A visa-exempt tourist needs a passport valid for the whole stay, and often a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds if officials ask. No visa is needed for up to 90 days for the nationalities the UK, Canadian and Irish governments describe. Add the Visit Japan Web QR code for immigration and customs.
Last checked: 26 October 2026. Based on the UK, Canadian and Irish government travel advice for Japan and the Japan Customs page on electronic declaration gates.
PassportValid for the whole stay; no extra validity period (UK and Ireland)
No visaUp to 90 days for visa-exempt citizens; 74 countries and regions on the foreign ministry list of 1 September 2025
On requestReturn or onward ticket, accommodation, proof of funds (Government of Canada)
1 QR codeVisit Japan Web has issued one code for immigration and customs since 25 January 2024
Which travel documents to Japan does a tourist need?
| Document | Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Yes | Valid for the duration of your stay; keep one blank page for the entry stamp |
| Visa | Not for visa-exempt nationals on a short tourist stay | Check the list with our visa checker |
| Return or onward ticket | If officials ask | Government of Canada |
| Accommodation details | If officials ask | Hotels also record your passport at check-in |
| Proof of funds | If officials ask | Government of Canada |
| Visit Japan Web QR code | Recommended | Used for immigration and customs |
| International driving licence | Only if you plan to drive | Government of Ireland |
The sections below explain each item, with the source for every rule. If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, our Japan visa checker is the place to start.
The passport
The UK government says your passport must be valid for the length of your stay in Japan, with no additional period of validity required, and that you need a blank page for your visa stamp. Ireland states the same validity rule and adds that passport cards cannot be used. Canada tells travellers with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document to check with the closest foreign representative of Japan before leaving.
Our page on passport validity for Japan covers these points in more detail.
Visa: usually none for a short visit
Japan lets citizens of 74 countries and regions enter for short stays without a visa, according to the foreign ministry list dated 1 September 2025. The UK and Canadian governments describe up to 90 days for their citizens, and Ireland describes a short stay of up to 90 days under a visa waiver agreement. Paid work, study and long stays need a visa in advance.
The documents officials may ask to see
The Government of Canada says customs officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation arrangements and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. They are not listed as a fixed requirement at every border, so the safe approach is to have all three ready.
- A return or onward ticket, as an e-ticket on your phone or a printout.
- A hotel or rental confirmation with the address of your first night.
- A bank card, cash or a statement that shows you can pay for the stay.
For example, a visitor who arrives on a one-way fare and has no booked onward flight should be ready to explain the plan, and to show how the trip will be paid for.
Visit Japan Web and the QR code
Japan Customs explains the digital route. You log in to Visit Japan Web, enter your declaration information, and receive a 2D code that includes it. Since 25 January 2024 one code covers both immigration and customs, so older Customs Declaration App codes no longer work.
At seven airports, New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka and Naha, you hold the code and an IC passport over the terminal scanner and then walk through the e-Gate. Our guides on Visit Japan Web and the immigration form show the registration steps.
Documents for medicine, food and driving
Some rules affect what you pack, not only what you carry in a folder. The Irish government warns that some over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including certain allergy and sinus products, have import restrictions. It advises against buying medicines from overseas on the internet. The UK government says meat products such as sausages, bacon and ham may not be brought in without permission from the Animal Quarantine Service.
If you want to drive, Ireland advises bringing your international driving licence and adequate insurance. Our customs declaration guide explains what must be declared at the border.
Money, insurance and hotel check-in
The UK government calls Japan still a predominantly cash-based society and says cards issued outside Japan may be hard to use at some machines. Ireland suggests contacting your bank before the trip and carrying a second way to reach money. Both Ireland and Canada advise full travel insurance, and Canada specifically mentions medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Hotels follow Japanese rules, too. Canada notes that foreigners must give detailed information at check-in and allow the passport to be photocopied, so have the physical passport with you when you arrive.
Pre-flight checklist
- Passport valid for the entire stay, with a blank page.
- Visa status checked for your nationality.
- Return or onward ticket saved offline.
- Accommodation address for the first night.
- Visit Japan Web completed and the QR code saved, ideally as a screenshot as well.
- A card that works abroad plus some yen.
- Medication reviewed against Japan’s import restrictions.
- Travel insurance in place.
Contacts to save before you fly
Save the emergency numbers on your phone: 110 for police and 119 for both the fire brigade and ambulances, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the Canadian government. Ireland also lists English-speaking officers at Tokyo Police from Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:15, on (03) 3501 0110. The JNTO runs a 24-hour English-language hotline for visitors, given by Ireland as +81 50 3816-2787. Hours and numbers can change, so check the official pages before you travel.
The Government of Canada points visitors to the JNTO safety information, and Ireland suggests the Japan Tourism Agency’s Safety Tips app for disaster notifications in English. Add your embassy’s contact details too. Irish citizens can register their details with the Department of Foreign Affairs so it can reach them quickly in a crisis such as a natural disaster.
Children and the fingerprint rule
Ireland states that people under 16 are exempt from the fingerprint and digital photo procedure at entry. The exemption covers the biometrics only. Each child still needs the documents in this guide that apply to the family, so pack their booking details and QR code with yours.
Typhoon season and your flight
The Irish government places the typhoon season between June and October, with the most activity in August and September. It advises checking with the airline or transport operator before travelling, and it names the Japan Meteorological Agency as the English-language source for weather information. Keep your booking confirmation and passport in hand luggage, so that a rebooked flight does not leave you without them.
Keep one limit in mind. The Government of Canada says it cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet the entry or exit requirements of the destination, so the paperwork you carry is what counts at the border.
What about JESTA?
JESTA is the online travel authorisation Japan plans for visa-exempt visitors, with a target launch within fiscal year 2028. It is not required today, and no application website exists yet. Do not pay anyone for a JESTA now. See what JESTA is for the facts.
Travel documents to Japan: FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Japan for tourism?
Not if you hold a passport from one of the 74 visa-exempt countries and regions. The UK, Canadian and Irish governments describe up to 90 days.
Do I need a return ticket?
Officials may ask for a return or onward ticket, according to the Government of Canada. Keep it ready.
Is a passport card enough?
No. The Irish government says passport cards cannot be used.
Do I need Visit Japan Web?
Japan Customs describes it as the way to make an electronic customs declaration and get the 2D code. Use it to speed up the border.
Is JESTA a travel document I need now?
No. JESTA is not required today.
Sources
- Japan Meteorological Agency: weather and typhoon information
- UK government: Japan entry requirements
- Government of Canada: Japan entry and exit requirements
- Government of Ireland: Japan travel advice
- Japan Customs: electronic customs declaration gates at 7 airports
- Japan National Tourism Organization: plan your trip
Japan ESTA Guide is an independent information website. It is not run by or affiliated with the Government of Japan. You cannot apply for JESTA here.