Japan entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can visit Japan for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free arrangement remains in place for 2026. Ensure your passport meets entry rules and you have the required documents ready.
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 — just needs to be valid for the full duration of 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, Haneda, and Kansai routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Enforcement varies by officer, but having a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, not having one can mean extra questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash/credit available to cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing you can support yourself (roughly ¥10,000 per day) satisfies most officers. | Recommended |
| Visit Japan WebJapan'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 registration | Register your passport, flight details, and customs declaration online 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 — completely optional but saves 15–30 minutes at arrival.Register on Visit Japan Web | Optional |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Japanese immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied travel. Renew it well in advance.
Visit Japan Web saves time at the airport
Pre-registering on Visit Japan Web is free and lets you skip the paper forms. You'll get a QR code for faster immigration and customs. Do it up to 2 weeks before your trip at https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp.
No visa needed for stays up to 90 days
German passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends/family. Just have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or save your return ticket and first-night hotel booking, and optionally register on Visit Japan Web. If using an eSIM, install it before departure.
2
Arrive at the airport in Japan
At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or other international airports, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport, boarding pass, and any pre-filled forms ready.
3
Go through immigration
Present your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, hotel booking). The officer may ask about your stay duration and purpose. Answer clearly. They will stamp your passport with a 90-day visitor status.
4
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 clearance. Otherwise, fill out a paper customs declaration.
5
Exit and start your trip
Once through customs, you're free to enter Japan. Activate your eSIM or insert your local SIM. Use public transport or a taxi to your accommodation.
Download Japan Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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 date
Cost¥3,000 (~$20 USD)
For those who want a longer stay or need a visa; apply at Japanese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 to 5 years
Cost¥6,000 (~$40 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of travel history and funds.
Work visa
Max stay1 to 5 years
ValidityVaries
Cost¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
Requires a job offer from a Japanese employer; sponsored by 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 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 sponsoring employer and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa (College Student)
Duration of study (up to 2+ years), renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For those enrolled in a Japanese university or language school. Allows part-time work (up to 28 hours/week) with permission. Pathway to work visa after graduation.
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. Can lead to permanent residency.
long term resident visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (for spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents)
1 to 5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For foreign spouses of Japanese citizens or permanent residents. Requires proof of marriage and stable income. Allows unrestricted work and long-term stay.
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 of ¥500,000 (~$3,350 USD); overstaying can lead to deportation. | ¥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
German passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Japan, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. For connecting flights within 72 hours, a temporary visitor visa may be obtained on arrival if needed.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) is available for German passport holders.
Transit hubsNarita International Airport (NRT) · Kansai International Airport (KIX) · Haneda Airport (HND)
Health & vaccines for Japan
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese 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 insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but food hygiene is excellent. Rare cases of food poisoning from raw 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 108-8255
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and status changes; bring all required documents.
Osaka
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1-2-2 Benten, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0007
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa matters for Kansai region; appointments recommended.
Practical information for DE 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
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave Japan before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entry. If you need a longer stay, apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy before you travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Japanese immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. If you have a second passport, it must also meet the 6-month validity rule.
If you stay airside (do not pass immigration) and your connecting flight is within 24 hours, you generally do not need a visa. If you need to enter Japan (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you must meet the visa-free entry requirements as above.
Airlines may deny boarding, and immigration can refuse entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A fully refundable ticket is a safe option if your plans are uncertain.
No, it's optional. But it significantly speeds up immigration and customs by letting you submit your details online in advance. You'll get a QR code to scan at the airport. It's free and available in English at https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp.
No, the visa-free status is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. Remote work for a foreign employer is technically not allowed. If you plan to work, you need a proper work visa. Japan does have a 'Digital Nomad Visa' but it's separate and requires a different application.
Report the loss immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the German Embassy or Consulate in Tokyo or Osaka for an emergency passport. You'll need the police report, a passport photo, and proof of identity. Processing takes 1-3 days.
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.