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What are the requirements to travel to Japan from the USA?
Ensure you meet all requirements to travel to Japan from the USA and avoid any setbacks when entering the Land of the Rising Sun.
Traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun is a cultural adventure that requires careful financial and logistical planning. You do not want to spend 14 hours on a flight only to get stuck at the airport because of something you forgot. Holafly is here to help. In this post, you will find everything you need to travel to Japan from the USA, including mandatory requirements and useful tips so you can enjoy delicious Japanese food, beautiful temples, cherry blossoms, and fast train rides without missing a thing.
First, a useful tip for traveling to Japan…
This is not a strict requirement from immigration authorities, but it is a tip from traveler to traveler that you will thank us for. Having internet access as soon as you arrive in Japan is something you should prioritize as a careful traveler, as you will need it just as much as your documents.
You just landed and need to call a taxi, check Google Maps, or reach the friend picking you up. Airport WiFi is unreliable and crowded, which makes it painfully slow. The smart move is to set up a Holafly monthly plan before your trip so you stay connected from the moment you arrive.
With our plans, you’ll get:
- Global connectivity: In more than 170 countries, including Japan, on a single eSIM compatible with iOS and Android.
- Connect to multiple devices: Keep your devices connected while traveling.
- Automatic billing: One monthly payment and forget about constant top-ups.
- Choose from: 25 GB ($49.90), and unlimited GB ($64.90), for a single price with no surprise charges.
If your stay is short, Holafly’s Japan eSIM is a great option. It gives you unlimited data without roaming fees and works for just the days you need. Install it before you travel, activate it with a single click, and it will automatically connect to the local network.
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! 🚀🌍
Great tip to start with, right? Holafly is your ultimate travel companion. Now, let’s get down to business and go over the requirements for traveling to Japan from the USA.
1. One-way plane ticket to Japan from the USA
To enter Japan, authorities require travelers to show a return ticket to the United States as proof that their visit is strictly for tourism or business within 90 days. If you are entering under a different visa type or staying longer than three months, this is not required.
2. Tourist, residence, or work visas for Japan
Japan offers different visa categories depending on the purpose and length of your stay. Keep in mind that the Japanese embassy in the U.S. does not accept visa applications more than 3 months before your departure, so plan your application accordingly.
- Tourist visa: The United States is among the countries whose citizens can enter Japan as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. U.S. travelers visiting for less than this period and not engaging in paid work only need a valid passport.
- Work visa: For those who have a job offer and plan to work in Japan, this visa can last anywhere from three months up to five years.
- Student visa: There are several types of visas for studying in Japan, with the length of stay depending on the course or program at a Japanese institution.
- Digital nomad visa: Japan’s digital nomad visa only came into effect in 2024. If you work remotely for foreign companies and want to experience Japan, this visa allows stays of up to six months with no extensions.
Important: You cannot change your “visa-free” entry status to another type of visa without leaving and re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa.
3. U.S. passport
- Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Japan.
- You cannot travel with a passport you have reported as lost or stolen, even if you later find it. Doing so could result in being denied entry to the country. Make sure to get a new passport before your trip.
- Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp or visa.
4. Financial solvency
Japanese immigration authorities may deny entry if they determine you do not have visible means of support. If you are visiting a friend or family member, or studying under a sponsor, you should provide recent bank statements from the past month. You do not need to show bank statements, if your company is covering the costs. If your trip is being funded by friends or family, you will need to provide:
- Applicant’s U.S. bank statement (most recent, within one month).
- Guarantor’s residence card or identity document.
- Guarantor’s bank statement.
5. Accommodation address in Japan
If you’re visiting Japan as a U.S. tourist, a hotel or Airbnb booking is enough to prove where you’ll be staying. If you’ll be staying with a friend or relative, you should be ready to show proof of your connection, their address, and evidence that they live there. This might include an invitation letter, a copy of their passport, and documents confirming their residence. Make sure you have this information on hand for immigration.
6. Medical insurance for traveling to Japan
It’s not required for short stays like tourism, but we strongly recommend not skipping it. Medical care in Japan is excellent, but it can be expensive. An accident or unexpected situation could completely derail your travel plans.
Students and workers in Japan are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance, which only covers about 70% of medical costs. Since some treatments are not included, it’s a good idea to consider an international insurance policy for full coverage.
Digital nomads applying for a Japan visa are required to have comprehensive international health insurance that covers medical emergencies, doctor visits, hospitalization, and repatriation. You will need to show proof of your policy when applying for the visa and provide your coverage details to the authorities once you arrive in Japan.
