Japan entry requirements for British passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity
Passport validity (FCDO rule): Valid for the whole stay (until the day you leave)
Visa (FCDO): Read the official visa text below
Official source: GOV.UK – Japan travel advice, Entry requirements (FCDO) · page last updated 28 August 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026
Whether you need a visa and how long your British passport must be valid to enter Japan, as published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), quoted word for word, with a checker for your dates.
Other passports: Canadian passport · Australian passport · Italian citizens: documenti per italiani
Driving in Japan, do you need an international driving permit? UK licence · Canadian licence · Australian licence
Do I need a visa for Japan with a British passport?
We quote the FCDO text word for word and do not summarise it: its first sentence has conditions or a wording we do not turn into a one-line answer.
You can get a visa on arrival in Japan for tourism or business for up to 90 days. You do not need to apply before you travel.
If you need a multiple-entry visa, you must ask the immigration officials when you arrive.
If you want to stay longer, you can apply at your nearest immigration office for an extension for another 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the period of the extension.
For long-term stays or to work or study, you must meet the Japanese government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you need. It is illegal to work in Japan without the correct visa no matter how informal or temporary the work.
If you overstay your permission to remain in Japan, you risk arrest, detention and a heavy fine.
For residency information, see the Japanese Immigration Services Agency website and read about living in Japan.
Official source: GOV.UK – Japan travel advice, Entry requirements (FCDO), section “Visa requirements” · page last updated 28 August 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026
Passport validity: official text “Passport validity requirements”
If you’re visiting Japan, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. No additional period of validity is required. You need a blank page for your visa stamp.
Official source: GOV.UK – Japan travel advice, Entry requirements (FCDO) · page last updated 28 August 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026
Check your passport for Japan
Schengen rules count your whole trip in the Schengen area: if you visit several Schengen countries, enter the day you first enter the area and the day you leave the last Schengen country.
The check runs in your browser: your dates are not sent anywhere. It applies the FCDO sentence literally (for example “6 months” is counted as the same day of the month 6 months later).
For British passport holders only. These are the rules published by the UK government (FCDO) for British citizens. If you hold another passport, check your own government's advice. The airline and the border officials of the destination decide whether you can travel or enter: this site is information, not legal advice.
Blank pages: the official text says “…a blank page…”. The checker does not count pages.
Recent FCDO updates to the entry requirements
- 10 December 2025: “New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).”
- 28 April 2023: “Update on removal of COVID-19 entry measures for all travellers to Japan from 29 April ('Entry requirements' page).”
- 18 April 2023: “Removal of information to submit information on Visit Japan Web ('Entry requirements' page).”
- 4 April 2023: “Information on passengers arriving from China being required to submit either a certificate showing a negative result of an approved COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure or provide proof of being triple-vaccinated against COVID-19 ('Entry requirements' page). Updated information on what to do if you think you have Covid-19 symptoms ('Coronavirus' page).”
- 7 March 2023: “Updated information about travelling to Japan from China ('Entry requirements' page).”
Read the full FCDO travel advice for Japan (safety, visas, health) before you travel.
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Same FCDO rule (Valid for the whole stay)
and 19 more destinations with the same rule: see all
Passport validity rules for all destinations · Liquids rules by airport · EES and ETIAS status