2026 Complete Guide to Short-Term Stay Visa (Tourist Visa): Requirements, Documentation, and Application Process for Entering Japan
Supervised by Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Office, Kumamoto Prefecture
Introduction
The “Short-Term Stay Visa (commonly known as Tourist Visa)” is the first residence status chosen by many foreigners planning a short visit to Japan. This visa accommodates diverse purposes including tourism, business meetings, family visits, and academic conference participation, permitting stays of up to 90 days.
As of 2026, with accelerated globalization and tourism recovery, the number of people entering Japan has reached record levels. Accordingly, the system has become more flexible, with visa exemption measures expanded to over 75 countries and regions. However, reflecting global circumstances, screening has become more stringent, and with the full promotion of electronic applications (e-Visa), while procedures have become more efficient, applicants are required to prepare with even greater accuracy and planning.
This article has been supervised by specialists at Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Office based on extensive practical experience. From system overview to the latest application flow, required documents, screening points, and strategies for denied cases, we provide step-by-step explanations incorporating the latest 2026 information.
Based in Kumamoto with nationwide support, our office provides one-stop assistance for visa application document preparation and review. We help with cases previously denied, from cause analysis to reapplication. Consultations are free, so please feel free to call us at 096-385-9002. We’ll help ensure smooth entry into Japan.
1. What is a Short-Term Stay Visa?
The Short-Term Stay Visa is a residence status stipulated in Table 1-3 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, designed for foreigners to stay temporarily in Japan. In principle, it does not permit paid employment or long-term stays, being limited to short-term exchanges and visits.
Permitted Stay Duration
Duration varies by purpose and nationality, with the following options available. It is determined at immigration inspection, and no residence card is issued.
| Period | Application Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 days | Some visa-exempt countries (e.g., Thailand, Brunei) | Suitable for short tourism, simplified screening |
| Up to 30 days | Qatar, etc. | Suitable for business meetings |
| Up to 90 days | Many countries/regions (standard) | Optimal for family visits and cultural exchange. Extension generally not permitted |
Main Stay Purposes
Purposes are specified in detail by immigration law, and applicants must clearly state specific activity details and prove authenticity.
| Category | Detailed Content | Specific Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism | Sightseeing, cultural and natural experiences, recreational stays | Temple tours in Kyoto, Mt. Fuji climbing, Mt. Aso, Kumamoto Castle visits |
| Business | Meetings, negotiations, contract signing, trade fair participation (unpaid activities) | International trade show exhibitions, meetings with business partners |
| Family/Friend Visits | Meeting and interaction with family or acquaintances residing in Japan | Wedding attendance, accompanying family for health checkups |
| Academic/Cultural Exchange | Lectures, research presentations, conference participation, non-profit intellectual exchange | University symposium participation, museum exhibition observation |
Restrictions
- No Employment: Activities generating income (part-time work, lecture fees, etc.) are strictly prohibited. Violations risk deportation and re-entry bans.
- No Extension: Extension of stay period is generally not permitted. Exceptions (illness/disaster) can be applied for at regional immigration offices (described later).
- No Status Change: Changing from short-term stay to work visa is generally not permitted.
2026 Update: With the creation of the Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities), remote work during short-term stays is strictly restricted, with conditions including that income sources must be exclusively overseas.
2. Visa Exemption Countries and Conditions
Japan has visa exemption arrangements with over 75 countries and regions for short-term stay purposes, allowing eligible persons to enter without visa application. Based on mutual agreements, expansion and relaxation of target countries/regions continue in 2026. However, failure to meet conditions may result in entry denial.
Major Visa-Exempt Countries/Regions (as of January 2026)
| Region | Major Countries/Regions (excerpt) | Permitted Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia (expanded 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 |
| Central/South America | Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru (relaxed to 90 days), etc. | 90 days |
| Middle East/Africa | UAE, Qatar, Turkey, South Africa | 90 days (some 30 days) |
*For complete details on all target countries/regions, check the latest information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Major Countries Requiring Visa Application
China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, etc. Screening is strict, centered on developing countries.
Exemption Eligibility Conditions
- Stay Purpose: Limited to tourism, business, family/friend visits
- Duration: Within 90 days (past stay history also considered)
- Return Flight Ticket: Mandatory possession (e-ticket acceptable)
- Financial Proof: Bank statement or cash proving ability to cover expenses (guideline: 10,000 yen per day)
- Other: Passport validity 3+ months, good health, no criminal record. Additional questions possible at immigration inspection.
