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U S Citizens Do Not Need A Visa To Travel To Japan For Tourism Or Business

As the world increasingly becomes more globalized, more and more people are traveling to new and different countries. For many people, Japan is an appealing destination because of its rich culture and history. But before you book your ticket to Tokyo, you need to make sure you have the proper documentation. Do U.S. citizens need visas to travel to Japan? The short answer is no, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan for tourism or business purposes. However, there are some restrictions and requirements that you need to be aware of. First, you must have a valid passport. Second, your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity. Third, you must have a return ticket. Finally, you must be able to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Japan. If you meet all of these requirements, then you will be able to enter Japan without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to stay longer or engage in activities other than tourism or business, then you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. For example, if you want to study or work in Japan, you will need to obtain a student or work visa, respectively. So, in summary, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan for tourism or business purposes, as long as they have a valid passport and can show proof of sufficient funds. However, if you plan to stay longer or engage in activities other than tourism or business, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.

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Foreign tourists have been allowed to visit Japan again, but they will need a visa to do so. Prior to 2020, a visa for leisure travel to Japan was not required for Americans visiting the country. When processing visa applications, some Japanese embassies and consulates may have a wait list. Japan has divided its country and region into three types of categories under the reopening plan: red, yellow, and blue. If a country meets the blue criteria, it is possible to skip quarantine if the person passes a COVID test prior to departure. Visitors from the red group will be required to take an on-arrival test and quarantine at the airport for a period of time.

Foreign citizens who have been affected by the Coronavirus are currently required to obtain a visa in order to enter Japan. Citizens of a few countries may enter with Temporary Visitor status for a set period of time (15 to 90 days) for the purpose of tourism or business.

Do You Need A Visa To Visit Japan 2022?

Independent travelers will soon be able to travel in Japan, though the package tour system will be maintained; however, there may soon be no guide requirement. Students, business travelers, and relatives of long-term/permanent residents are all welcome to apply. If you are required to apply for a visa, you must do so all of the time.

All foreign nationals wishing to enter Japan without a visa must do so, as visa-free entry has been suspended. Japanese embassies and consulates process visa applications for citizens of other countries. Many types of visas are available for Japanese citizens, including the recently introduced eVisa for Canadian and US citizens. Tourist visas for Japan can be obtained for a variety of reasons, including sightseeing, visiting friends, or attending conferences or courses. Because of the Coronavirus, foreign citizens are now required to obtain a visa in order to enter Japan. Online application for a tourist eVisa is now available for Canadian passport holders and US citizens. It is generally acceptable to obtain multiple-entry visas for a period of one to five years. To meet government goals of reaching 60 million foreign tourists by 2030, the Japanese government established an eVisa program in August 2022. These eVisas are single-entry and allow you to stay for up to 90 days at a time.

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Visa Application Process For Japan

If you intend to visit Japan as a tourist, you should apply for a visa as soon as possible. Because the visa application process can be lengthy, it is best to plan ahead of time. The visa application process typically begins around six months before your desired departure date. After you’ve applied for your visa, you’ll need to wait a few days for a response before you can begin the next step. Because there may be a delay in response, you should double-check with your local embassy or consulate. If you have a visa, you must present your passport when you arrive in Japan. You will not be required to bring your passport if you are on a tour. Tourists are permitted to stay in Japan for no more than ninety days during their stay.

Japan Tourist Visa For U.s. Citizens

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U.S. citizens can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa, but if they want to stay longer or visit for business purposes, they will need to apply for a visa. The process for applying for a Japan tourist visa for U.S. citizens is relatively straightforward, and the embassy or consulate will usually issue the visa within a few days.

The Japanese government grants visas to citizens of the United States who want to study, work, or travel to Japan. If you are staying for more than 90 days, you must register your address with your home’s municipal office and obtain a Resident Card (Zairyu Card) from regional immigration offices. Bring your Residence Card with you at all times. A special visa for Japanese attorneys is required for international attorneys who want to take depositions in Japan. Citizens of the United States must obtain visas before visiting China. Foreign nationals entering Japan are required to provide fingerprints and be photographed as part of the fingerprint/Photo Requirements for Entry into Japan.

J-1 Visa: Perfect For Long-term Travel To Japan

If you are planning to visit Japan for an extended period of time, you should apply for a J-1 visa. It is intended for visitors who intend to stay in Japan for a long period of time but do not plan to work. Although the application process is more difficult, if you are successful, a visa will allow you to remain in Japan for up to three years.

