Europe (Schengen area) for Japanese citizens
No. A visa isn't needed for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area. ETIAS isn't required yet. The EU has not confirmed a start date. When it starts it will cost €20. Coming home: Visit Japan Web customs declaration.
Checked against official sources 3 October 2026
Everything Japanese citizens need
- Not neededNone
Visa
90 days in any 180
Not needed for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area.
- Good to knowFree
Entry/Exit System registration
At the border, the first time you enter the Schengen area after it started. There's nothing to do before you travel.
Your fingerprints and a facial image are taken at the border the first time you enter after the system started. Children under 12 don't give fingerprints. There's nothing to do before you travel.
- Not neededNone yet (€20 when it starts)
ETIAS
Not required yet
ETIAS isn't required yet. The EU has not confirmed a start date. When it starts it will cost €20.
- RequiredNone
Passport
3 months beyond your departure
Your passport should have been issued in the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
Coming home
- RecommendedFree
Visit Japan Web customs declaration
Before you land
Japanese citizens coming home can use Visit Japan Web for the customs declaration and skip the paper form.
Questions
Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Europe (Schengen area)?
No. A visa isn't needed for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area. ETIAS isn't required yet. The EU has not confirmed a start date. When it starts it will cost €20.
What forms do Japanese citizens need for Europe (Schengen area)?
No forms before you go. Your passport should have been issued in the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
How much does it cost Japanese citizens to enter Europe (Schengen area)?
Nothing: every form on this list is free on its official site.
How long does my passport need to be valid?
Your passport should have been issued in the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
Rules can change at short notice, so confirm on the official site before you travel. WayReady is an independent company, not a government agency. How we check.