Exemption of Visas
Visas are not required when applying for landing permission at a port of entry
in Japan in the following cases:
A. Nationals of Countries with Reciprocal Visa
Exemption Arrangements with Japan
As of December 1999, Japan had concluded general visa exemption arrangements
with 60 countries, as shown in the accompanying table. Nationals of these
countries holding valid passports can apply for landing permission for
short-term stays for such purposes as sightseeing and business trips without
acquiring a visa. However, cases involving paid activities in Japan are
excluded. Also, visa exemption arrangements are not applicable in the case
of stays exceeding the period of time stipulated in each arrangement. In such
cases, it is necessary for foreigners to acquire a visa.
B. Those Having Obtained Re-entry Permission
If foreigners who already reside in Japan, having acquired a status of
residence for a long-term stay, such as for work, wish to leave the country
temporarily during the period for which they have received permission to stay in
Japan, they can obtain a re-entry permit before departing Japan. This permit
enables them to re-enter Japan without having to obtain a new visa, as long as
their re-entry is within the valid period of the permit. For such foreigners,
the procedures for entering Japan are much simpler than the usual landing
procedures.
Applications for re-entry permits can be made at the nearest immigration
authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice. When re-entry
permission is granted, the permit is stamped on the foreigner's passport.
In principle, re-entry permission is valid for only one time. However,
foreigners who have to leave Japan frequently can apply for multiple re-entry
permits.
It is not possible to obtain re-entry permission at an embassy or
consulate after departure from Japan. However, if a foreigner who has departed
Japan after acquiring re-entry permission is unable to return to Japan before
expiration of the permit for unavoidable reasons, such as illness, the foreigner
can apply at an embassy or consulate for an extension of the re-entry permit's
period of validity.
List of Countries That Have Visa Exemption Arrangements with
Japan
|
| Term of residence / Country |
Term of residence / Country |
|
Asia
3 months or less
Singapore
14 days or less
Brunei
Visa recommended
Malaysia
Temporarily suspended
Bangladesh Pakistan
North America
3 months or less
Canada
90 days or less
U.S.A.
Latin America and Caribbean
| 6 months or less |
| Mexico |
| 3 months or less |
| Argentina |
Bahamas |
| Chile |
Colombia |
| Costa Rica |
Dominican Rep. |
| El Salvador |
Guatemala |
| Honduras |
Suriname |
| Uruguay |
| 90 days or less |
| Barbados |
| Visa recommended |
| Peru |
|
Europe
6 months or less
|
| Austria |
Germany |
| Ireland |
Liechtenstein |
| Switzerland |
United Kingdom |
3 months or less
|
| Belgium |
Croatia |
| Cyprus |
Denmark |
| Finland |
France |
| Greece |
Iceland |
| Italy |
Luxembourg |
| Macedonia |
Malta |
| Netherlands |
Norway |
| Portugal |
San Marino |
| Slovenia |
Spain |
| Sweden |
90 days or less
|
| Andorra |
Czech Rep. |
| Estonia |
Hungary |
| Latvia |
Lithuania |
| Monaco |
Poland |
Oceania
90 days or less
Australia* New Zealand
Middle East
3 months or less
Israel Turkey
Temporarily suspended
Iran
Africa
3 months or less
Lesotho Mauritius
Tunisia
|
|
Notes: In the case of visa exemption arrangements of up to three
months or 90 days, foreigners are granted upon landing a temporary visitor
status for a period of 90 days (15 days for Brunei).
Nationals of countries that have concluded visa exemption arrangements with
Japan for stays of up to six months in principle are granted permission to stay
in Japan for 90 days at the time of landing. Nationals of these countries who
wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days must apply at their nearest
immigration authority in Japan for an extension of their period of stay.
*In the case of Australia, Japan adopts a unilateral measure, not a bilateral
visa exemption arrangement.
