Japan Visa-Free Entry
Short-Term Stay (Visa Exemption) · For Canada citizens
Great news for Canadian travelers: you do not need a visa to visit Japan for tourism. Canadians can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. This guide covers entry requirements, what to bring, and tips for a smooth arrival. Starting 2028, the new JESTA authorization system will apply.
Japan Entry Requirements for Canadian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Canada citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Canadian passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Japan
Proof of onward or return travel from Japan
Disembarkation card to be completed before immigration
Recommended (Optional)
Information about where you will stay in Japan
Evidence of financial means to support your stay
Entry Process
As a Canadian citizen, you can enter Japan without a visa for stays up to 90 days.1 Here is what to expect:
1. Before You Travel
Register on Visit Japan Web (vjw.digital.go.jp) to complete your arrival card and customs declaration digitally. This speeds up the immigration process significantly.1
2. On Your Flight
If you did not complete Visit Japan Web registration, you will receive a paper arrival card on the airplane. Fill it out with your personal information, flight details, and accommodation address in Japan.
3. At Immigration
Present your Canadian passport and arrival card (digital or paper) to the immigration officer. You may be asked about:2
- Purpose of your visit
- Duration of stay
- Where you will be staying
- Return flight details
4. Entry Stamp
If approved, you will receive an entry stamp in your passport showing the date of entry and permitted stay (up to 90 days). This stamp is your authorization to remain in Japan.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Japan Entry (Visa Exemption) | Free |
| Visit Japan Web Registration | Free |
| JESTA (from 2028) | ~¥6,000 (~C$55) |
There are no fees for Canadian citizens entering Japan under the visa exemption agreement.1 Starting in 2028, the JESTA pre-authorization system will require registration and a fee.
What You Need to Prove
At Japanese immigration, you may be asked to demonstrate:2
- Valid passport: Your Canadian passport serves as proof of citizenship and identity
- Tourism purpose: You are visiting for legitimate tourism, family visits, or short-term business
- Return plans: You have a flight booked to leave Japan within 90 days
- Financial means: You can support yourself during your stay
- No work intent: You will not engage in paid employment
Length of Stay
The visa exemption allows Canadian citizens to stay in Japan for up to 90 days per visit.2
Extension possibilities:
- Apply at a regional immigration office before your 90 days expire
- Extensions of up to 90 additional days may be granted
- Maximum total stay of 180 days is possible but not guaranteed
- Valid reasons such as ongoing tourism or family circumstances required
Important notes:
- You cannot live in Japan through repeated short visits
- Immigration may question frequent visitors about their intentions
- If you need to stay longer than 180 days, apply for an appropriate visa
Visit Japan Web
Visit Japan Web is the Japanese government’s digital platform for arrival processing.1 Benefits include:
- Complete arrival card and customs declaration before you fly
- Faster immigration processing using QR codes
- Digital tax-free shopping registration
- Available in English and multiple languages
How to register:
- Visit vjw.digital.go.jp
- Create an account
- Add your trip details and passport information
- Complete the arrival card section
- Save or screenshot your QR code for immigration
Future Changes: JESTA System
Starting in 2028, Canada and other visa-exempt countries will need to register through JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling to Japan.5
What we know:
- Online registration required before travel
- Fee expected to be around ¥6,000 (approximately C$55)
- Similar to US ESTA or EU ETIAS systems
- Approval expected to be fast for most applicants
Until JESTA launches, Canadians continue to enjoy hassle-free entry with just a valid passport.
After You Arrive
Once you have cleared immigration and collected your luggage:
Transportation:
- Airport express trains connect major airports to city centres
- Suica or Pasmo IC cards make public transport easy
- Japan Rail Pass (purchased before arrival) offers unlimited train travel
Communication:
- Rent a pocket WiFi or buy a SIM card at the airport
- Free WiFi available at major stations and convenience stores
Money:
- Withdraw yen from ATMs at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or post offices
- Credit cards accepted in major cities but cash preferred in rural areas
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
If Entry is Refused
Entry refusal for Canadian citizens is rare but can happen. If refused:4
- Stay calm: Ask for the specific reason for refusal
- Provide documentation: If you have evidence addressing concerns, present it
- Consider your options: You may be able to rebook a return flight
- Future travel: A single refusal does not permanently bar entry; address the issues for your next visit
Common resolutions:
- Providing a return ticket resolves most concerns
- Showing accommodation bookings or bank statements can help
- Being clear and honest about your travel purpose
Contact the Embassy of Japan in Canada if you have concerns before traveling.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
No Return Travel Booked
Arriving without a return or onward flight booking raises concerns about overstaying the 90-day limit.
How to avoid: Always have a confirmed return or onward flight before arriving in Japan. Flexible or refundable tickets are fine.
Unclear Purpose of Visit
Immigration officers may question visitors who cannot clearly explain their travel plans or purpose.
How to avoid: Have a basic itinerary ready and be prepared to explain your travel plans. Tourism, visiting friends, or cultural experiences are all valid reasons.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of overstays or visa violations in Japan or other countries may result in entry refusal.
How to avoid: Be honest about your travel history if asked. Previous issues do not automatically bar entry but require explanation.
Insufficient Funds
Unable to demonstrate financial means to support the stay in Japan.
How to avoid: Carry a credit card and some cash. If questioned, bank statements on your phone can help demonstrate financial stability.
Intention to Work
Evidence or admission of plans to work in Japan without proper authorization.
How to avoid: Do not bring work-related items that suggest employment intent. Remote work for Canadian employers while in Japan is a grey area; consult immigration resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa to visit Japan?
No. Canadian passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for tourism or short-term business visits (without paid work) for up to 90 days. No advance application is required.
How long can Canadians stay in Japan without a visa?
Canadians can stay up to 90 days per visit under the visa exemption agreement. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at a regional immigration office in Japan before your 90 days expire.
Can I work in Japan on a visa-free entry?
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, family visits, and short-term business activities that do not involve paid work. Any form of employment, including remote work for Japanese companies, requires a proper work visa.
What is JESTA and when does it start?
JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a new pre-registration system for visa-exempt travelers. Starting in 2028, Canadians will need to register online before traveling to Japan. The fee is expected to be around ¥6,000 (approximately C$55).
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?
Yes, in some cases. You can apply for a 90-day extension at a regional immigration office in Japan, potentially allowing up to 180 days total. Extensions are not guaranteed and require valid reasons such as ongoing tourism or family circumstances.
What documents should I bring to Japan?
Bring your valid Canadian passport, return/onward flight confirmation, accommodation details (at least for your first night), and evidence of sufficient funds (credit cards, cash, or bank statements). Complete the Visit Japan Web registration before arrival for faster processing.