How To Get A Visa For Japan

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There are a few steps you need to take in order to get a visa for Japan. The first step is to fill out an application form which you can get from a Japanese embassy or consulate. You will also need to provide a passport photo, your passport, and any other required documents. Once your application is complete, you will need to submit it to the embassy or consulate. You will then be contacted for an interview, and if approved, you will receive your visa.

Expats applying for work and long-term visas in Japan must provide information about their job and the reason they want to move there. Depending on the type of permit you are applying for, your expat status in Japan will be determined by the length of time you are allowed to stay. Those looking to obtain permanent residency in Japan will need to learn more about the country’s immigration system. The government of Japan has announced the introduction of a specific skill visa (tokutei ginou, **). The purpose of this visa is to encourage foreign workers to come to Japan in order to fill labor shortages in specific sectors. Only one year of the visa is valid, and it can be renewed for up to five years. Visa 2-SSV2 applications are accepted by workers who wish to stay in Japan for at least five years or their families who wish to relocate.

To obtain a working visa in Japan, you must apply based on your nationality, the type of visa you intend to obtain, and the number of visas you intend to obtain. Only intra-company transferees with an Eligibility Certificate can apply for a visa quickly without one, and they work for companies listed on the stock exchange. How to apply for a temporary or permanent residence visa in Japan varies depending on your intention to stay. A visa-free entry is available for nationals of certain countries if they intend to visit Japan for a short period of time for tourism or business. A self-sponsored business/investor visa will cost between 3,000 and 6,000 yen. Most expats apply for a temporary residence permit at the airport. If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States, you may be able to extend your stay for another 90 days.

If you enter Japan on a tourist visa and begin work in the country, you must leave the country and begin the application from abroad. On your arrival in Japan, you will be given a landing card as well as a customs declaration form. If you don’t know where you’re staying, simply enter the city or name of your hotel into this form. A zairyu card (****) is a residence card in Japan. In recent years, there has been a shift in Japan’s residency requirements. Expats can apply for permanent residence status after they have lived in the country for one to five years. To meet these requirements, the system for calculating points must be followed.

After just one year, people with scores of 80 or higher can apply for permanent residency. In Japan, a spouse visa is the same as a dependent visa and a family visa. The spouse visa can be used by a same-sex or opposite-sex couple. To sponsor a Japanese spouse, most documents must be in support of that spouse’s Japanese residence. The only additional fee is usually a family register, which is less than 500 yen (7 USD).

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document that demonstrates to Japanese officials that you are eligible for a visa. To obtain a COE in Japan, you must have a sponsor in the country, such as your employer, school, or a relative, among other things. If you are sponsoring someone in Japan, you must contact their local Immigration Office to apply for your Certificate. The time it takes to process a visa request varies. A visa will usually take five business days to process. COVID-related restrictions may keep you from completing your application in as little as one month. We do not provide on-time service. You should apply for a visa about 1.5 months ahead of departure. Please contact the Embassy if you require assistance in applying for a visa quickly. The Embassy will not be able to assist you in obtaining a visa in case your departure date has been pushed back more than 1.5 months.

The Japan Visa Requirements For Indians

Indians who want to travel to Japan must have a valid visa, which is usually processed in four working days at VFS Japan, India’s official visa application center for Japan. Applicants must provide proof of a return or onward ticket, a passport valid for six months following the date of travel, and a check or money order for the duration of their stay. For a single-entry visa, an additional fee of 3,000 yen will be charged, for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, an additional fee of 6,000 yen will be charged, and a transit fee of 700 yen will be charged. The embassy / Consulate General is located in a country’s currency (region). As a result, Indians can expect a four-working-day processing period for single-entry visas, a six-working-day processing period for double-entry and multiple-entry visas, and a seven-working-day processing period for transit visas.

Japanese Embassies

The Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. is the diplomatic mission of Japan to the United States. The embassy is located at 2520 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest in Washington, D.C., in the Embassy Row neighborhood. The current ambassador to the United States is Shinsuke J. Sugiyama.
The Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. provides consular services for Japanese citizens in the United States, and assists American citizens with inquiries about travel to Japan. The embassy also works to promote cultural exchange between the two countries.

Japan Evisa Requirements

There are a few requirements for obtaining a Japanese eVisa. Applicants must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Japan. They must also have a return ticket or onward ticket to a third country. Lastly, applicants must have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Japan.

