Do Australians need a visa for Japan?

No, not for short-stay tourism or business. Australians are eligible for Japan's visa exemption scheme, according to Smartraveller and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How long can Australians stay in Japan without a visa?

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists 90 days. Smartraveller describes it as visits of less than 90 days.

Do I need an electronic travel authorisation for Japan?

Not yet. Japan plans an electronic travel authorisation called JESTA and aims to introduce it in fiscal year 2028. The launch date and fee have not been announced.

Is there a departure tax when I leave Japan?

Yes. Since 1 July 2026 the International Tourist Tax is JPY 3,000 per departure, usually included in your ticket price. Infants under 2 are exempt.

Japan visa for Australians: do you need one?

No, Australians do not need a visa for a short tourist or business trip to Japan. Japan allows a stay of up to 90 days. Japan's departure tax is now JPY 3,000, and an electronic travel authorisation called JESTA is planned but not yet in place.

Checked against official government sources on 27 October 2026.

Visa for a tourist visit: Not needed
How long you can stay: 90 days
Arrival form: Visit Japan Web (online immigration and customs procedures)

How to fill in the Visit Japan Web, step by step

Visa rules for a tourist visit

Smartraveller, the Australian Government's travel advice, says Australians are eligible for Japan's visa exemption scheme for short-stay tourism and business travel. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists Australia in the same scheme.

There is currently no electronic travel authorisation to apply for before you fly.

How long you can stay

The two official sources word the limit slightly differently. Smartraveller says you do not need a visa for visits of less than 90 days, while Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a period of stay of 90 days. Japan's own list sets the rule, but keeping your trip under 90 days satisfies both.

The official sources we checked do not describe an extension for Australians.

What to have ready

Your Australian passport. Neither Smartraveller nor Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs states a specific validity rule for Japan, so check your airline's requirements before you fly.
No visa fee. Japan's International Tourist Tax of JPY 3,000 is charged when you leave and is usually included in your ticket price.

The arrival form

Visit Japan Web, the free official online service for immigration and customs procedures, is optional: you do not have to register to enter Japan. If you want to use it, our separate Visit Japan Web page explains how it works and how to avoid fake sites.

Recent and upcoming changes

1 July 2026: Japan's International Tourist Tax rose from JPY 1,000 to JPY 3,000 per departure. The JPY 1,000 rate still applies to eligible tickets issued on or before 30 June 2026, and infants under 2 are exempt (Japan Tourism Agency and National Tax Agency).
JESTA: Japan passed a law creating JESTA, an electronic travel authorisation, on 29 May 2026. The Immigration Services Agency aims to introduce it in fiscal year 2028 (the law requires it to start by 31 March 2029), ahead of the original plan for 2030. No launch date or fee has been announced, and nothing is needed before you travel today.

Common questions

Do Australians need a visa for Japan?: No, not for short-stay tourism or business. Australians are eligible for Japan's visa exemption scheme, according to Smartraveller and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How long can Australians stay in Japan without a visa?: Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists 90 days. Smartraveller describes it as visits of less than 90 days.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation for Japan?: Not yet. Japan plans an electronic travel authorisation called JESTA and aims to introduce it in fiscal year 2028. The launch date and fee have not been announced.
Is there a departure tax when I leave Japan?: Yes. Since 1 July 2026 the International Tourist Tax is JPY 3,000 per departure, usually included in your ticket price. Infants under 2 are exempt.

Entry rules can change at short notice, and the border officer makes the final decision. Before you travel, check Japan's official immigration website or your own government's travel advice.

Official sources

Every fact on this page comes from these government pages and official travel advice.