Japan visas

Who needs a visa to visit Japan?

Due to coronavirus-related suspensions of visa exemptions, all foreign nationals currently require a visa to enter Japan. Normal conditions allow citizens of certain countries to enter the United States with Temporary Visitor status for 15 to 90 consecutive days for tourism or business purposes.

Entry into Japan

In response to COVID-19, Japan has implemented certain entry requirements. Please check below for additional information on entry requirements and restrictions.

All passengers entering Japan are required to present either proof of COVID-19 immunisation or a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure. In general, three vaccinations (or two if at least one was JCOVDEN/Janssen) are necessary for entry (or two if at least one was JCOVDEN/Janssen). Those who cannot present immunisation documentation or a negative PCR test will be denied entry into the country. Please check the Embassy of Japan in Dublin's website for additional information on vaccination and/or PCR test requirements. Additionally, additional information is available on the website of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.

Regarding COVID-19 entrance requirements, countries/regions are categorised as red, blue, or yellow based on the travel history and vaccination status of the individual, with testing and quarantine procedures varying accordingly. Ireland has been designated as a country in the "blue" category. This implies that Irish visitors and returnees to Japan are not required to undergo on-arrival testing or home quarantine.

Passengers from countries other than Ireland, or those who have visited other countries within 14 days prior to departure (other than transiting through an airport on route to Japan), may be subject to COVID-19 testing and quarantine upon arrival. The current classification of countries and regions can be found on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

At the port of entry, visitors to Japan will be required to sign a written pledge committing them to abide by all applicable quarantine and self-isolation rules, complete an online health questionnaire, and obtain a QR code. This MHLW website provides more information on the MySOS "quick track" system for completing admission requirements.

Please refer to the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare for additional information on current quarantine processes. The current entry restrictions do not apply to passengers who are only transiting through a Japanese airport and do not pass through immigration. You must adhere to any additional screening measures implemented by the authorities and review the most recent entry requirements for your final destination. Please contact your airline if you are uncertain whether your transit is affected.

Visitors to Japan should familiarise themselves with the country's mask-wearing regulations. The website of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare contains additional information.

A visa exemption agreement exists between Ireland and Japan, allowing Irish citizens travelling to Japan for a brief stay to enter the country without first obtaining a visa. A short-term stay permits Irish citizens to initially remain in the United States for up to 90 days. Before the initial 90-day period expires, Irish nationals wishing to stay for a total of up to 6 months may apply to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) for an extension of their stay.

Citizens of Ireland who wish to stay in Japan for more than six months, or who are travelling to Japan to take up employment, exercise a profession or other occupation, or engage in public entertainment (including sport) for remuneration, or who are unsure of their eligibility for a visa waiver, should consult the Embassy of Japan in Dublin's website (and contact the embassy if necessary) for information on visa requirements.

Eligibility to apply for a Japan visa

To successfully apply for a Japan tourist visa, applicants must meet the requirements outlined below.

• Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages.
• A completed visa application form.
• Provide a recent color passport photo and a certified copy of your birth certificate.
• If married, submit a marriage certificate (if issued within the last year.
• You must have the intention to leave Japan at the end of your authorized stay.
• Proof of financial ability demonstrating you can support yourself financially during your stay in Japan.
• Provide a certificate of your financial situation for the previous 6 months issued by your bank.
• Submit the applicant’s tax return.
• If applying without a sponsor, a copy of your Certificate of Employment must be submitted.
• Provide a schedule and travel plans for the trip.

Processing time for Japan visas

The processing period from visa application to visa issuance is 5 business days from the day after the application is received, assuming there are no issues with the application's content. It could take less time depending on the Embassy/General Consulate and the reason for the visit.

Who can visit Japan without a visa?

The following Countries do not require a visa when visiting Japan. If your Country is not on the list, you will need to obtain a visa before entering Japan. Visa exemption means that citizens of the following countries can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes.

• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Guatemala
• Greece
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lesotho
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxemburg
• Macao
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• The Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Uruguay

What to do if your visa to Japan is refused?

The reapplication may be submitted at any time after rejection, and there is no limit on the number of times; however, it is strongly advised to be congruent with the type and content of the documents submitted. You may be able to contest this decision.