1. Do nationals still need a visa?
Since 11 October 2022, visa-free travel between and Japan has been reinstated. This means that holders of passports can enter without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, private visits or business, provided that they do not take up paid employment or paid training.
If you plan to receive any kind of remuneration – from a fee to pocket money for an internship – you must obtain the appropriate visa before departure.
2. When is a visa essential?
Employment, paid internship, artistic contract – work visa (e.g. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services).
Degree studies, language courses, academic exchanges – student visa.
Extended private stay (over 90 days), family stay, engagement in religious activities, volunteering over 90 days – respectively a Long-Stay, Dependent, Religious Activities or Cultural Activities visa.
Frequent business trips – single- or multiple-entry business visa; for short business trips, visa-free entry (the “Temporary Visitor” entry stamp) is usually sufficient for nationals.
3. Where is the application submitted?
The only place that accepts applications is the Consular Section of the Embassy of Japan in Warsaw (ul. Szwoleżerów 8). Applications are accepted Monday to Friday from 9:00–12:30 and 13:30–17:00, without prior appointment – it is advisable, however, to check the calendar of and Japanese public holidays, when the counter may be closed.
4. Visa documents (work, study, long stay)
Passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure from Japan.
Visa application form (available on the embassy website), filled in in block letters and signed.
One colour photograph 45 × 45 mm on a white background.
Travel itinerary or certificate of acceptance (e.g. a Certificate of Eligibility or ERFS certificate issued by a Japanese institution).
Proof of residence in – residence card (for foreign nationals).
Additionally: employment certificate, bank statement or sponsor’s letter – depending on the visa type.
All documents must be originals; copies of LOIs, certificates or tickets are not accepted unless the embassy indicates otherwise. If you use an intermediary, remember that the form must still be signed by hand.
5. Fees and processing time
Most national visas for nationals are free of charge; in cases where a fee is charged, it does not exceed the equivalent of EUR 10. External service providers may add their own service fee. The average consular processing time is 2–4 weeks from the date of submission of a complete set of documents – the authorities may request additional documents, which will extend the processing time.
6. Passport, entry stamp and extension of stay
Passport – a 6‑month validity buffer is recommended, although formally it only needs to cover the entire stay.
The “Temporary Visitor” stamp (visa-free entry) or the visa sticker specifies the latest date of departure.
Exceptional extension of stay is possible only for valid reasons (e.g. hospitalisation). The application is submitted at the local immigration office – preferably in Tokyo – no later than 10 days before the expiry of your lawful stay.
7. Frequently asked questions – brief answers
Are the 90 days counted from landing or from midnight the next day?
– Japan counts lawful stay from the moment the entry stamp is placed in your passport until 24:00 on the date indicated in the stamp.
Is an onward/return ticket required?
– Yes, the officer may ask to see it; an electronic booking confirmation is sufficient.
Can someone submit the application on my behalf?
– Yes, but the form must be signed by you, and your representative must present your original passport.
May I work remotely for a company while staying visa-free?
– Japanese regulations do not prohibit online work for a foreign employer, provided you do not receive any remuneration from a Japanese entity and do not provide services on the Japanese market. In practice, an officer may ask for explanations; therefore, have proof of income sources outside Japan.
Do I need to register my address?
– For tourist stays of up to 90 days there is no obligation to register your address.
8. Step by step – how to prepare for your trip
Check your passport validity and, if necessary, renew it so it has at least 6 months’ remaining validity.
Determine the purpose of your trip: tourism, business, study or work – this determines whether you need a visa.
Gather the documents required for your category; download the current form from the embassy website.
Buy a flight ticket with a flexible date (in case your visa issue date changes) or make a provisional booking.
Register in the Visit Japan Web system – although it is not a visa, it speeds up immigration and customs declaration.
Travel insurance – Japan does not require a policy, but a hospital bill can exceed USD 10,000.
Prepare financial means or a multi-currency card, e.g. Wise, but also carry some cash in yen – there are still many places without card terminals.
9. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Working without the appropriate visa, overstaying, or submitting false documents may result in deportation and a ban on entry for up to 5 years. Japan is strict – do not count on “discretionary” exceptions at the airport.
10. Summary – key figures to remember
90 days – maximum visa-free stay for nationals.
6 months – recommended passport validity buffer.
2–4 weeks – standard processing time for a special visa.
EUR 10 – the upper limit of any possible consular fee.
24:00 – the time by which you must leave Japan on the date indicated in the stamp or on the visa sticker.
Well-prepared documents and an understanding of when a visa is required will allow you to make full use of the 90 days for hanami, shinkansen rides and ramen without stress at passport control. However, if your plans go beyond an ordinary tourist stay, start putting together your visa application at least one month in advance. Selamat jalan – or rather, yoi ryokō o!