Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Japan?
Japan publishes a reciprocal short-stay visa exemption list on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (page dated 1 September 2025). Canadian citizens should confirm their passport is on that list before travel, and read travel.gc.ca.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa needed? | No visa for many short tourism visits—see Japan MFA visa exemption (opens in a new tab) and travel.gc.ca. · Japan MFA: visa exemption (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | Often 90 days on landing for exempt passports; officer sets the period. · Japan MFA: visa exemption (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | Free for visa-exempt short stays. · Japan MFA: visa exemption (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | No application for exempt short stays. · Japan MFA: visa exemption (opens in a new tab) |
| Passport validity | Passport valid for stay; blank page for landing permission. · Japan MFA: visa exemption (opens in a new tab) |
| Other documents | Paid work requires an appropriate visa. · Japan MFA: visa exemption (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
How to apply
- Confirm exemption on mofa.go.jp.
- Receive landing permission at the airport.
- Leave before permission ends.
Recent changes
- Checked against travel.gc.ca and linked official destination sources. · source (opens in a new tab)
FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan?
Usually no for short tourism if exempt—confirm on mofa.go.jp.
Do Canadians need a Japan visa?
Usually no for short tourism if exempt—confirm on travel.gc.ca and mofa.go.jp.
Sources
- Japan MFA exemption (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. State Dept: Japan (opens in a new tab)
- Canada: Japan (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.