Japan entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Japan for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Vietnamese citizens, so you must apply in person at the Japanese embassy or consulate. The process requires careful preparation and typically takes about a week, so start well in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Japan visaYou must get a visa stamped in your passport before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens. Visa required | Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Japan. Apply at the Embassy of Japan in Hanoi or the Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City. You are not eligible for the Japan eVisa program. | Required |
| Passport validityJapanese immigration will deny entry if your passport expires too soon. 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Japan. Ensure it meets this requirement before applying for your visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must prove you intend to leave Japan within your allowed stay. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Japan before your visa expires. This is typically checked at check-in and may be requested by immigration. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Japan, such as bank statements or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation, meals, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Visit Japan WebUsing this service is voluntary but can save time at the airport. Arrival declaration | Although not mandatory, you can pre-register your arrival information (immigration, customs, and quarantine) using the Visit Japan Web online service before departure. This can speed up your entry process. | Optional |
| eVisa applicationOnly certain nationalities can use the eVisa; Vietnam is not one of them. Not eligible | Vietnamese passport holders are not eligible for Japan's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online; you must apply through the embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No eVisa for Vietnamese passport holders
Japan's eVisa system does not include Vietnam. Do not fall for websites offering 'online Japan visas'—they are scams. The only legal way is through the embassy or consulate in person.
Visit Japan Web—pre-arrival registration
Even with a visa, you can use the Visit Japan Web service (https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp) to pre-register your immigration and customs information. This lets you use faster QR code lanes at major airports. It's optional but saves time.
Overstaying is serious
Japanese immigration is strict. Overstaying your visa by even one day can result in detention, a fine, and a ban from re-entering Japan for years. Mark your departure date clearly and leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, bank statements, employment letter, itinerary, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application at the embassy/consulate
Visit the Embassy of Japan in Hanoi or the Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City in person. You cannot apply by mail. Bring all originals and copies. Expect to wait in line—go early in the morning.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5-7 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. You may be called for an interview if additional documents are needed.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy/consulate to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates, visa type) are correct before leaving.
5
Arrive in Japan and go through immigration
At airports like Narita, Haneda, or Kansai, join the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Have your passport, visa, and possibly a return ticket ready. You'll be fingerprinted and photographed. The visa allows a stay of up to 15 or 30 days (as granted).
Download Japan Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Work visa (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities)
Max stayUp to 5 years (renewable)
Validity1–5 years
CostApprox. $30–$60 (application fee)
Requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from a Japanese employer.
Student visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
Validity3 months to 2 years
CostApprox. $30–$60 (application fee)
Requires acceptance by a Japanese educational institution and COE.
Business manager visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (renewable)
Validity1–5 years
CostApprox. $30–$60 (application fee)
For those starting or managing a business in Japan; requires COE.
work visa
Work Visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
1-5 years, renewable
Free (employer-sponsored)
For professionals with a job offer in Japan. Requires a degree or relevant experience. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa (College Student)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Free (school-sponsored)
For those enrolled in a Japanese university or language school. Allows part-time work (up to 28 hours/week).
investor visa
Business Manager Visa
1-5 years, renewable
Free (self-sponsored)
For individuals starting or managing a business in Japan. Requires a minimum investment of 5 million JPY and a physical office.
long term resident
Long-Term Resident Visa
1-5 years, renewable
Free (sponsored by relative)
For spouses or children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents. Allows unrestricted work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (e.g., 15-day temporary visitor)For tourism or business visits up to 15 days. | Free (visa waiver for 15 days) |
| Visa application fee (if staying longer than 15 days)Fee varies by visa type and processing method. | Approx. $30–$60 |
| Visa extension fee (if applicable)Extensions are rarely granted; must apply before current visa expires. | Approx. $30–$50 |
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
Vietnamese citizens transiting through Japan (e.g., at Narita, Haneda, Kansai) do not need a visa if they stay airside and depart within 72 hours. However, if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or overnight outside the transit area), you must obtain a transit visa or a temporary visitor visa in advance.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area.
- If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (not applicable for Vietnam).
Transit hubsNarita International Airport (NRT) · Haneda Airport (HND) · Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Health & vaccines for Japan
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common during winter months; vaccination recommended.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water, but risk exists with raw or undercooked items.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Japanese encephalitis)Low risk
Rare in urban areas; risk in rural regions 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 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and status changes; bring all required documents.
Osaka
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1-2-1 Benten, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0007
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa matters for the Kansai region.
Practical information for VN 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 = 161.33 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
Standard processing takes 5-7 working days after submission. During peak travel seasons (like Golden Week or summer), it can stretch to 10-15 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned departure.
No. Vietnamese passport holders are not eligible for Japan's eVisa system. You must apply in person at the Embassy of Japan in Hanoi or the Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City.
The visa fee is typically around 3,000-6,000 JPY (about 500,000-1,200,000 VND) for a single-entry visa, depending on the current exchange rate and embassy policy. The fee is non-refundable if your visa is refused.
For Vietnamese citizens, the single-entry tourist visa usually allows a stay of up to 15 days. Some cases may get 30 days, but that's at the discretion of the embassy. The exact duration is printed on the visa sticker.
There's no official minimum, but a balance of at least 1,000 USD (around 25 million VND) for a short trip is generally considered sufficient. The embassy looks for stable income and enough funds to cover your stay without working.
No. Japan tourist visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Japan and apply for a new visa from outside the country. Overstaying even a day can lead to fines, detention, and a ban from re-entry.
You'll get a refusal notice, and the fee is not refunded. You can reapply, but you need to address the reason for refusal—often insufficient funds, unclear itinerary, or weak ties to Vietnam. Wait a few months and strengthen your application before trying again.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.