.