Japan entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. No visa application is needed — just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Japan | Japan does not require 6 months of passport validity beyond your departure date — your passport just needs to be valid for the whole 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 ask for a return or onward ticket about half the time. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A refundable ticket works if your plans are flexible. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Some officers ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host. Keep a copy of your booking confirmation or your host's contact details handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card statement showing at least ¥100,000 (roughly $700 USD) for shorter stays. Cash or a card with a visible limit also works. | 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 at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before you fly. You get a QR code that lets you use the fast lane at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai — saves 15–30 minutes in the arrival queue.Register on Visit Japan Web | Optional |
Visit Japan Web saves time
Registering online at https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before your trip lets you skip the paper forms at immigration and customs. It's free and takes about 10 minutes.
Overstaying is serious
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Overstaying even by a day can lead to fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering Japan. Set a reminder to leave before your 90 days are up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Optionally register on Visit Japan Web (vjw-lp.digital.go.jp) to speed up arrival.
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'. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
3
Go through immigration
Join the queue for foreign nationals. The officer will scan your passport, take a photo, and may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly. If you registered on Visit Japan Web, show the QR code from the confirmation.
4
Collect your luggage and clear customs
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Proceed to customs — you'll hand over the customs declaration form (paper or digital via Visit Japan Web). Most tourists are waved through without inspection.
5
Exit and start your trip
Once through customs, you're free to leave the airport. Activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM at the airport kiosk if you haven't already. Head to your accommodation via train, bus, or taxi.
Download Japan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Japanese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years for frequent travellers)
Cost¥6,000 (~$40 USD)
For multiple visits; requires proof of travel history and ties to home country.
Work visa
Max stay1–5 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 stay1–2 years, extendable
ValidityDuration of study program
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)
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For professionals with a job offer in Japan. Requires a university degree or 10+ years of experience. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa (College Student)
1–2 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.
investor visa
Business Manager Visa
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For entrepreneurs starting a business in Japan. Requires a minimum investment of ¥5 million and a physical office. Leads to permanent residency after 10 years.
long term resident visa
Long-Term Resident Visa
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, or those with other special ties. Requires proof of relationship and financial stability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Japanese embassy. | ¥3,000 (~$20 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple visits within validity period; apply at Japanese embassy. | ¥6,000 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ¥500,000 (~$3,350 USD). Overstaying can lead to deportation and bans. | ¥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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for Japan, even if leaving the airport, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
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 insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but foodborne illnesses can occur. Eat at reputable establishments.
Air pollution (PM2.5) in urban areasLow risk
Air quality is generally good, but occasional smog in large cities may affect sensitive individuals.
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
For visa extensions or status changes; bring application forms and supporting documents.
Osaka
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1-3-14 Nanko-kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0034
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits for Kansai region.
Practical information for KR 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 = 158.15 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 is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Japan before the 90 days are up and re-enter later. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering Japan.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Japanese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Japan, not your departure date.
No. If you're transiting through a Japanese airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you can enter visa-free as a tourist for up to 90 days, provided you meet the standard entry requirements.
Technically, the visa-free status is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits. Remote work for a foreign employer is a gray area. Japanese immigration generally tolerates it for short stays, but officially you're not allowed to 'work' (including remote work) without a proper work visa. If you're caught, you could be denied entry or deported.
Overstaying is a serious violation. You'll be fined, detained, and may be deported. Future visa applications to Japan will be affected. If you realize you'll overstay, contact the nearest immigration office before your visa expires to discuss options — but there are no extensions for visa-free stays.
Not usually. Japanese immigration rarely asks for proof of funds from South Korean passport holders. However, if you look like you might work illegally or have no means of support, they may ask. Having a credit card and a few hundred dollars in cash is wise.
No, it's optional. But it significantly speeds up your arrival. You fill in your passport, flight, and customs details online before you fly, then show the QR code at immigration and customs. Without it, you'll fill out paper forms at the airport, which takes longer.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.