Japan entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy remains unchanged in 2026. You only need a valid passport and a return ticket to enter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay in Japan | Japan only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay — the 6-month rule does not apply here. Airlines sometimes enforce 6 months 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 better to have it than to argue at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but when they do, they expect a clear address and contact number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card statement showing at least ¥100,000 (roughly $700 USD) for a short trip. Officers almost never ask for it, but if they do, they want to see you're not planning to work illegally. | 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 departure. 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 before your flight lets you skip the paper forms at immigration and customs. It's free and takes 5 minutes. Do it even if you're not required to — it's worth it.
Overstaying is serious
The 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. Overstaying even by a day can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering Japan for up to 5 years. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book your return/onward ticket and first night's accommodation. Optionally register on Visit Japan Web. Arrange travel insurance and a local SIM/eSIM.
2
Arrive at a Japanese airport
You'll land at Narita (Tokyo), Haneda (Tokyo), Kansai (Osaka), 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 (if asked) return ticket and accommodation details ready. The officer will take your photo and fingerprints, then stamp your passport. This usually takes 2-5 minutes per person.
4
Collect luggage and clear customs
After immigration, pick up your checked bags from the carousel. Then proceed to customs — you'll either scan your QR code from Visit Japan Web or fill out a paper customs declaration. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods to declare.
5
Exit and start your trip
Once through customs, you're free to leave the airport. Your visa-free stay is valid for up to 90 days from the date of entry.
Download Japan Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 a longer stay; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, not extendable
Validity1 year or 3 years
Cost¥6,000 (~$40 USD) for 1-year; ¥12,000 (~$80 USD) for 3-year
Requires proof of travel history and financial stability.
Work visa
Max stay1–5 years, renewable
ValidityVaries
Cost¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility; visa fee may apply
Requires a job offer from a Japanese employer and sponsorship.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study (up to 2 years or more)
ValidityVaries
Cost¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility; visa fee may apply
Requires acceptance into 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; visa fee may apply
For professionals with a job offer in Japan. Requires university degree or 10+ years experience. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (College Student)
Duration of study (up to 2 years or more)
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility; visa fee may apply
For those enrolled in a Japanese educational institution. Allows part-time work (up to 28 hours/week) with permission. Can lead to work visa after graduation.
Apply long term resident visa
Long-Term Resident Visa
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility; visa fee may apply
For individuals with specific ties to Japan (e.g., Japanese descendant, spouse of Japanese national, or refugee). Requires proof of relationship or status.
Apply investor visa
Business Manager Visa
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility; visa fee may apply
For entrepreneurs starting or managing a business in Japan. Requires minimum investment of ¥5 million (~$33,000 USD) and a physical office. Can lead to permanent residency.
Apply 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; conditions apply. | ¥6,000 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ¥200,000 (~$1,340 USD); overstaying can lead to deportation and ban. | ¥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
Latvia 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 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, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common during winter months; vaccination recommended.
Japanese EncephalitisLow risk
Rare in urban areas; risk in rural areas during transmission season (summer/fall).
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water; risk from raw or undercooked seafood.
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 waits.
Osaka
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1-1-10 Nanko-kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0034
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa-related matters for Kansai region; bring all required documents.
Practical information for LV 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 = 159.03 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 is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa (like a tourist visa or working holiday visa) before you travel. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering Japan.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Japanese immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Japan, not your departure date.
No, if you're transiting and staying airside (don't pass through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need to qualify for visa-free entry (which you do as a Latvian passport holder) — just show your passport and onward ticket.
The airline may refuse to let you board, and immigration may deny entry. Always have a confirmed return or onward ticket. A refundable ticket booked and then cancelled after entry is a common workaround, but not recommended — immigration can check.
No, it's optional. You can fill out paper forms at the airport instead. But using Visit Japan Web saves time — you get a QR code that speeds you through immigration and customs. It's free and takes 5 minutes to complete online before your flight.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short 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 travel.
Report it immediately to the nearest police station and get a police report. Then contact the Latvian Embassy in Tokyo (or the nearest EU consulate) for an emergency travel document. You'll need that to leave Japan. Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your passport separately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.