If you come from one of the 62 countries and regions that have a visa waiver agreement with Japan (see left), you can apply for short-term landing permission on arrival, which will allow you to stay for 14 days (countries such as Brunei) up to six months (countries such as Austria, Germany, Ireland, Lichtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom). Those from countries that do not have a visa exemption agreement with Japan are eligible to stay in the country for up to 90 days and will need to contact a Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a visit visa before travelling.

If you arrive with your visa already sorted out, entering the country should be relatively quick and painless. It is difficult to arrive as a tourist and then try to change a visa. This requires a sponsor (such as an employer) and lots of paperwork. If the immigration date stamped in your passport is about to expire, you will need to leave and re-enter the country to renew it.

There are no required health tests, but following the SARS scare, a non-invasive thermal body scanner was put into use at Narita Airport. There is also an office where you can report any worrying symptoms that started while travelling.