🇯🇵 2026 Latest Edition: Complete Guide to Short-Term Stay Visas (Tourist Visas) for Japan

Entry Requirements, Necessary Documents, and Application Procedures

[Supervised by Administrative Scrivener Office Shionaga (Kumamoto, Japan)]

Introduction

For many foreign nationals planning a temporary visit to Japan, the first status of residence they choose is the “Short-Term Stay Visa” (commonly known as the Tourist Visa). This visa accommodates various purposes—including tourism, business meetings, visiting relatives, and academic conference participation—and permits a stay of up to 90 days.

As of 2026, due to accelerating globalization and the recovery of tourism demand, the number of people entering Japan is reaching record levels. In response, the system has become more flexible, with visa exemption measures extended to over 75 countries and regions. However, reflecting the global situation, there is increased scrutiny in the screening process and a full-scale push for electronic applications (e-Visa). While procedures are becoming more efficient, applicants are required to be even more meticulous and well-prepared.

This article has been supervised by the experts at Administrative Scrivener Office Shionaga, based on extensive practical experience. We provide a step-by-step explanation of the system’s overview, the latest application flow, required documents, key screening points, and countermeasures for denial cases, incorporating the latest information for 2026.

Based in Kumamoto, our office offers nationwide support for visa application document creation and review. We also assist in analyzing reasons for past visa denials and preparing for reapplication. Initial consultation is free. Please feel free to contact us at 096-385-9002 for smooth entry into Japan.

1. What is a Short-Term Stay Visa?

The Short-Term Stay Visa is a status of residence defined in Annex I-3 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Act), allowing a foreign national to stay in Japan temporarily. Its purpose is restricted to short-term exchange and visits, and it does not permit remunerated work or long-term residency.

Permitted Length of Stay

The duration varies depending on the purpose and nationality, but applicants can choose one of the following. The period is decided during the immigration inspection at the port of entry; no Residence Card is issued.

Period	Example Application	Notes
Up to 15 Days	Some visa-exempt countries (e.g., Thailand, Brunei)	Suitable for short sight-seeing; simpler screening.
Up to 30 Days	Qatar, etc.	Appropriate for business meetings.
Up to 90 Days	Majority of countries/regions (Standard)	Best for visiting relatives or cultural exchange. Extension is generally not allowed.

Main Purposes of Stay

The purpose must be clearly stated in the application, and its authenticity must be proven.

Category	Detailed Content	Specific Examples
Tourism	Sight-seeing, cultural/natural experience, and recreational stays in Japan.	Visiting Kyoto temples, climbing Mt. Fuji, visiting Kumamoto Castle.
Business	Conferences, negotiations, contract signing, exhibition attendance (activities without remuneration).	Attending international trade fairs, meetings with business partners.
Visiting Relatives/Acquaintances	Meeting and interacting with family or friends residing in Japan.	Attending a wedding ceremony, accompanying a family member for a medical check-up.
Academic/Cultural Exchange	Lectures, research presentations, conference participation, etc., for non-profit intellectual exchange.	Attending a university symposium, museum exhibition tour.

Restrictions

No Work Allowed: Activities involving remuneration (part-time jobs, receiving lecture fees, etc.) are strictly prohibited. Violation risks deportation and re-entry ban.
No Extension: Extension of the period of stay is generally not permitted. Exceptions (illness, disaster) must be applied for at the local Immigration Services Agency (see below).
No Change of Status: Change from Short-Term Stay to a work visa, etc., is generally not allowed.
2026 Update: Due to the establishment of the Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities), remote work during a short-term stay is strictly restricted and generally limited to cases where remuneration is sourced exclusively from overseas.

2. Visa Exemption Scheme: Eligible Countries and Conditions

Japan has visa exemption measures for short-term stays with over 75 countries/regions. Nationals from these areas can enter Japan without applying for a visa. While this measure is being expanded and relaxed, failure to meet the necessary conditions can still lead to denial of entry.

Key Visa-Exempt Countries/Regions (As of Jan 2026)

Region	Key Countries/Regions (Excerpt)	Permitted Length of Stay
Asia	South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia (extended to 90 days)	90 Days (some 15 days)
Europe	All 27 EU member states, UK, Switzerland, Norway, etc.	90 Days
North America	USA, Canada	90 Days
Oceania	Australia, New Zealand	90 Days
Latin America	Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru (relaxed to 90 days), etc.	90 Days

*Please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website for the full list of over 75 countries/regions.

Main Countries Requiring a Visa Application

China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, etc. Screening is often stricter for developing countries.

Exemption Application Conditions

Purpose of Stay: Limited to tourism, business, or visiting relatives. Work/study is not allowed.
Duration: Within 90 days (cumulative stay, past records considered).
Return Ticket: Possession of a confirmed return or onward ticket is mandatory (e-ticket is acceptable).
Proof of Funds: Bank balance certificate or cash to cover living expenses (estimated $100 per day).
Other: Passport valid for more than 3 months, no health or criminal history. Additional questions may be asked at immigration.

3. Short-Term Stay Visa Application Procedures

3-1. Application Location and Jurisdiction

Principle: Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in the applicant’s country of residence.
Agency: Application may be delegated to authorized agencies in some countries (e.g., VFS Global in China).
e-Visa: For eligible countries, applying through the online system (JAPAN eVISA) is highly recommended (see below).