Japanese citizens can enter Japan for up to 90 days with the launch of an eVisa for US and Canadian citizens. The online visa application for Japan will be made available to Chinese citizens who wish to visit Japan for short stays. Despite the fact that the release date was April 2020, it has been pushed back indefinitely. The Japan eVisa, which was to be introduced in April 2020, has been postponed. The entry is restricted to Japanese nationals and residents only, pending further notice. Visit the official website of Japan to learn about the visa requirements that you must meet in order to visit the country. This eVisa is available only through an online application.

A single entry visa for Japan will allow visitors to enter for a short period of time. If you want to check if you are eligible, use the visa checker tool on this page. It is expected that applicants will carefully examine all of the information provided on the eVisa application form to ensure that it is correct. Although mistakes are unavoidable, the application may not be approved. On August 18, 2022, a new electronic visa system for Japan will go into effect. The system is simple to use, allowing nationals of Canada and the United States to apply for a tourist visa online.

Can I Get Japan Visa Online?

Applicants from Canada and the United States of America can apply online for a visa. Because the visa exemption program has been suspended, foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan after the visa waiver program is in effect must apply for a visa with a re-entry permit or a visa.

Does Japan Do Evisa?

Travelers will be permitted to enter Japan once they obtain a Japan visa evisa. It will be simple for you to obtain an evisa to travel to Japan. There will be no need to visit an embassy or consulate for those applying for a visa.

How Much Money Do I Need To Show For Japan Visa?

It is not required by the Japanese Embassy to specify how much money should be in an applicant’s bank account for visa approval. Based on the experiences of travelers who received their visas, it is recommended that you have enough money on hand in your bank certificate to cover your Japan-related expenses.

Do I Need A Visa To Travel To Europe? European Visa Guide

Passport in airport

As you plan for your next trip to Europe, visas may not be the first thing on your mind. However, it is critically important to arrange your European visa ahead of time, to ensure that your trip can go off without a hitch.

Depending on where you’re from, you may be exempt from needing a visa to travel to Europe, but for most travelers, a Schengen visa will be more than sufficient for a backpacking trip.

Although visas for Europe can be tricky to understand at first, by the end of this guide, you will know exactly what you need to do to apply for one.

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Disclaimer: The following information reflects Europe Backpacker’s understanding of the Schengen visa rules. While this article has been extensively researched and is updated regularly to ensure the information is as current as it can be, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

European Visa Guide for Travelers

Who Needs a Visa To Enter Europe?

In a nutshell, mutual agreements between countries in Europe (and the EU) determine whether or not you need a visa to travel within Europe. As a rule of thumb, most non-EU citizens will require a Schengen visa, but nationals from around 60 countries are exempt. Whether or not you need a visa to enter Europe depends on your country of origin (or which country’s passport you are using to travel.)

You can see a full list here, but many countries in Asia, North America, and South America are exempt from the Schengen visa and can travel through the Schengen bloc visa-free. This includes the U.S., Canada, the UK, Japan, and Australia, among other places.

On the other hand, you may need an airport transit visa to change airplanes within Europe, even if you aren’t leaving the airport. This will depend on your nationality. It’s always a good idea to check the specific requirements for your country of origin.

Backpacking Europe Routes

What Is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa is a ‘short-stay’ visa, which allows the holder to travel within the Schengen Area and other participating countries for a period of 90 days. A big perk of the Schengen area is that you do not have to go through border control procedures between member countries. This means that Schengen nationals can work and live in other member-states, and visitors like you are allowed free movement within your visa’s time frame. Of course, make sure you always have your passport with you – especially when traveling by air, as agents will likely still ask for identification.

The Schengen Area comprises 26 countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Note that while most of these countries are also members of the European Union, a few aren’t, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Relatedly, a few EU member-states are not part of the Schengen border-free area, including, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Cyprus, and Ireland. Travel procedures may differ slightly in these countries.

Which Countries Use the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa gives you unlimited access to travel within member states of the Schengen Area, as well as several other places. There are several countries that are not part of the Schengen Area but still allow you to travel to them if you have a valid Schengen visa. These include Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey.

The territories of Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City are technically not part of Schengen but are considered ‘de facto’ members because they do not impose border controls. Interestingly, outside of Europe, a valid Schengen visa also allows you to travel to Colombia, Sao Tome and Principe, Antigua, and Mexico.

Note that requirements vary widely from country to country, so be sure to check the specifics prior to traveling.

