Japan entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians don't need a visa for short trips to Japan in 2026. You can stay up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends — just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay in Japan | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay — Japan does not enforce the 6-month validity rule. Airlines sometimes still ask for 6 months of validity, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Japan | Immigration officers at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Enforcement varies by officer, but having one printed or on your phone avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep your hotel confirmation or host's contact details handy. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you're staying at a private residence, a printed invitation letter helps. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip — a daily budget of around ¥10,000 is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
| Visit Japan Web registrationJapan's digital pre-arrival registration at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp. Enter passport details, flight info, and customs declaration. You get a QR code that lets you use the fast lane at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai. Digital pre-arrival form for faster clearance | Register your passport, flight, and customs declaration at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before departure. You get a QR code that lets you use the fast lane at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai — saves 15–30 minutes in line.Register on Visit Japan Web | Optional |
Overstaying is serious
Even one day over your 90-day limit can get you fined, detained, and banned from Japan for years. Set a calendar reminder to leave a few days early.
Visit Japan Web saves time
Pre-register at https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before your flight. You'll get a QR code that lets you use the fast lane at immigration and customs in major airports. It's free and takes 5 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a Japanese airport
You'll arrive at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and any Visit Japan Web QR code ready. The officer will take your photo and fingerprints.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 'Temporary Visitor' status and a 90-day stay limit. Check the date before you walk away.
4
Collect luggage and clear customs
Grab your bags from the carousel, then proceed to customs. If you used Visit Japan Web, scan your QR code at the automated gate. Otherwise, fill out the paper customs declaration.
5
Exit the arrivals hall
Once through customs, you're free to enter Japan. Follow signs to trains, buses, taxis, or your pickup point.
Download Japan Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost¥3,000 (~$20 USD)
For those needing to stay longer than visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost¥6,000 (~$40 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must meet income requirements.
Work visa
Max stay1–5 years, renewable
ValidityVaries
Cost¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
Requires a job offer from a Japanese employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study (up to 2+ years)
ValidityVaries
Cost¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
Requires enrollment in a recognized Japanese institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For professionals with a job offer in Japan. Requires a degree or relevant experience. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa (College of Technology, University, etc.)
Duration of study (up to 2+ years)
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For enrollment in a Japanese educational institution. Allows part-time work (up to 28 hours/week) with permission.
investor visa
Business Manager Visa
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For entrepreneurs starting or managing a business in Japan. Requires a minimum investment of ¥5 million (~$33,000 USD) and a physical office.
long term resident visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (for spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents)
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For spouses of Japanese citizens or permanent residents. Requires proof of relationship and financial stability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa required. | ¥3,000 (~$20 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 5 years, stays up to 90 days each. | ¥6,000 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ¥200,000 (~$1,340 USD). | ¥10,000 (~$67 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Japan
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Japanese airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa or visa-free entry applies.
Transit hubsNarita International Airport (NRT) · Kansai International Airport (KIX) · Haneda Airport (HND)
Health & vaccines for Japan
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Japanese encephalitis)Low risk
Risk is low for most tourists, but present in rural areas during summer.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but foodborne illness can occur from raw or undercooked seafood.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude areas like Mount Fuji; acclimatize properly.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tokyo
Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau
5-5-30 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and status changes; arrive early for same-day service.
Osaka
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1-3-14 Nanko Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0034
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa renewals and re-entry permits for Kansai area.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalTokyo
LanguageJapanese
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license. Obtain before travel.
Money
CurrencyJapanese Yen (JPY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 157.59 JPY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+13h (EST) / +14h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +17h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage100V / 50-60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
One of the safest tap water supplies in the world.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Japan
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Japan — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Technically, the visa-free 'Temporary Visitor' status does not permit any paid work, including remote work for a foreign employer. In practice, short business meetings and checking emails are fine, but if you plan to work full-time from Japan for weeks, you're in a grey area. Japan doesn't have a digital nomad visa yet (as of 2026), so the safest bet is to keep it to short trips or get a proper work visa.
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Japan before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering. If you need more time, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before your trip.
The airline may refuse to let you board. Immigration can also deny entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. Always have a return or onward ticket booked before you fly.
Not usually. Immigration rarely asks for bank statements or cash for short visa-free stays. But if you look like you might be working illegally or overstaying, they can ask. Having a credit card and a few hundred dollars in cash is smart.
No, it's optional. You can fill out paper immigration and customs forms on the plane or at the airport. But using Visit Japan Web saves time — you get a QR code that lets you skip the paper queue at major airports like Narita and Haneda.
Yes, you can leave and re-enter Japan as many times as you want within the 90-day period, as long as each stay doesn't exceed 90 days and you have a valid return ticket. But doing this repeatedly over a long period may raise suspicion of living in Japan without a proper visa.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Japanese immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. If you have a valid visa in an old passport, bring both passports.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.