7. Passing Japanese immigration control
When you land in, make sure you’re prepared for the entry process. Keep your passport or visa close, and have any proof of funds or accommodation ready.
- Present your passport or visa documentation.
- Fill out the immigration and customs forms provided during your flight or upon arrival at the airport. You can also complete them online in advance, though it is not required.
- Proof of accommodation, either hotel records or proof of family ties and host’s address.
- Biometric registration: All foreign visitors are required to have their fingerprints scanned and be photographed upon entering Japan. Exceptions include holders of diplomatic or official visas, as well as children under 16.
- Declaration of large sums of money: If you are carrying 1,000,000 yen or more (around $9,000), you must declare it to customs authorities. This applies to cash, checks, and other monetary instruments.
Other tips for traveling to Japan
Welcome to Japan! We’ve covered the requirements for traveling to Japan from USA. To make your arrival and stay smoother and more enjoyable, check out these helpful tips:
1. Visit Japan Web Form
Make your arrival in Japan faster and smoother by signing up for Visit Japan Web before you travel. When you get there, just show the QR code to immigration and customs officers, and all your information will be ready, making the process much quicker.
It’s not mandatory, but it’s a good idea to take care of it beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck completing the form by hand at the airport, which can be exhausting with luggage, documents, and travel fatigue.
Steps to register on Visit Japan Web:
- Create an account: Register on the official website by providing your email address and creating a password.
- Add traveler information: Enter your personal details and passport information.
- Register your travel itinerary: Provide information about your flight and arrival dates.
- Complete immigration and customs forms: Enter the information required for these procedures.
- Obtain QR codes: Once you’ve completed the previous steps, the system will generate the QR codes you need to show the authorities when you arrive in Japan.
2. Travel insurance in Japan
If a full medical insurance plan is too expensive right now, a travel insurance policy is a more affordable way to stay protected. It lets you enjoy Japan’s unique foods or take on activities like hiking Mount Fuji without stress. These plans usually cover key risks such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies for the duration of your trip. Coverage is especially important in Japan, where healthcare costs are high and unexpected expenses can quickly disrupt your plans. Holafly has a guide to the best travel insurance options in Asia, so take a look to make sure your Japan adventure is safe and worry free.
3. Driver’s license in Japan
If you plan to rent a car to explore Japan’s scenic routes, you will need an International Driving Permit before your trip, as Japanese authorities do not accept foreign licenses on their own.
4. Practice the language
Language can be a challenge in Japan. While you will find people, businesses, and even signs in English, Japanese is the main language. Download translation apps and learn a few basic phrases, it shows respect for the culture and helps you connect with locals. Here are some suggestions:
Greetings and courtesy
- Konnichiwa: Hello.
- Arigatou: Thank you.
- Sumimasen: Excuse me / sorry.
In restaurants and shops
- Ikura desu ka: How much does it cost?
- Kore o kudasai: I would like this, please.
5. Exchange currencies
The official currency in Japan is the yen. Cash is still widely used throughout the country. While some shops and hotels in big cities may accept US dollars, it is much more common and convenient to use yen. ATMs in convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart usually accept international cards, making it easy to withdraw cash.
6. Take advantage of duty-free shopping
Japan. To qualify, you need to spend at least 5,000 yen (around $33) in a single store on the same day, before tax. This applies to a wide range of items, from electronics, clothing, and souvenirs to consumables like food, drinks, and cosmetics.
When making a purchase, show your passport and the store staff will handle the tax exemption. Keep in mind that consumable items must leave the country unused, and some products may be subject to specific regulations.
Frequently asked questions about requirements for traveling to Japan from the U.S.
No, U.S. citizens can enter Japan without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. All you need is a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your visit.
When you arrive in Japan, have your valid passport ready. All foreign visitors will have their photo taken and fingerprints scanned at the entry point. Be sure to leave a blank page in your passport for the entry stamp.
Even though it is not required for tourists, getting travel insurance is highly recommended. Healthcare in Japan is excellent, but it can be expensive.
To drive in Japan, you will need to get an International Driving Permit before your trip, since Japanese authorities do not accept foreign licenses on their own.
Japan’s official currency is the yen. While some stores may accept US dollars, it is best to use yen. ATMs at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart make it easy to withdraw cash with international cards, which is especially useful in rural areas or small shops.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