Map of the Schengen and EU countries

Which European Countries Don’t Use the Schengen Visa?

While most countries in Europe use the Schengen visa, there are a few exceptions. Ireland, Moldova, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom do not use the Schengen visa. If you’re visiting these countries, make sure to check what you need to do to get a visa, as it varies depending on the country.

It is important to remember that the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, and travel rules have changed. Be sure to pay special attention to the entry requirements if you’re planning to travel to the UK.

How To Apply for a Schengen Visa

If you are traveling from a country that requires a visa and your primary reason for visiting is tourism (such as a backpacking trip), you will apply for the tourism Schengen visa. Note that there are separate visas for visiting family or friends, business, culture and sport, and studying – if one of these categories better fits your situation, make sure you apply for that type of visa.

You should always apply for a Schengen visa directly from an embassy, consulate, or its designated representative in your country. They may utilize a contractor service to process applications, but the information should be clear and available on their website. Official embassy websites can be found on the European Union’s website here, which is a great place to start the process.

To start your application, there are a few rules of thumb depending on your situation:

  • If you are visiting one country, apply for the visa there.
  • If you are visiting more than two countries, apply for the visa wherever you will be spending the most time.
  • If you will be spending an equal amount of time in each country you visit, apply for the visa wherever you first enter the Schengen area.

The earliest that you can apply for a visa is 6 months ahead of your trip, and the latest is 15 days. Due to different processing times, it’s recommended that you apply at least 3 weeks before you start your journey to ensure you get the visa in time, but earlier is always better!

You will also have to book an appointment for an interview. How and where the appointment is booked varies depending on the country. Some countries require that you make the appointment in-person and then attend in-person as well, while some allow you to make appointments online or over the phone.

At your appointment, you will need to bring two copies of your completed Schengen visa form; your passport; two passport photos; and other items like proof of travel insurance (we recommend SafetyWing), round-trip flight reservation, and accommodation. The visa form is streamlined for all Schengen member-states.

Biometric data (fingerprints) will also be collected, and a photo is taken of you for their system. This data is kept for five years, so if you apply for a second visa in that time frame, you won’t have to give your fingerprints again.

Travel Documents Required for Non-EU Citizens

At a minimum, you will need ​​your passport to travel to Europe. Per EU regulations, it must be valid for at least three months after you leave and must have been issued within the past 10 years. Again, many countries also ask for other documentation in order to grant your visa, which can include proof of lodging, proof of return ticket, or an invitation letter if you are visiting Europe for a particular reason.

You may also be asked to provide proof of travel insurance and proof of health insurance too. While the application form is streamlined, individual countries can request different supplementary documents. Make sure to check the requirements for the country you’re visiting ahead of this step. It’s never a bad idea to supply more information than is strictly asked for if you have it!

How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost?

A Schengen visa costs €80. This is a flat administrative fee set by the Schengen member countries and does not vary. Once your application is approved, you will receive a sticker to place in your passport. The sticker has your photo, as well as validity dates, the countries you can enter, and a unique visa number.

If you are able to enter the whole Schengen area, it will just say “Schengen States” or “Etats Schengen.” If you are restricted to certain countries, the respective country codes will be listed. This will be a 1 or 2 letter acronym: e.g. Portugal is P, Netherlands is NL.

Remember to apply for your visa only through the embassy or consulate in your country. If they use a contractor or similar service to process applications, they’ll point you in the right direction. Scams are uncommon but do exist. You should be easily able to avoid them if you only communicate with the correct embassy or consulate directly.

It has been announced that in 2023, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be launched. Any traveller who is visiting the EU or Schengen Area visa-free will need to complete an online form that comes with a €7 ($7USD) admin fee per person. This includes travellers from the US, UK, Japan, Singapore and others.

A collection of Euro

Entry Requirements for Non-EU Citizens

In addition to the travel documents mentioned above, you may be asked to provide means of subsistence. This is proof of income or proof of your ability to sustain yourself financially during your trip.

Authorities may ask you for bank statements or similar to ensure that you can support your activities while in the Schengen area. The amount varies depending on where you are visiting but is often around €50 per day plus the cost of a hotel room. Countries with a higher cost of living will require proof of more funds.

