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The red Chureito Pagoda above the city of Fujiyoshida, with snow-capped Mount Fuji behind

Japan entry requirements

Travellers on New Zealand, Australian, US, British and Canadian passports don't need a visa for short stays in Japan of up to 90 days. Before you land, register on Visit Japan Web, Japan's free official site, to get one QR code for immigration and customs. Paper forms are still accepted.

See my checklist

Last checked against official sources: 2 October 2026

Photo: David Edelstein on Unsplash

At a glance, by passport

What you need to enter Japan, by passport
PassportVisa or travel authorityArrival forms and leviesComing home
New ZealandNot neededVisit Japan Web (Free)New Zealand Traveller Declaration
AustraliaNot neededVisit Japan Web (Free)Incoming Passenger Card
United StatesNot neededVisit Japan Web (Free)Not covered yet
United Kingdom (British citizen)Not neededVisit Japan Web (Free)Not covered yet
CanadaNot neededVisit Japan Web (Free)Not covered yet
JapanNothing to doNothing to doNot covered yet

Your Japan checklist

Everything for one traveller. Add everyone on your booking in the WayReady app.

How WayReady gets Japan sorted

You stay in control the whole way. We prepare; you review and submit on the official site.

  1. 1

    Your trip, built from your booking

    Forward your confirmation and WayReady picks up your flights into NRT, your dates and where you're staying.

  2. 2

    Every form found for every traveller

    Each person's passport is checked against the official rules, including the declaration for coming home.

  3. 3

    Plain questions for what only you know

    Things like cash, food or goods are always asked, never guessed. Everything else comes from your profile.

  4. 4

    Submitted by you, on the official site

    We open the government site with your answers ready. You review, pay any government fee directly, and submit.

Japan questions, answered

Is Visit Japan Web compulsory?

No. It's optional, and paper arrival and customs forms are still accepted. Most travellers use it because one QR code covers immigration and customs and can be quicker at the airport.

When should I complete Visit Japan Web?

Any time before you fly. Japan's guidance is to finish at least 6 hours before you land so your QR code is ready.

Does Visit Japan Web cost anything?

No. It's free. Be careful of copycat sites that charge an 'application fee'. The official address is vjw.digital.go.jp.

Do New Zealanders and Australians need a visa for Japan?

Not for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism, visiting family and friends, or business meetings. Paid work needs a visa.

Can I register my family on one Visit Japan Web account?

Yes. You can add family members to your account when you're travelling on the same flights with the same first accommodation.

Official sources

Last checked 2 October 2026. Rules can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you travel. WayReady is not a government agency.