Visas and entry procedures for Japan

This page summarises official Japanese information on visa-free conditions for short visits and entry procedures. It is high-risk information because visa rules may change; check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs page before departure. Visa-related material here is official information only, not personal advice.

Key points

• Hong Kong: Visa-free short stays for holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports, or British National (Overseas) passports (BN(O)) with the right of abode in Hong Kong.
• Taiwan: Visa-free short stays for passports bearing a personal identification number.
• Visa-free stay period: 90 days (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states 15 days for Thailand and Indonesia, 30 days for Brunei and Qatar, and 90 days for the others).
• Before entry, Visit Japan Web can be used to register immigration and customs information in advance and show a QR code on arrival.
• Fukuoka Airport has a joint kiosk for both immigration and customs procedures.

Visa exemption (Temporary Visitor)

The official Ministry of Foreign Affairs page (information dated 1 September 2025) states that Japan has reciprocal visa-exemption arrangements with 74 countries and regions. Hong Kong and Taiwan are included, subject to the following conditions:

Region	Conditions (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)	Length of stay
Hong Kong	Only Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders or British National (Overseas) passport holders (BN(O)) with the right of abode in Hong Kong	90 days
Taiwan	Only passports bearing a personal identification number	90 days

• For countries or regions not on the list, or purposes other than a short stay (such as work or study), consult the Ministry’s visa information.
• The official page is dated 1 September 2025. If the rules change, follow the official information.

Before arrival: Visit Japan Web

Visit Japan Web is an online service provided by Japan’s Digital Agency for advance immigration and customs registration. Official steps:

Step	Details
0	Create an account with an email address and sign in
1	Register the user: entry category, passport details (scan with a camera or enter manually; a warning appears if passport validity is less than 6 months), and optional basic information
2	Register the arrival schedule and itinerary details
3	Complete entry procedures: quarantine (health condition), immigration and customs declarations (accompanied and unaccompanied articles declaration)
4	On arrival, show the QR code generated when the procedures are completed

• Foreign visitors must register immigration details (disembarkation card for foreigners) and a customs declaration. Japanese nationals and holders of re-entry permits need only complete a customs declaration.
• The QR code can be used at immigration counters, customs electronic declaration terminals or inspection counters.
• Passport details are required to use the tax-free shopping function.
• Website: vjw.digital.go.jp.

Fukuoka Airport: joint kiosks

According to Japan Customs, joint kiosks at Narita Terminal 3, Haneda, Kansai and Fukuoka airports can collect passport information, facial photographs (and fingerprints for foreign visitors entering Japan) and declarations for both immigration and customs.

How to use them (official instructions):

1. First obtain a QR code through Visit Japan Web containing the information for the Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles.
2. At the joint kiosk, scan the QR code and passport and follow the prompts. For IC passports, a facial photograph is taken on the spot and matched to the passport’s IC chip.
3. Foreign visitors complete immigration at a dedicated counter for joint-kiosk users.
4. Travellers whom customs determines do not require inspection may pass through the electronic declaration gate (e-Gate) using facial recognition.

Official reminders:

• Each family member must complete the procedure separately.
• Due to the machine’s specifications, travellers under 135 cm tall cannot use it.
• Facial photographs are taken during processing and at e-Gates. Remove masks, sunglasses and similar items.
• Non-IC passports can be used at joint kiosks, but not at e-Gates.
• Travellers declaring goods above duty-free limits or unaccompanied articles will be directed to an inspection counter staffed by customs officers for additional procedures.

Customs declarations

• For details of declarations of personal effects, see Japan Customs’ guidance on declaring belongings when entering Japan.
• This page does not cover duty-free allowances or details of prohibited and restricted items; consult the official pages.

Frequently asked questions

Do visitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan need visas?

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page dated 1 September 2025, holders of passports that meet the specified conditions can visit visa-free for a short stay (90 days). See the table above for the conditions.

How long must your passport remain valid?

Visit Japan Web’s official guide says a warning appears when passport validity is less than 6 months. This page does not specify the passport validity required for entry; consult official information.

Further reading

• Japan travel essentials
• Tax-free shopping and departure tax
• Fukuoka pre-departure information (weather and clothing)