3-2. Application to Entry Flow (2026 Latest)

The entire process takes 1 to 3 months, but the e-Visa has significantly shortened the screening time in eligible countries.

Stage	Detailed Content	Estimated Timeframe	Notes
① Preparation	Clarify purpose, plan itinerary, check document list.	1–2 Weeks	Check the latest MOFA requirements. e-Visa eligible countries should register online.
② Document Preparation	Collect/translate documents. Coordinate with the Inviter (in Japan).	2–4 Weeks	Notarization/translation may be required. Consultation with an expert prevents deficiencies.
③ Application	Submission to the Embassy (mail/in-person) or online via e-Visa.	Same Day	Interviews are required in many countries.
④ Screening	MOFA/Immigration cooperation screening. Respond promptly to requests for additional documents.	3–7 Business Days (Shortened by e-Visa)	Refusal rate approx. 10-20%.
⑤ Visa Issuance	Visa sticker affixed to the passport upon return. e-Visa is an electronic certificate.	1–3 Days	Must be used within 3 months of issuance.
⑥ Entry	Inspection at the airport (present passport and proof of funds/itinerary).	Same Day	Note that screening criteria differ from those for the Digital Nomad Visa.

4. Required Documents List by Purpose

Documents vary by purpose. All must be originals/copies, with English/Japanese translations. Digital submission via e-Visa is the norm in 2026.

Common Documents

Passport (valid for 6 months or more, sufficient remaining pages).
Visa Application Form (MOFA specified format, can be completed online).
Photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background, no hat, front-facing, taken within 6 months).
Round-Trip Flight Reservation Confirmation (e-ticket printout).
Schedule of Stay (A4, detailing itinerary, accommodations, and places to visit).

For Tourism Purposes

Document	Detail	Purpose
Bank Balance Certificate	Last 3 months, equivalent to living expenses (est. $1,000 or more).	Proof of financial capability.
Employment/Income Certificate	Issued by employer, stating annual income. Family guarantee if unemployed.	Demonstrates intent to return.
Accommodation Proof	Hotel booking confirmation or short-term rental contract.	Specificity of stay plan.
Detailed Itinerary	Day-by-day schedule, list of tourist spots.	Verification of authenticity.

For Business Purposes

Japan Side (Inviter) Documents: Letter of Invitation (stating purpose/schedule), Schedule of Stay, Company Registration, Overview, and latest Tax Payment Certificate.
Applicant Side Documents: Certificate of Employment, Company Profile/Brochure, Activity Details (agenda, participant list).

For Visiting Relatives/Acquaintances

Japan Side (Inviter) Documents: Letter of Invitation, Letter of Guarantee, Resident Certificate and Residence Card copy, Tax Certificate (est. annual income of ¥3 million or more).
Applicant Side Documents: Proof of relationship (Family Register, Birth Certificate), Proof of Financial Support (Balance Certificate, Income Certificate).

5. Key Screening Points and Countermeasures for Denial

Main Screening Points

Authenticity of the Purpose of Stay: Specificity and consistency of the plan.
Financial Basis: Ability to cover expenses.
Intent to Return: Proof of employment, family, and assets in the home country.
Reliability of the Inviter: Stability of the Japanese side (residence status, income).
Past History: No history of overstaying or problematic entry/exit.

Common Reasons for Denial and Countermeasures (2026 Edition)

Reason	Estimated Denial Rate	Countermeasure Examples
Unclear Purpose of Stay	30%	Detail the itinerary (attach maps/reservations), emphasize consistency of purpose.
Insufficient Financial Capability	25%	Provide multiple balance certificates (bank/asset proof), add family co-guarantee.
Doubt on Intent to Return	20%	Submit property/family proof in the home country, prove a high position/salary in the home country.
Inconsistency/Lack of Documents	10%	Use a pre-submission checklist, get document review by an Administrative Scrivener (recommended).

9. Latest System Trends (As of Jan 2026)

Expansion of e-Visa: From 2026, the scope of the Short-Term Stay (tourism) e-Visa is further expanded, and online application is practically standardized for residents of major developed countries/regions. Screening is swift, averaging under one week.
Enhanced Online System: The MOFA JAPAN eVISA portal has been upgraded for improved usability. Digital submission of photos and certificates is often mandatory.
Preparation for eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): In preparation for full implementation in 2028, the introduction of eTA for over 75 visa-exempt countries is being piloted in 2026.

Conclusion

The Short-Term Stay Visa is a foundational system supporting tourism, business, and family visits to Japan. However, the screening process hinges on the authenticity of the purpose of stay, financial capability, and intent to return. While digitalization in 2026 streamlines procedures, the risk of deficiencies remains.

To avoid refusal, accurate, purpose-aligned documentation, consistent explanation, and inviter cooperation are essential. If you have concerns or a history of denial, please consult a visa expert Administrative Scrivener.

We support your dream visit to Japan with accurate procedures. We offer a free initial diagnosis to immediately analyze your case.

Administrative Scrivener Office Shionaga (Gyoseishoshi Hojin Shionaga Jimusho)

Address: 1-9-6 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto 862-0950, Japan
Phone: 096-385-9002 (Weekdays 9:00–18:00, Saturday consultation available)
Official Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp/

Open the door to Japan with the No. 1 Administrative Scrivener Office Shionaga!