The Visa System in Japan

For any foreigner traveling to Japan, a valid visa is required to be stamped and attached to their passports in order to enter as “temporary visitor” The visa may be acquired from the Japanese embassy in their country.

Japan’s Immigration Control Act stipulates that “anyforeigner wishing to enter or land in Japan must possess a valid passport and a visa obtained from an embassy or consulate” it further follows that without the valid visa; a foreigner is not granted the right to enter Japan.  A temporary visa expires in 90 days from it was stamped.

However, foreigners coming from Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland or the United Kingdom may request for an extension of their temporary visas to up to six months.

A visa however, does not automatically warrant a landing permission.  This landing permission is determined by the immigration, upon the foreigner’s arrival at the airport or seaport. The immigration officer must stamp not only the arrival date and port of entry, but also the status of residency of the foreigner. This further determines whether or not a foreigner is allowed to engage in any activity inside Japan.

The validity of the landing permission will determine whether future immigration applications, such as extension of term or a change in residency, is granted.