Do American citizens need a visa for Japan?
The official link goes to mofa.go.jp. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
Japan entry rules for American citizens.
| Verdict | Visa-free |
|---|---|
| Document | None |
| Stay | 90 days per entry |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an American passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: Japan entry requirements.
The details for an American passport.
Temporary Visitor, up to 90 days per entry (tourism, business meetings, visiting family). No work. Passport must be valid for the whole stay.
How long it must be valid.
Passport must be valid for the whole length of stay; Japan sets no extra validity period (airlines may apply their own stricter rules). If extending your stay, the passport must cover the extension.
Recent changes in Japan.
- 2026-07-01 — International Tourist Tax raised from JPY 1,000 to JPY 3,000 per departure (tickets contracted before this date keep JPY 1,000).
- 2026-07-01 — Visa fees raised roughly fivefold: approx. JPY 15,000 single-entry, JPY 30,000 multiple-entry.
- 2026-05-29 — Diet enacted the Immigration Control Act amendment creating JESTA and raising caps on residence-procedure fees (permanent residence cap JPY 300,000; extension/change cap JPY 100,000; exact amounts by ordinance).
The short answers.
Do American citizens need a visa for Japan?
No. American citizens don’t need a visa for Japan for stays of 90 days per entry.
How long can American citizens stay in Japan?
90 days per entry. Longer stays need a different visa.
Where do American citizens apply?
On the official site, mofa.go.jp. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue Japan visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.