Schengen Visa FAQs

  • Do I need a visa to travel to Europe? Whether or not you need a visa depends on where you come from and what countries you’re visiting. Most non-EU citizens will need a visa to visit Europe. Nationals of countries on the exempt list do not need a visa to enter.
  • What is a Schengen visa? The Schengen visa is a ‘short-stay’ visa, which allows you to travel within the Schengen Area and other participating countries for a period of 90 days.
  • Do UK citizens need a visa for Europe? No, the UK is on the list of visa-exempt countries.
  • Do American citizens need a visa for Europe? No, the US is on the list of visa-exempt countries.
  • What are common reasons Schengen visa applications get declined? Most declined applications are declined due to an error on the application or suspicion of false data provided (e.g. fake passport.) If you made a mistake on your application, you can appeal the decision with the correct data. Your application may also be declined if you do not satisfy the application criteria, such as proof of means of subsistence.
  • Are you required to submit biometric data for a Schengen visa? Yes. In addition to other identification documents, biometric data (fingerprints) will be recorded at your application appointment.
  • How long in advance can I apply for a Schengen visa? You can apply up to six months in advance of your trip.
  • How much does a Schengen visa cost? There is a flat administrative fee of €80.

When you plan your trip to Europe, don’t forget to check if you need a visa. If you are not an EU citizen, there is a good chance that you will need a European visa, unless you are from a visa-exempt country. Most non-EU citizens will be best served by a Schengen visa. This visa includes the 26 Schengen bloc countries as well as several other places in Europe and offers you free movement between them for 90 days.

It’s not as hard to secure a Schengen visa as you might think – simply follow these steps:

  1. Check if you need a visa
  2. If you do, contact the consulate or embassy nearest to you for the country you are seeking to get a visa for and make an appointment
  3. Fill out the application form correctly prior to your appointment, and print out two copies. Bring the form, your passport, passport photos, and any required supplementary information (proof of lodging, etc.) with you
  4. When you receive your visa, stick it in your passport
  5. Enjoy your trip!

What has your experience been like getting a Schengen visa? Any tips we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Turkey Visa for US Citizens

US citizens traveling to Türkiye must have a Turkish visa to pass through border control.

Applying for a Turkish visa for US citizens no longer means going in-person to a national embassy or consulate or obtaining a visa on arrival at the border.

To travel to Türkiye from the US, American passport holders can now get an electronic visa (e-Visa) instead of the traditional ‘stamp’ or ‘sticker’ visa. This modern and convenient system makes it easy to apply for a Turkey visa online from the US.

The Turkey e-Visa for US citizens can be used for both tourist visits and business travel. The e-Visa grants US Travelers a stay of up to 3 months, with multiple entries.

American citizens may need to obtain additional documents to visit Türkiye:

    —recommended when visiting Turkey —depending on the traveler

travel to turkey from us

Do Americans Need an eVisa for Turkey?

Turkey’s visa policy states that US passport holders need a visa to enter Türkiye, even for short stays.

There are 3 ways to get a visa for Turkey from the USA: online (recommended), on arrival, or at an embassy.

US citizens are encouraged to use the eVisa system as it is the fastest and most convenient way to apply for a visa. Turkey eVisa applicants with a US passport do not need to attend an interview at the embassy or wait in line for a visa on arrival at the airport.

Instead, the application is entirely online. Americans fill out the form on their smartphone or computer and receive the approved Turkish eVisa by email.

Information about the Turkish eVisa for U.S. Citizens

There are single and multiple-entry visas for Turkey. American passport holders are eligible for the multiple-entry permit: they can visit Türkiye more than once while the visa remains valid.

Other important information about the electronic visa for Turkey from the US:

  • Length of stay—up to 90 days
  • Visa validity—180 days from the arrival date
  • Purpose of visit—tourism, business, transit

An embassy visa is required to stay in Türkiye for longer than 3 months, or for purposes not listed above.

evisa for turkey application

Turkey e-Visa Requirements for American Citizens

To get a Turkey visa for US citizens, applicants need:

  • A passport with a minimum validity of 150 days from the date of arrival
  • An email address where notifications and the e-Visa will be sent
  • A debit or credit card to pay for the visa fee

Travelers also need to meet the eVisa eligibility criteria. Questions on the eVisa form verify the US citizen can travel with an electronic visa, they cover the purpose of visit, availability of funds, and passport validity.

How to Get a Turkey Visa for US Passport Holders

American travelers can get a Turkish visa for US citizens in 3 steps:

Complete the Turkey eVisa form

  • Fill in the form with required information: personal data, passport details, travel information
  • The process takes around 5 minutes
  • Obtain other documents for Türkiye such as embassy registration (if eligible)

Pay the application fee

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