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Do Australians need a visa for Japan?

No. Australians do not need a visa for a short stay in Japan of up to 90 days. Australia is on the Japanese foreign ministry's list of 74 visa-exempt countries and regions, revised 1 September 2025. The stay cannot include paid work.

Updated

90days visa-free
Since 1980working holiday programme
1,058,396visitors to Japan in 2025

No visa for short stays

The rule for Australian passports

What the Japanese foreign ministry lists for Australia.

Short-stay visa
Not needed
Visa-free stay
90 days
eVISA where you live
Online
Working holiday
Since 1980
Japanese missions
6
Visa for a short stay
Not required
Longest stay granted
90 days
Passport
Valid ordinary passport
What a short stay covers
Tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives. No paid work.
Group on the ministry's list
Oceania
List last revised
1 September 2025
The official wording
MOFA: visa exemption listThe period of stay granted upon landing permission will be "15 days" for Indonesia and Thailand, “30 days” for Brunei and Qatar, and "90 days" for other countries and regions.Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)
MOFA(A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities)VISA
Embassy of Japan in AustraliaAustralian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Japan if you are visiting for purposes like tourism, business or transit, for less than 90 days.Temporary Visitor Visa

Other passports from Oceania

Short-stay visa rules for passports from Oceania (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, exemption list revised 1 September 2025)
PassportShort-stay visaVisa-free stay
AustraliaNot needed90 days
New ZealandNot needed90 days

Passport conditions

A valid passport is the starting point for every traveller.

You must hold a valid passport to enter Japan (Immigration Control Act, Article 3).

The foreign ministry's list attaches no extra passport condition to Australia.

What the Embassy of Japan in Australia says

Embassy of Japan in AustraliaThe remaining period of validity on your passport does not have to be at least six months. … Please ensure your passport is valid for your trip and return. … We recommend that you check the regulations of your airline before travelling with less than six months passport validity.Visa Enquiries & FAQ

Working, studying or staying longer

Visa-free entry covers short stays only.

Paid work is outside a short stay. To work for pay, or to stay more than 90 days, you need a visa. The foreign ministry says to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services Agency first, in principle.

Working holiday visa

Japan has run a working holiday programme with Australia since 1980. Visas issued per year: no limit. It is for young people whose main purpose is a holiday, with work allowed to top up travel funds.

Programme since
1980
Visas per year
No limit
Age
18 to 25 when you apply (30 where both governments agree)
Second participation
Once in a lifetime

Apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in Australia.

Digital nomad status

Australia is on the Immigration Services Agency's list for Japan's digital nomad status: remote work from Japan for up to 6 months, with no extension.

At the airport in Japan

The same steps apply to every foreign visitor.

On arrival you complete the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner (online through Visit Japan Web, or on paper), give your fingerprints and a facial photograph, and an immigration officer decides whether you can land.

JESTA, Japan's travel authorisation

Not yet. JESTA is the electronic travel authorisation Japan is creating for visa-exempt visitors. The Immigration Services Agency gives its start only as a date set by Cabinet Order, no later than 31 March 2029.

Living in Australia with another passport

Visa applications go by where you live, not only by nationality.

You can apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your own country or in the country where you live. You cannot apply while travelling in a third country.

People living in Australia who need a visa can apply online through the JAPAN eVISA website. The eVISA is a single-entry visa for tourism of up to 90 days.

MOFAAustralia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, U.S.A. All foreign nationals/people residing in these countries/regions, except those who are exempt from short-term visa, can apply for an eVISA through the JAPAN eVISA website.The JAPAN eVISA system (electronic visa)
Embassy of Japan in AustraliaPlease note eVisa is only available for Single-Entry Tourist Visa.VISA and Travel Information

What the Embassy of Japan in Australia says

Embassy of Japan in AustraliaIf you live in Canberra, bring the documents listed below to the Embassy between 9:00-12:00 or 14:00-16:30 on weekdays. … You do not need an appointment to come.Temporary Visitor Visa
Embassy of Japan in AustraliaPlease note eVisa is only available for Single-Entry Tourist Visa. For any other Visas, please visit Embassy in person.VISA and Travel Information
Embassy of Japan in AustraliaIf you live somewhere else than Canberra, please check the visa information page according to where you live. … Sydney (NSW), Darwin (NT) … Perth (WA) … Melbourne (VIC), Tasmania (TAS), Adelaide (SA)Temporary Visitor Visa
Embassy of Japan in AustraliaProcessing time is a minimum of one week (5 working days).Temporary Visitor Visa
Embassy of Japan in AustraliaYour visa will last for entry for 3 months from issuance, so you can apply for up to three months ahead of your trip.Temporary Visitor Visa

Visa fees at the Embassy of Japan in Australia

Visa fees published by the Embassy of Japan in Australia (checked 5 October 2026)
VisaWhoFeeFrom
Single entryGeneral156 AUD Source1 July 2026
Single entryIndian nationals9.00 AUD Source1 July 2026
Multiple entryGeneral313 AUD Source1 July 2026
Multiple entryIndian nationals9.00 AUD Source1 July 2026

Australia and Japan in numbers

1,058,396 visitors from Australia came to Japan in 2025, 7th among the markets JNTO counts separately. That was up 15.0% on 2024.

Japanese embassy and consulates in Australia

The missions the foreign ministry lists for Australia. The rules on this page can change, so confirm with the mission before you book.

This page is compiled from the official pages below and was last checked on 5 October 2026. It is not legal advice. The embassy or consulate has the final word on your case.

Frequently asked questions

Do Australians need a visa for Japan?

No. Australians do not need a visa for a short stay in Japan of up to 90 days. Australia is on the Japanese foreign ministry's list of 74 visa-exempt countries and regions, revised 1 September 2025. The stay cannot include paid work.

How long can Australians stay in Japan without a visa?

Up to 90 days. That is the period of stay the foreign ministry lists for Australia on its visa exemption list, revised 1 September 2025.

Can Australians work in Japan on a visa-free stay?

No. A short stay does not include paid work. The Immigration Services Agency says Temporary Visitors cannot work in Japan in principle, apart from short business trips. A working holiday visa is the route for young Australian nationals who want to work while travelling.

Do Australians need JESTA to enter Japan?

Not yet. The law creating JESTA passed on 29 May 2026. It starts on a date to be set by Cabinet Order, no later than 31 March 2029.

How long must an Australian passport be valid for Japan?

The Embassy of Japan in Australia states: “The remaining period of validity on your passport does not have to be at least six months. … Please ensure your passport is valid for your trip and return.”

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Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 5, 2026