Do I need a visa to visit Japan as a tourist?

Nationals of 74 countries and regions on Japan's reciprocal visa-exemption list do not need a visa for tourism stays of 90 days or less (shorter for a few nationalities). Everyone else must get a visa, either the JAPAN eVISA (for a small list of eligible nationalities/residencies) or a standard visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate.

How long can I stay in Japan without a visa?

Most visa-exempt nationalities may stay up to 90 days for tourism; Indonesia and Thailand are limited to 15 days, and Brunei and Qatar to 30 days.

Can I extend my visa-free stay beyond 90 days?

In general no, except that nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, who are exempt under bilateral arrangements allowing up to 6 months, may apply for an extension at a Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan before their 90-day permit expires.

Can North Korean passport holders visit Japan?

No. Japan has banned the entry of North Korean nationals as part of its sanctions regime.

Does Japan offer a visa on arrival?

No. Visas, where required, must be obtained in advance from a Japanese embassy, consulate, or through the JAPAN eVISA system; there is no visa-on-arrival option.

How much does a Japan visa cost?

Following a fee revision effective 1 July 2026, a single-entry visa (including the eVISA) costs approximately ¥15,000, and a multiple-entry visa approximately ¥30,000; no fee is charged if the visa is refused.

What is the JAPAN eVISA and who can use it?

JAPAN eVISA is an online system for a single-entry, tourism-only visa valid up to 90 days. It is open to foreign nationals who legally reside in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK or the USA (direct application), and to residents of several other countries/regions who must apply through an MOFA-accredited agency.

How much cash can I bring into Japan without declaring it?

Anyone entering Japan carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding ¥1,000,000 (about $6,700) must declare it to Japan Customs.

Is Visit Japan Web mandatory?

No. All foreign visitors must complete an immigration (disembarkation) declaration and a customs declaration, but this can be done on the free paper forms on arrival instead of pre-registering online with Visit Japan Web.

Home › Travel Visas › Japan Visa › German Citizens

🇩🇪 German passports · Japan visa

Japan Visa for German Citizens

To enter Japan, German citizens need: a valid passport · Disembarkation Card for Foreigner / Declaration of Accompanied Articles and Unaccompanied Articles · Declaration of carrying-in/out of means of payment · Proof of Onward/Return Travel.

Visa Type

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Quick Facts

Japan Visa — Key Facts for German Citizens

Visa Required

Visa Type

Visa Free

Gov Fee

Free

Max Stay

90 days

Processing

Instant

Passport Validity

6+ months

Entry Type

multiple

What You Need

German citizens traveling to Japan need

✓A valid Germany passport
✓Disembarkation Card for Foreigner / Declaration of Accompanied Articles and Unaccompanied Articles
✓Declaration of carrying-in/out of means of payment
✓Proof of Onward/Return Travel

Entry Requirements

What German Citizens Need to Enter Japan

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival

• At least 2 blank passport pages

• Proof of onward/return travel (may be requested)

• Sufficient funds for your stay

Visa Status

No Visa Required for German Citizens

German citizens can enter Japan with a valid passport. To enter Japan you need: a valid passport, Disembarkation Card for Foreigner / Declaration of Accompanied Articles and Unaccompanied Articles, Declaration of carrying-in/out of means of payment, Proof of Onward/Return Travel.

Visa Policy

Japan Visa Policy for German Citizens

The visa-free arrangement between Germany and Japan reflects a long-standing bilateral travel agreement. German passport holders benefit from one of the most favorable entry policies available — no advance application, no government fee, and no waiting period. This policy applies to tourism, family visits, and short-term business trips. Stays for employment, study, or residency require a separate permit obtained before travel. The visa-free allowance of 90 days is per visit, and immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate you have not exceeded cumulative stay limits during any 180-day period.

It is important to note that visa-free entry does not guarantee admission — Japan immigration officers retain the right to deny entry to any traveler. German citizens should carry documentation of their travel purpose, accommodation details, and sufficient funds. Travelers with prior immigration violations, either in Japan or other countries, may face additional scrutiny at the border.

Travel Context

Traveling to Japan from Germany — What to Know Before You Go

Planning a trip to Japan from Germany involves a few key logistics beyond the visa. Direct flights are available from major Germany hubs to Japan's main international airports, with flight times varying depending on your departure city. We recommend booking refundable tickets until your travel documents are confirmed — PassportsAndVisas.com's service fee is charged only after visa approval, so you are not committed financially before your visa is confirmed.

Passport preparation is the most important step. Your Germany passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your departure date from Japan, and at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. If your passport is expiring soon, PassportsAndVisas.com can expedite Germany passport renewal — often faster than standard government processing times.

As a visa-free traveler, your main pre-departure checklist includes: valid passport, travel insurance, accommodation confirmation, and proof of return travel. Japan immigration officers appreciate organized travelers — having these documents accessible (not buried in luggage) can speed up your arrival process significantly.

Full Requirements — VIE Intelligence Engine

Everything German Citizens Need to Know About Japan Visas

All Japan visa data for German passport holders is updated daily from official government sources.

Japan requires 4 documents for German citizens. Our system validates all of these automatically before submission.

Questions & Answers

Japan Visa FAQ for German Citizens

No. German passport holders can enter Japan without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

📋 Sources

PassportsAndVisas.com relies exclusively on official government sources for visa requirements. Our VIE Intelligence Engine cross-references multiple official sources daily.

▶Japan Official Immigration Portal. (Web). Official government portal
▶U.S. Department of State — Japan Travel Information. (Web). travel.state.gov
▶IATA Timatic — Visa & Health Requirements Database. (Web). iatatravelcentre.com

Other Passport Holders

Japan visa requirements for other passport holders

Visa eligibility, fees and available visa types vary by passport. Choose your nationality for Japan visa requirements specific to you.

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