Immigration

Japan’s Visa Policies and Exemptions Explained:

Understanding Japan’s Visa Policy:

Like many other countries, Japan regulates the activities of foreign nationals by requiring them to have visas to enter the country. The visa policy of Japan mandates that foreign nationals possess a valid passport issued by their respective countries and a visa issued by the Japanese government in accordance with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

Visa Exemption:

Japan has two types of visas: one for long-term stays and the other for short-term stays. As of June 2023, there are 69 countries and regions that enjoy visa exemption for short-term stays. However, it is essential to note that entry procedures can be extremely strict for passport holders who do not have a visa and do not fall under the category of ICAO standard Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or ICAO standard IC passport. It means that not everyone will be able to smoothly enter the country without a visa.

Furthermore, some visa-exempt countries, such as Switzerland and the United Kingdom, allow a maximum stay of six months. If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, you will be required to renew your temporary visitor status through the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. It is crucial to follow the necessary procedures and avoid any omissions when seeking an extended stay.