Japan entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Japan for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026 and covers most short-term visits. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the day you land.
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 — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes enforce the 6-month rule, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Japan | Immigration officers ask for a return or onward ticket at entry. Enforcement varies by officer — some check strictly, others skip it. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host address | Immigration rarely asks for proof of accommodation, but having a hotel confirmation or host's address handy smooths things out. Keep a copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers rarely request proof of funds for short stays, but carrying a credit card or bank statement covers you if asked. No specific amount is required. | 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 at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before your flight — 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 airports.Register on Visit Japan Web | Optional |
Visit Japan Web saves time
Registering online at https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before you fly lets you skip the paper forms and use a QR code at immigration and customs. It's free and available in English.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Japan. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Japanese immigration
At major airports like Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. Join the queue for non-residents. Have your passport and completed arrival card (or Visit Japan Web QR code) ready.
2
Present documents and get fingerprinted
Hand over your passport and any forms. Immigration will take your photo and fingerprints (both index fingers). This is standard for all foreign visitors. Answer any questions about your stay duration and purpose.
3
Receive entry stamp and collect luggage
Once approved, you'll get an entry stamp with a 'landing permission' sticker showing your permitted stay (usually 90 days). Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you used Visit Japan Web, scan the QR code at the customs kiosk.
Download Japan Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Japanese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1-5 years
Cost¥6,000 (~$40 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of travel history.
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 course (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)
1-5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For professionals with a job offer in Japan. Requires university degree or 10+ years experience. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa (College of Technology/University)
Duration of course (up to 2 years, renewable)
¥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. Pathway to work visa after graduation.
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 minimum investment of ¥5 million (~$33,000 USD) and a physical office. Allows long-term stay.
retirement visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (for retirees)
1-3 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for certificate of eligibility
For those with Japanese ancestry or special circumstances. Not generally available for standard retirees. Requires proof of sufficient funds and health insurance.
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. | ¥6,000 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period; may lead to deportation and ban. | ¥10,000 (~$67 USD) per day, max ¥200,000 (~$1,340 USD) |
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Japan, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport (e.g., to stay overnight), a visa or visa-free entry may be required.
- For certain nationalities, a transit visa may be needed even for airside transit.
Transit hubsNarita International Airport (NRT) · Kansai International Airport (KIX) · Haneda Airport (HND)
Health & vaccines for Japan
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is high, but raw seafood may pose risk for some.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Japanese encephalitis)Low risk
Rare in urban areas; risk in rural areas during summer.
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 long queues.
Osaka
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1-3-14 Nanko-kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0034
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa-related matters for Kansai region.
Practical information for NZ 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 is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type (e.g., a tourist visa or working holiday visa) before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or 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, not your departure date.
If you're staying in the international transit area and not passing through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Japan (e.g., to switch airports or for a layover over 24 hours), the visa-free rules apply — you can stay up to 90 days. Check with your airline for specific transit requirements.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, and deported. A record of overstaying can lead to a ban from re-entering Japan for several years. Always leave before your permitted stay expires.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits only. You cannot engage in paid work or enroll in a course. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa before you arrive.
No, it's optional. You can still fill out paper arrival and customs forms on the plane or at the airport. But using Visit Japan Web can significantly reduce your time in queues, especially at busy airports like Narita or Haneda.
Report the loss immediately to the nearest police station and get a police report. Then contact the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo (or the consulate in Osaka) to apply for an emergency travel document. You'll need a passport-style photo and proof of identity. The embassy can issue a temporary passport, usually within a few 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.