Japan entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can visit Japan for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free arrangement is valid through 2026 and beyond, but you must meet entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay in Japan | Japan does not require 6 months of passport validity beyond your departure date — it just needs to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes enforce the 6-month rule anyway, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Japan | Immigration officers at Narita and Haneda ask for a return or onward ticket more often than not. Have a printed or digital copy ready — enforcement varies by officer, but it's safer to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration rarely asks for it, but budget airlines and some check-in counters do. Have your hotel confirmation or host's address and phone number handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers almost never ask for bank statements for Swiss passport holders, but carry a credit card or a few thousand yen in cash just in case. | 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 | Register at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp with your passport and flight details before departure. You get a QR code that lets you use the fast lane at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai — saves 15–30 minutes in the customs queue.Register on Visit Japan Web | Optional |
Visit Japan Web saves time
Register at https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before you fly. You'll get a QR code that lets you skip the paper forms at immigration and customs. It's free and takes 10 minutes.
Overstaying is serious
Do not overstay your 90-day visa-free period. Penalties include fines, detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book a return/onward ticket and first-night accommodation. Optionally register on Visit Japan Web. Print or save screenshots of your flight and hotel confirmations.
2
Arrive at a Japanese airport
You'll land at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Foreign Passports'.
3
Go through immigration
Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, boarding pass, and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking) ready. An officer will take your photo and fingerprints. They may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 'Temporary Visitor' status and a permitted stay of up to 90 days. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
5
Collect luggage and clear customs
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. If you registered on Visit Japan Web, use the QR code at customs for faster processing. Otherwise, fill out a paper customs declaration form.
Download Japan Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost¥3,000 (~$20 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Japanese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, not extendable
Validity1 to 5 years depending on applicant
Cost¥6,000 (~$40 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of sufficient funds and travel history.
Work visa
Max stay1 to 5 years, extendable
ValidityDuration of employment contract
Cost¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
Requires a job offer from a Japanese employer and a Certificate of Eligibility.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study program, extendable
ValidityUp to 2 years initially
Cost¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
Requires acceptance into a Japanese educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
1 to 5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for Certificate of Eligibility
For professionals with a job offer in Japan. Requires a university degree or relevant experience. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (College Student)
Up to 2 years initially, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for Certificate of Eligibility
For those enrolled in a Japanese educational institution. Allows part-time work (up to 28 hours/week) with permission. Pathway to work visa after graduation.
Apply investor visa
Business Manager Visa
1 to 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. Allows long-term stay and family.
Apply long term resident visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (Designated Activities)
1 to 5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for Certificate of Eligibility
For individuals with specific ties to Japan (e.g., Japanese descendant, refugee, or special circumstances). Requires approval on a case-by-case basis.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Japanese embassy. | ¥3,000 (~$20 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple visits within validity period; conditions apply. | ¥6,000 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; overstaying can lead to deportation and ban. | ¥10,000 (~$67 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Japan do not need a transit visa for airside transit within 72 hours, provided they remain in the international transit area and have onward tickets.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa or visa-free entry may be required.
- For certain nationalities, a transit visa may be needed even for airside transit; check with airline.
Transit hubsNarita International Airport (NRT) · Kansai International Airport (KIX) · Haneda Airport (HND)
Health & vaccines for Japan
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Japanese encephalitis)Low risk
Risk is low for most tourists, but present in rural areas during summer; use repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but foodborne illness can occur; practice good hygiene.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude areas like Mount Fuji; ascend gradually.
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 to avoid long queues.
Osaka
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1-2-2 Benten, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0007
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa-related matters for Kansai region; bring all required documents.
Practical information for CH 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 = 158.81 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Japan — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave Japan before the 90 days are up. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a visa (e.g., a long-stay visa for work, study, or family reasons) before you travel.
Overstaying is a serious offense. You may be fined, detained, or deported, and you could be banned from re-entering Japan for several years. Always leave on or before the 90th day.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't go through immigration, you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport (even for a few hours), you need to enter as a Temporary Visitor — which is visa-free for Swiss passport holders for up to 90 days.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits only. You cannot work (paid or unpaid) or enroll in a course longer than 90 days. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa before you arrive.
Report the loss immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the Swiss Embassy in Tokyo (or the Consulate in Osaka) to apply for an emergency travel document. You'll need a passport to leave Japan.
No, it's optional. You can fill out paper forms on the plane or at the airport. But using Visit Japan Web saves time — you get a QR code that speeds you through immigration and customs. It's free and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
If you arrive by cruise ship and stay in port for less than 72 hours, you may be eligible for a 'shore pass' issued by the ship. But if you plan to stay longer or travel inland, you need to enter as a Temporary Visitor (visa-free for Swiss passport holders). Check with your cruise line for specifics.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.