Japan tourist visa requirements: documents, application form and photo size
For a single-entry tourist visa the Japanese foreign ministry's checklist asks for six things: a valid passport, the application form, one photo, a flight itinerary, proof you can pay for the trip, and an itinerary in Japan. Nationals of China, Russia, the CIS countries, Ukraine, Georgia and the Philippines have their own outlines.
The six documents for tourism
From the ministry's checklist dated April 2025, for all nationalities except China, Russia, CIS countries, Ukraine, Georgia and the Philippines.
- Valid passport
- Visa application form, 1 copy
- Photo, 1 (the ministry's form marks the photo space as 45 mm × 35 mm)
- Flight itinerary with the flight or ship number and the dates of arrival and departure
- Proof you can pay for the trip: an income certificate or tax return from a public agency, or a bank statement or balance certificate
- Itinerary in Japan
Documents must have been issued within the last three months. The mission can ask for more on a case-by-case basis.
Flights and hotels do not have to be booked or paid for when you apply. The checklist says so, and adds that the ministry is not responsible for cancellation fees.
Photo size
45 × 35mmphoto space on the ministry's application form
The ministry's visa application form marks the photo space as 45 mm × 35 mm. A mission can ask for something different, so check its page.
Photo sizes as worded by Japanese missions (pages checked 5 October 2026)
| Country (mission) | What the mission's page says |
|---|---|
| MalaysiaEmbassy of Japan in Malaysia | One 3.5 x 4.5 cm Colour Photograph (white background) … Taken within 6 months Source |
| ThailandEmbassy of Japan in Thailand | One photograph taken within the last 6 months (The photo must be 2 x 1.4 inches, black and white or color with plain background) Source |
| Hong KongConsulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong | Passport-size colour photo taken within 6 months (45mm X 35mm, front-facing, without hat, without background). Source |
| MacaoConsulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong | Passport-size colour photo taken within 6 months (45mm X 35mm, front-facing, without hat, without background). Source |
| CanadaEmbassy of Japan in Canada | One photo taken within the last 6 months (45 mm x 35 mm or 2 in × 1.4 in) Source |
| United StatesEmbassy of Japan in the United States of America | One 2"x 2" Photo … Must be taken in front of a plain background and within the past 6 months Source |
| BahamasEmbassy of Japan in Jamaica | One 45mm x 35mm size photograph taken within the last 6 months Source |
| SurinameEmbassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago | One (1) passport photograph (45mm x 35mm) taken within the last six (6) months with a white background. Source |
| AustraliaEmbassy of Japan in Australia | A 45mm ×35mm (or approximate size) ID/ passport photograph taken in the last 6 months Source |
| New ZealandEmbassy of Japan in New Zealand | Passport sized photo (45x35mm) printed on photo-quality paper … Taken within the last 6 months Source |
| QatarEmbassy of Japan in the State of Qatar | Photo: H45mm x W35mm, light-coloured background, taken within the last 3 months, glued to Form (#3) Source |
| LesothoEmbassy of Japan in South Africa | one passport-size photograph 45mm x 45mm on a white background (not a printed copy) Source |
| BelgiumEmbassy of Japan in Belgium | identity photographs for the visa application form must be taken within the last 6 months before the day of application and must be of excellent quality. … Accepted sizes : (45mm X 45mm) or (45mm X 35mm) Source |
| BulgariaEmbassy of Japan in Bulgaria | 1 photo taken during the last 6 months (size 4,5cm x 3,5cm) Source |
| Czech RepublicEmbassy of Japan in the Czech Republic | 1 photo (Czech standard passport-size: 35 x 45 mm, not older than 6 months) Source |
| DenmarkEmbassy of Japan in Denmark | One 45 mm x 35 mm passport-type photo taken within the previous six months (stateless persons must submit three photos) Source |
| EstoniaEmbassy of Japan in Estonia | 35 mm x 45 mm passport-type photo(s) taken within the previous six months Source |
| FinlandEmbassy of Japan in Finland | 4.5cm×3.5cm, taken within last 6 months. … The photograph should meet the standard of passport photo and be printed on photo paper. Source |
| GermanyEmbassy of Japan in Germany | Photo: frontal photo, no scans or copied passport photos; 45mm x 35mm; not older than 6 months and not damaged Source |
| GreeceEmbassy of Japan in Greece | One photo (45mm×35mm, taken within the last 6 months) Source |
| HungaryEmbassy of Japan in Hungary | 1 photo (45 mm x 35 mm - your head height, measured from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin, must be about 32 mm) taken within the past six months Source |
| IcelandEmbassy of Japan in Iceland | Size: 45mm height × 35mm width (same size as a passport photo). … Taken within 6 months before the date of application. Source |
| LiechtensteinEmbassy of Japan in Switzerland | 3. Passport-sized photograph 45mm ×35mm (taken within the last 6 months) Source |
| NetherlandsEmbassy of Japan in the Netherlands | photo(approx.45mm×35mm) taken with a plain background within the previous 6 months attached to the visa application form Source |
| PolandEmbassy of Japan in Poland | ONE PHOTO sticked to application form (45 mm x 35 mm) /Front shot/White background/ Taken within the past 6 months) Source |
