Requirements to travel from Spain to Japan
Write down all the requirements to travel from Spain to Japan and start preparing your suitcases. Japan is waiting for you!
When traveling to a foreign country, there’s always some uncertainty about the necessary documents to ensure a hassle-free entry. Here are all of the requirements to travel from Spain to Japan in 2025. Including a valid passport and a round-trip ticket.
Ready to take off? Start packing your bags, because at Holafly, we’re here to share the essential tips that will make your trip a smooth and enjoyable experience. With our travel advice, organizing your stay in Japan will be a breeze.

Advice for traveling to Japan
One of the most important tips we can give you for your trip to Japan is to make sure you have a reliable, fast, and unlimited internet connection. If you’re visiting for a few days, we highly recommend Holafly’s eSIM, which provides unlimited data in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanto, Nagasaki, Osaka, and other popular spots across Japan, all for just 5,90 euros per day ($6,15).
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Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Next, let’s go over the key requirements to travel from Spain to Japan to make sure your trip goes smoothly. Take note of the documents you’ll need to prepare for this adventure. Let’s get started!
1. Airfare to Japan and back to Spain
One of the requirements to travel to Japan from Spain is having a round-trip flight ticket. Immigration authorities require this as proof that you intend to return to your home country within the time allowed by your visa status.
If you’re a tourist, your return ticket must confirm that your stay won’t go beyond the 90 days allowed without a visa. However, if you’re staying longer for work or study and have the necessary visa, such as a digital nomad visa, you won’t need a return ticket. That said, it’s always wise to double-check with the Japanese embassy in Spain for any changes to immigration laws to prevent any travel issues.
2. Tourist, residence or work visas for Japan
Spanish citizens can visit Japan as tourists and stay for up to 90 days without needing a visa. However, if your travel plans change while you’re there, it’s important to reach out to the Spanish embassy in Japan to update them and apply for the correct visa. Some of the options include:
- Short stay visa (Tanki Taizai Visa): This is a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days, with no option to work. It is granted in exceptional cases when the traveler does not meet the visa exemption requirements.
- Student Visa: This visa is for those studying at Japanese institutions. To apply, you’ll need an acceptance letter from the educational institution and proof of financial stability.
- Specified Skilled Worker Visa: For sectors with high demand for labor, such as construction and care of people.
- Skilled Labor Visa: For certain professions such as cooks, jewelers, carpenters, etc.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Remote teleworkers.
- Permanent Resident Visa: This visa is for those looking to settle permanently or for an extended period, either through marriage to a Japanese citizen or for other specific reasons.
3. Spanish Passport
A key requirement for traveling to Japan from Spain is having a valid passport that covers the entire length of your stay. To avoid any potential issues, it’s best if your passport is valid for at least six months. Also, if you’re stopping over in another country or traveling to other destinations from Japan, make sure to check the entry requirements for those countries, as they may ask for a longer passport validity.
Japanese authorities are very strict about the condition of your documents. If your passport is damaged, it’s best to renew it before your trip, as it could lead to being denied entry. It’s also important to make sure your passport has enough blank pages for immigration stamps.
While you’re in Japan, authorities may ask for your passport or residence card. It’s a good idea to carry your passport with you as your form of identification. Remember, your Spanish ID (DNI) is not valid in Japan.
4. Address of accommodation in Japan
Immigration in Japan will ask for information about where you’ll be staying during your trip. This could be your hotel, an Airbnb, or a relative’s home. It’s a good idea to have a printed copy of your reservation or an invitation letter on hand.
This information allows hotels and accommodations to report foreign guests to the authorities, which is important for the safety and monitoring of visitors in the country. Be sure to provide accurate and up-to-date details to avoid being denied entry.

5. Passing immigration control in Japan
Upon arriving in Japan, your first step will be to go through immigration control. This is a key requirement for entering the country, aimed at ensuring the safety of Japanese citizens as foreign visitors arrive. The process involves having your photo taken, your fingerprints recorded, and answering a few questions about the reason for your visit, the length of your stay, and how you plan to support yourself financially while in Japan.
It’s a good idea to keep all your important documents in a separate folder or pouch, so you don’t have to dig through your luggage and keep the officers waiting. Make sure you have your passport, return ticket, accommodation reservation, and proof of financial means ready. Remember, if the authorities have any doubts or if you’re missing any documents, you may be denied entry into the country.
6. Medical insurance in Japan
While it’s not a mandatory requirement as a tourist, it’s highly recommended to get medical insurance that covers your healthcare during your stay. Healthcare in Japan can be expensive without insurance, so it’s a good idea to arrange this in advance to avoid high costs in case of illness or an accident.
It becomes a mandatory requirement for certain types of visas, such as student or work visas, which require proof of medical insurance. Additionally, if you have a long-term visa, you may be eligible to enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI), which covers a significant portion of medical costs.

Other tips for traveling to Japan
After going over the main requirements to travel to Japan from Spain, we’d also like to share some tips that, while not mandatory, could make your trip smoother.
Travel insurance for Japan
While travel insurance isn’t something immigration will require, it can be a lifesaver if you face issues like lost luggage, flight cancellations, accommodation problems, or need legal or medical assistance. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to get a policy that includes full health coverage, roadside assistance, and emergency repatriation.
Driving license in Japan
In Japan, you can drive with either a Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained before your trip. This permit allows you to rent a car, but it must be issued in your home country before your arrival, and you’ll also need to carry your Spanish driver’s license. Just like in Spain, driving in Japan is on the left side of the road.
If you plan to stay longer, it’s a good idea to take the test for a Japanese driver’s license. The process may involve both written and practical exams, depending on your individual situation.
Local currency
In more remote areas, you may find that card payments aren’t accepted, whether at restaurants or when purchasing public transport tickets. Given that there can be problems using foreign cards at ATMs, it’s a good idea to carry cash in yen. The maximum amount you can bring into the country without declaring is 1,000,000 yen ($6,800).
Frequently asked questions about the requirements to travel to Japan from Spain
If you’re traveling as a tourist for less than 90 days, you won’t need a visa. You can enter the country with just your passport and a return ticket. However, if you’re visiting for work or study, you’ll need to apply for a visa that allows you to stay in Japan.
Japanese authorities are very strict about the requirements for Spanish citizens entering the country. Some reasons you could be denied entry include having a damaged or expired passport, or not having a return ticket to your home country.
No. You can only drive with an International Driving Permit along with your Spanish driver’s license. If you’re caught driving without the proper documents, you could face serious legal consequences.
It’s not required for tourists, but it’s highly recommended, as healthcare in Japan can be expensive for foreigners without insurance. However, some visas, like those for students or workers, do make it a mandatory requirement.
Simply install the eSIM on your phone before your trip or during your flight. When you arrive in Japan, turn on your phone and activate the eSIM using a QR code or manually. Then, choose your device type, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a reliable, global connection.