Visa Requirement
As of February 2008, Japan had taken measures concerning the waiver of visa requirements with 62 countries and regions, as shown in the accompanying table. Nationals of these countries and regions holding valid passports can apply for landing permission for short-term stays for such purposes as sightseeing and business trips without obtaining a visa. However, cases involving paid activities in Japan are excluded. Also, the waiver of visa requirements are not applicable in the case of stays exceeding the period of time stipulated in each arrangement. In such cases, it is necessary for foreigners to obtain a visa.
The organizers of Wine & Gourmet Japan will not be able to provide exhibitors and visitors with an invitation letter for the purpose of obtaining a Japanese visa.
List of Countries and Regions That Have Visa Exemption Arrangements with Japan
(62 countries and regions as of February 2008)
| Areas | Countries and regions | Term of residence |
| Asia | Singapore | 3 months or less |
| Hong Kong (BNO, SAR passport) | 90 days or less | |
| Republic of Korea | 90 days or less | |
| Taiwan | 90 days or less | |
| Macau (SAR passport) | 90 days or less | |
| North America | Canada | 3 months or less |
| U.S.A | 90 days or less | |
| Latin America and Caribbean | Mexico | 6 months or less |
| Argentina | 3 months or less | |
| Bahamas | 3 months or less | |
| Chile | 3 months or less | |
| Costa Rica | 3 months or less | |
| Dominican Rep | 3 months or less | |
| El Salvador | 3 months or less | |
| Guatemala | 3 months or less | |
| Honduras | 3 months or less | |
| Suriname | 3 months or less | |
| Uruguay | 3 months or less | |
| Barbados | 90 days or less | |
| Middle East | Israel | 3 months or less |
| Turkey | 3 months or less | |
| Oceania | Australia* | 90 days or less |
| New Zealand | 90 days or less | |
| Africa | Lesotho | 3 months or less |
| Mauritius | 3 months or less | |
| Tunisia | 3 months or less | |
| Europe | Austria | 6 months or less |
| Germany | 6 months or less | |
| Ireland | 6 months or less | |
| Liechtenstein | 6 months or less | |
| Switzerland | 6 months or less | |
| United Kingdom | 6 months or less | |
| Belgium | 3 months or less | |
| Croatia | 3 months or less | |
| Cyprus | 3 months or less | |
| Denmark | 3 months or less | |
| Finland | 3 months or less | |
| France | 3 months or less | |
| Greece | 3 months or less | |
| Iceland | 3 months or less | |
| Italy | 3 months or less | |
| Luxembourg | 3 months or less | |
| Macedonia | 3 months or less | |
| Malta | 3 months or less | |
| Netherlands | 3 months or less | |
| Norway | 3 months or less | |
| Portugal | 3 months or less | |
| San Marino | 3 months or less | |
| Slovenia | 3 months or less | |
| Spain | 3 months or less | |
| Sweden | 3 months or less | |
| Andorra | 90 days or less | |
| Bulgaria | 90 days or less | |
| Czech Rep | 90 days or less | |
| Estonia | 90 days or less | |
| Hungary | 90 days or less | |
| Latvia | 90 days or less | |
| Lithuania | 90 days or less | |
| Monaco | 90 days or less | |
| Poland | 90 days or less | |
| Slovakia | 90 days or less |
Notes: In the case of the waiver of visa requirements of up to three months or 90 days, foreigners are granted upon landing a temporary visitor status for a period of 90 days (15 days for Brunei).
Nationals of countries and regions that have taken measures concerning the waiver of visa requirements with Japan for stays of up to six months in principle are granted permission to stay in Japan for 90 days at the time of landing.
Nationals of these countries and regions who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days must apply at their nearest immigration authority in Japan for an extension of their period of stay.
In the case of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Iran, the waiver of visa requirements is temporarily suspended.
In the case of Malaysia, Peru and Colombia, it is recommended to obtain visa.
In the case of China, visas are not required only for students of elementary, junior and senior high school in China for the purpose of school excursion staying in Japan less than 30 days.
In the case of Tunisia, even under the current visa waiver arrangement, it is recommended to obtain visa for Tunisian nationals who make short-stay in Japan during the period between April 1st and July 9th, 2008.
The above information is extracted from the website of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on 28 May 2008. For latest updates, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.