What is the "Temporary Visitor" entry status?

If you wish to visit Japan for leisure or touristic purposes you will be granted entry under “Temporary Visitor” status. This allows visitors to remain in Japan from 15 to 90 consecutive days. A border control officer will grant arrivals who apply for “Stay for sightseeing” when entering Japan a “Temporary Visitor” stamp.

The stamp is placed in your passport on arrival. The stamp, your passport, and the Exchange Order (JR voucher you receive by post) are the 3 documents that you must have with you to obtain your japan Rail Pass in a JR Exchange Office. Only original documents are accepted (photocopies, emails, and photos are not accepted).

NOTE:
If you use an automated gate at the airport, no stamps or stickers will be placed on your passport. You must thus use a manned automated gate or ask a clerk to affix a stamp or sticker to your passport. Customers who have “registered user cards” through the Trusted Traveler Program will also need to display their cards to prove that they are a “Temporary Visitor”.

Visa-exempt Countries

Some countries are exempt from the Temporary Visitor Visa. Nationals and citizens from the 68 countries and regions listed below are not required to obtain a visa before traveling to Japan as they receive a visa-on-arrival stamp in their passports instead. A visa-on-arrival will be granted to citizens and nationals of the countries listed below when traveling for one of the following reasons:

• Tourism
• Commerce
• Conferences
• Visiting relatives or friends

However, these nationals will need to request a visa if the reason for their visit to engage in paid activities or if their stay exceeds the length of time allowed. The maximum period for short-term stays granted is 15 days for Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand, 30 days for the United Arab Emirates, and 90 days for the remaining countries and regions.

I am entering Japan as a Temporary Visitor without a Tourist Visa. Am I still eligible for the Japan Rail Pass?

Citizens from the 68 countries and regions listed above can travel to Japan visa-free for touristic and business reasons. Please check our Eligibility page for further information about Japan Rail Pass eligibility requirements.