Skip to content
2 ways to enter

Japan visas

Japan transit visa

Eligible travellers continuing to a third country may receive permission to enter Japan for up to 72 hours. Permission is limited to a designated area near the arrival port.

Ways to get a Japan transit visa

  1. Shore Pass

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers continuing to a third country who meet the transit conditions and leave from the same port where they arrived.

    Stay
    Up to 72 hours.
    1. Obtain an application form from your airline or vessel company.
    2. Present a confirmed electronic ticket leaving Japan when seeking permission.

  2. Transit Pass

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers continuing to a third country who meet the transit conditions and leave from a different port within the same allowed group.

    Stay
    Up to 72 hours.
    1. Check that your arrival and departure ports are in the same allowed group.
    2. Obtain an application form from your airline or vessel company.
    3. Present a confirmed electronic ticket leaving Japan when seeking permission.

Who needs it

Travellers seeking to enter Japan during a connection must meet the transit permission conditions.

Who doesn't

Eligible travellers may enter under transit without visa permission.

Changing planes

Leaving the airport
Stay within the designated area near the arrival port. A Shore Pass covers departure from the same port. A Transit Pass covers departure from a different port, within an allowed group of ports.
Longest transit
72 hours
Transit without a visa
Continue to a third country via Japan, stay in the designated area, and obtain an application form from the airline or vessel company. Carry a confirmed electronic ticket leaving Japan. Permission may be refused without it.

How to apply

  1. Obtain an application form from your airline or vessel company.
  2. Present your confirmed electronic ticket leaving Japan when seeking permission.

What to bring

  • An application form from the airline or vessel company.
  • A confirmed electronic ticket leaving Japan.

Good to know

  • Travel onward to a third country.
  • Stay within the designated area near the arrival port.
  • Permitted purposes include sightseeing, rest, shopping and emergencies.
  • For a Transit Pass, arrive and depart within the same allowed group of ports.
  • North Korean nationals are refused entry and transit, even if they stay on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.
  • General rules for staying in the airport without entering Japan are not specified.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Japan?

Travellers seeking to enter Japan during a connection must meet the transit permission conditions. Eligible travellers may enter under transit without visa permission.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Japan?

There are 2 options: Shore Pass (transit without a visa); Transit Pass (transit without a visa).

How long can I stay on a Japan transit visa?

Up to 72 hours.

What documents do I need for a Japan transit visa?

An application form from the airline or vessel company.; A confirmed electronic ticket leaving Japan..

How do I apply for a Japan transit visa?

1. 1. Obtain an application form from your airline or vessel company. 2. 2. Present your confirmed electronic ticket leaving Japan when seeking permission.

How long can I stay in transit in Japan?

Up to 72 hours, if you meet the conditions. Continue to a third country via Japan, stay in the designated area, and obtain an application form from the airline or vessel company. Carry a confirmed electronic ticket leaving Japan. Permission may be refused without it.

What rules do I have to follow on a Japan transit visa?

Travel onward to a third country. Stay within the designated area near the arrival port. Permitted purposes include sightseeing, rest, shopping and emergencies. For a Transit Pass, arrive and depart within the same allowed group of ports.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Japan?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Japan visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Japan be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Japan transit visa rules?

On Japan's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Reviewed by