Do Australians need a visa for Japan?
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Australian passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days as a temporary visitor. There is no entry fee and no online travel authorisation, though registering on Visit Japan Web before you land saves a long queue.
Passport validity
Valid for the duration of your stay
Length of stay
90 days
Onward ticket
Immigration can ask to see a return or onward ticket.
Blank passport pages
1
Visit Japan Web
Optional but strongly recommended. Pre-registering immigration and customs gives you QR codes and lets you use the fast electronic gates instead of filling in paper cards on the plane.
Apply on the official siteWhat it costs
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fee | None | All visitors |
How to get sorted, step by step
- Check your passport is valid for your whole stay.
- Create a Visit Japan Web account and register your trip, immigration and customs details to get your QR codes.
- Have your return ticket and first night's accommodation address ready — both are asked for on the landing form.
- If you plan to drive, apply for an International Driving Permit in Australia before you leave.
What catches Australians out
Japan has announced a pre-travel electronic authorisation system (JESTA) for visa-free visitors, expected later this decade. It is not in force yet — check before you book.
Some prescription medications that are legal in Australia are banned in Japan, including several containing pseudoephedrine and codeine. Check before you pack.
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism.
Health cover for Australians in Japan
There is no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and Japan. You pay for everything — a hospital admission can run into thousands of dollars.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations required. Routine Australian immunisations recommended; consider Japanese encephalitis for long rural stays.
Medications: Japan bans or restricts some common Australian medications, including pseudoephedrine-based cold and flu tablets and codeine painkillers. Bringing more than a month's supply may require a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate.
Compare travel insurance for JapanMore Japan essentials
Japan entry requirements FAQs
Do Australians need a visa for Japan?
No. Australian passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days as a temporary visitor. There's no fee and no online authorisation required, though registering on Visit Japan Web before you fly gets you through immigration and customs much faster.
How much cash should I take to Japan?
More than you'd expect. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but temples, small restaurants, markets and rural transport are often cash-only. Carry ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 and withdraw from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs, which reliably accept Australian cards.
Watching Japan?
We'll email you when entry rules or prices change for Australians travelling to Japan.