Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the visa-free extension to 45 days for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland effective July 1. The measure applies to ordinary passport holders for tourism or business. Overstays remain subject to the existing 90-day total limit within any 180-day period.
The decision follows a 22 percent rise in European arrivals in the first quarter of 2026. Government data shows Kyoto and Hokkaido recorded the largest growth in European visitors last year.
Immigration officers at Narita, Haneda and Kansai airports will stamp the new duration automatically. No pre-registration or additional documents are required beyond standard entry conditions.
What this means for you
Plan multi-destination itineraries across Honshu and Kyushu without visa runs if you hold one of the 12 passports. Confirm your return ticket shows departure within 45 days to avoid boarding denials. Download the Visit Japan Web app before travel to speed up customs processing at major airports.
Avoid booking consecutive 45-day stays without exiting the country as cumulative time is still tracked.