3. Short-Term Stay Visa Application Method
3-1. Application Location and Jurisdiction
- Principle: Japanese embassy/consulate in applicant’s country of residence
- Proxy Agencies: Commissioned application available in some countries (e.g., VFS Global in China, BLS International in India)
- Jurisdiction: Determined based on place of residence
- e-Visa: For eligible countries, application through JAPAN eVISA online system is recommended (described later)
3-2. Flow from Application to Entry (2026 Latest)
Overall process takes 1-3 months, though significantly shortened in e-Visa adopting countries.
| Stage | Detailed Content | Time Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① Advance Preparation | Clarify stay purpose, formulate travel plans, confirm required document list | 1-2 weeks | Check latest requirements on MOFA site. E-visa eligible countries should register online |
| ② Document Preparation | Collect and translate application documents. Coordinate with inviter (Japan side) | 2-4 weeks | Notarization/translation required. Prevent deficiencies with expert consultation |
| ③ Application | Submit to embassy (mail/in-person) or online via e-Visa. Interviews required in many countries | Same day | |
| ④ Screening | MOFA and immigration coordinated review. Respond promptly to additional document requests | 3-7 business days (shortened with e-Visa) | Denial rate approximately 10-20% |
| ⑤ Visa Issuance | Visa affixed when passport returned. E-visa provides electronic certificate | 1-3 days | Must be used within 3-month validity |
| ⑥ Entry | Inspection at airport (present passport, financial proof) | Same day | Screening criteria differ from Digital Nomad Visa applicants |
4. Required Documents by Purpose
Documents vary by purpose. All must be original/copy with English/Japanese translation. In 2026, digital submission via e-Visa is mainstream.
Common Documents
- Passport (validity 6+ months, sufficient remaining pages)
- Visa application form (MOFA specified format, online input available)
- Photo (4.5×3.5cm, white background, no hat, frontal, taken within 6 months)
- Round-trip flight reservation confirmation (e-ticket printout)
- Planned stay schedule (A4, detailed description of accommodations, itinerary, destinations)
For Tourism Purpose
| Document | Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bank balance certificate | Past 3 months, equivalent to stay expenses (guideline 100,000+ yen) | Prove financial capacity |
| Employment/income certificate | Issued by employer, stating annual income. For unemployed, family guarantee letter | Show intent to return |
| Accommodation certificate | Hotel reservation confirmation or private lodging contract | Demonstrate concreteness of stay plan |
| Detailed travel itinerary | Daily schedule, tourist destination list | Verify authenticity |
For Business Purpose
- Japan side (inviter) preparation: Letter of invitation (stating purpose/schedule), planned stay schedule, company registry, company overview, recent tax payment certificate
- Applicant side preparation: Employment certificate, employer company overview/pamphlet, detailed activity statement (agenda, participant list)
For Family/Friend Visit Purpose
- Japan side (inviter) preparation: Letter of invitation, letter of guarantee, residence certificate and residence card copy, tax certificate (guideline: annual income 3+ million yen)
- Applicant side preparation: Family relationship certificate (family registry, birth certificate), expense payment materials (balance certificate, income certificate)
5. Screening Points and Denial Prevention
Main Screening Items
- Authenticity of stay purpose: Concreteness and consistency of plans
- Economic foundation: Ability to pay stay expenses (1 person × 10,000 yen/day × days + reserve)
- Intent to return: Proof of job, family, assets in home country
- Inviter credibility: Stability of Japan-side party (residence status, income)
- Past history: Entry/exit records, no overstay history
Common Denial Reasons and Countermeasures (2026 Version)
| Reason | Denial Rate (Guideline) | Example Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|
| Unclear stay purpose | 30% | Detail schedule (attach maps, reservations), emphasize purpose consistency |
| Insufficient financial capacity | 25% | Multiple balance certificates (bank, asset certificates), add family joint guarantee |
| Doubt about return intent | 20% | Home country property/family certificates, prove high position/salary in home country |
| Document inconsistencies/deficiencies | 10% | Use advance checklist, document review by administrative scrivener (our office recommended) |
9. Latest System Trends (as of January 2026)
- e-Visa Expansion: From 2026, target countries/residences for short-term stays (tourism purpose) further expand, with online applications nearly standardized for major developed countries/regions. Screening expedited to average within 1 week.
- Online Application System Enhancement: MOFA’s JAPAN eVISA portal improves convenience. Digital submission of photos and certificates now mandatory.
- eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Implementation Preparation: Preparations advance for eTA introduction for 75+ visa-exempt countries toward full implementation in 2028, with trial operations possibly starting in some countries from 2026 onward.
- Digital Nomad Coordination: Distinction between short-term stay and “Designated Activities (Digital Nomad)” clarified, with remote work during short-term stays strictly restricted.
Conclusion
While the short-term stay visa is the core system supporting tourism, business, and family visits to Japan, screening focuses on authenticity of stay purpose, financial capacity, and intent to return. While 2026 digitalization streamlines procedures, risks of deficiencies and denials remain.
To avoid denial, accurate purpose-appropriate documents, consistent explanations, and inviter cooperation are essential. If you have concerns or past denial experience, please consult a visa-specialized administrative scrivener.
We support your dream Japan stay with accurate procedures. With our initial free assessment, we’ll immediately analyze your case.
Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Office
1-9-6 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 862-0950
Phone: 096-385-9002 (Weekdays 9:00-18:00, Saturday consultations available)
Official Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp/ (Latest case studies published on blog)
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