| SwedenEmbassy of Japan in Sweden | Photo specifications: Taken less than 6 months before the date of application. … 35×45 mm. Source |
| SwitzerlandEmbassy of Japan in Switzerland | Passport-sized photograph 45mm ×35mm (taken within the last 6 months) Source |
| United KingdomEmbassy of Japan in the UK | One passport-size photo ⚫ Taken within the last 6 months. 35mm x 45mm Source |
| PhilippinesEmbassy of Japan in the Philippines | 4. Facial Photo … Must be 4.5 x 3.5 (cm) and taken within 6 months from the date of application. Source |
| MyanmarEmbassy of Japan in Myanmar | One Photo (45 mm x 45 mm, taken within the past 6 months) Source |
| PakistanEmbassy of Japan in Pakistan | Photograph: One recent and latest photograph of applicant with light background preferably white, having size of 45mm x 45mm (1.75" x 1.75"). Source |
| Sri LankaEmbassy of Japan in Sri Lanka | Photo attached to the application form must be taken within the last six months. … Specs of photo: 4.5cm x 3.5cm with white background Source |
| CambodiaEmbassy of Japan in Cambodia | Taken within the last 6 months. … (H:4.5cm x W:3.5cm, White background, B/W or color photo) Source |
| LaosEmbassy of Japan in the Lao PDR | 1 Photo (taken within the previous 6 months, 45mm x 35mm type) Source |
| South AfricaEmbassy of Japan in South Africa | one passport-size photograph 45mm x 45mm on a white background (not a printed copy) Source |
| Saudi ArabiaEmbassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia | Photo has to be taken within the last 6 months, size of 45mm x 35mm, plain background. Source |
| KuwaitEmbassy of Japan in the State of Kuwait | Size: 45mm × 35mm … Taken within 6 months only – old photo will be refused Source |
| OmanEmbassy of Japan in the Sultanate of Oman | (2) One 45mm×35mm photo on glossy paper with plain background. … - Must be taken within the last 6 months … - Head size must exceed 30mm or 70% of the total height of picture Source |
| BahrainEmbassy of Japan in Bahrain | Photo (2in×1.4in,must be taken within 6 months) Source |
Outlines by nationality
The ministry publishes separate outlines for some nationalities and for multiple-entry visas.
Visa outlines published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, by nationality (checked 5 October 2026)
| Outline | On the ministry's page | File |
|---|---|---|
| For Single Entry Visa | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Pacific Islanders | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of India | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Indonesia | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Mongolia | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Lao People’s Democratic Republic | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of other Asian and Oceanian countries and regions | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Vatican | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Colombia | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Ecuador | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Saint Christopher and Nevis | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of other Latin American and Caribbean countries and regions | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Qatar | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of Saudi Arabia | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Nationals of United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt and South Africa | Short-term stay: other nationalities | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Single-Entry Short-Term Stay Visas | Nationals of Philippines who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Multiple Entry Visas (for Business Purpose and Cultural or Intellectual Figures) | Nationals of Philippines who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Multiple Entry Visas (for other kind of Short-Term Stay) | Nationals of Philippines who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Multiple-Entry Visas (for Individual with considerable financial capacity) | Nationals of Philippines who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Multiple Entry Visas (for Business Purpose and Cultural or Intellectual Figures) | Nationals of Viet Nam who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Outline of Application Procedures for Multiple Visa for HKDI or Macau Travel Permit Holders | Nationals of China who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Outline of Application Procedures for Single-Entry Visas | Nationals of Russia who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Outline of Application Procedures for Multiple-Entry Visas | Nationals of Russia who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Single-Entry Short-Term Stay Visas | Nationals of CIS countries, Ukraine and Georgia who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia | Nationals of CIS countries, Ukraine and Georgia who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Ukraine | Nationals of CIS countries, Ukraine and Georgia who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan | Nationals of CIS countries, Ukraine and Georgia who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stay | PDF Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
If someone in Japan invites you
- For visiting relatives or friends, the checklist adds an invitation letter, a document that explains the reason for the invitation, and proof of the relationship.
- If a guarantor in Japan pays for the trip, the guarantor adds a letter of guarantee, proof of funds and a certificate of residence.
- The inviting person sends these documents to you. They do not go to the ministry or the embassy.
Copies of documents prepared in Japan are accepted, though the mission can ask for originals.
What the visa officer checks
MOFAThe applicant possesses a valid passport and is entitled to the re-entry to a country of his/her nationality or a country of his/her residence.
Criteria of Visa Issuance
MOFARequirements for visa application may vary depending on the local situation/the purpose of your visit.
VISA
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a Japan tourist visa?
A valid passport, one visa application form, one photo, a flight itinerary, proof you can pay for the trip (an income certificate, tax return, bank statement or balance certificate) and an itinerary in Japan. That is the foreign ministry's checklist for most nationalities.
What is the photo size for a Japan visa?
The ministry's application form marks the photo space as 45 mm × 35 mm. Check the page of the mission where you apply, because it can set its own size.
Do I need to book flights and hotels before applying for a Japan visa?
No. The ministry's checklist says reservations and payments for airline tickets, accommodations and transportation are not required at the time of visa application.
How recent must my documents be?
Issued within the last three months and valid when you submit them, according to the ministry's checklist.
Are the documents the same for every nationality?
No. Nationals of China, Russia, the CIS countries, Ukraine, Georgia and the Philippines have separate outlines, and each mission can ask for more.
Read more
Sources for this page
Show all 47
- Checklist for Single-Entry Short-Term Stay Visa (PDF)Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Visa Application Form to Enter Japan (PDF)Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Short-term stay: other nationalitiesMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- VISAMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Criteria of Visa IssuanceMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Nationals of Philippines who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stayMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Nationals of Viet Nam who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stayMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Nationals of China who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stayMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Nationals of Russia who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stayMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Nationals of CIS countries, Ukraine and Georgia who wish to come to Japan for a short-term stayMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in Malaysia
- Consular AffairsEmbassy of Japan in Thailand
- Visa informationConsulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong
- Visa informationConsulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong
- Temporary Visitor VisaEmbassy of Japan in Canada
- Visa (Short-term Visit: Tourism/Business/Conference/Study)Embassy of Japan in the United States of America
- Visa: For the Purpose of Sightseeing / VacationEmbassy of Japan in Jamaica
- Short-Term StayEmbassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago
- Temporary Visitor VisaEmbassy of Japan in Australia
- Temporary Visitor's VisaEmbassy of Japan in New Zealand
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in the State of Qatar
- Temporary Visitor's VisaEmbassy of Japan in South Africa
- VISAEmbassy of Japan in Belgium
- Основни документи при кандидатстване за виза / Main documents required for visa applicationEmbassy of Japan in Bulgaria
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in the Czech Republic
- Consular Affairs & VisaEmbassy of Japan in Denmark
- Visa EnquiriesEmbassy of Japan in Estonia
- Temporary Visitor Visa for SightseeingEmbassy of Japan in Finland
- Temporary visa: TourismEmbassy of Japan in Germany
- Visiting Japan / VISAEmbassy of Japan in Greece
- Application with 'Certificate of Eligibility' (COE)Embassy of Japan in Hungary
- Visa application photo standardEmbassy of Japan in Iceland
- Required Documents for Temporary Visitors: TourismEmbassy of Japan in Switzerland
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in the Netherlands
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in Poland
- Temporary Visitor VisasEmbassy of Japan in Sweden
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in the UK
- Important Note on the Document SubmissionEmbassy of Japan in the Philippines
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in Myanmar
- General Information to the Applicants Applying for Visa to Japan at the Embassy of Japan, IslamabadEmbassy of Japan in Pakistan
- VISAEmbassy of Japan in Sri Lanka
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in Cambodia
- Requirement for tourist visa as temporary visitor (Who work or long term stay in LAOS)Embassy of Japan in the Lao PDR
- VISA applicationEmbassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in the State of Kuwait
- Visiting JapanEmbassy of Japan in the Sultanate of Oman
- Visa informationEmbassy of Japan in Bahrain