Japan entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Greek passport holders can visit Japan for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa in 2026. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry and you have a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport only needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Japan — the 6-month rule doesn't apply here. Airlines sometimes enforce 6 months anyway, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Japan | Immigration officers can ask for a return or onward ticket, but enforcement varies — some officers skip it entirely. Have a printed or digital copy ready just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Not always checked, but having a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host shows you have a place to stay. Keep a printed copy or screenshot handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers rarely ask, but you should have access to enough cash or credit for your trip. A bank statement or credit card limit showing a few hundred thousand yen is fine. | Recommended |
| Visit Japan WebJapan's digital pre-arrival registration at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp. Enter passport details, flight info, and customs declaration. You get a QR code that lets you use the fast lane at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai. Digital pre-arrival registration | Register your passport, flight, and customs declaration at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before you fly. You get a QR code that lets you use the fast lane at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai — saves 15–30 minutes in line.Register on Visit Japan Web | Optional |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Japanese immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book flights. Airlines also check this at check-in.
Visit Japan Web saves time
Pre-registering your entry details at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp lets you skip the paper forms and use a QR code at immigration and customs. It's free and takes about 10 minutes.
No visa needed for 90 days
Greek passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Just ensure your passport is valid and you have a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), book a return/onward ticket, and arrange accommodation for your first night. Optionally register on Visit Japan Web and buy travel insurance.
2
At the airport in Greece
At check-in, the airline will verify your passport and return ticket. Have your booking confirmations ready. Boarding pass issued.
3
Arrival at a Japanese airport (e.g., Narita, Haneda, Kansai)
Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and any pre-filled Visit Japan Web QR code ready. An immigration officer will take your photo and fingerprints, stamp your passport, and ask about your stay (purpose, duration, accommodation). Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Customs clearance
After baggage claim, proceed to customs. If you used Visit Japan Web, scan your QR code at the automated gate. Otherwise, fill out a paper customs declaration form. Declare any restricted items.
5
Exit and enjoy your stay
Once through customs, you're free to leave the airport. Keep your passport and return ticket details accessible for the duration of your trip.
Download Japan Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost¥3,000 (~$20 USD)
For stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free not applicable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, not extendable
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost¥6,000 (~$40 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and travel history.
Working holiday visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
CostFree
For Greek nationals aged 18–30; allows part-time work.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study (up to 2 years, extendable)
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for Certificate of Eligibility
Requires acceptance by a Japanese educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
1–5 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for Certificate of Eligibility
For professionals with a job offer in Japan. Requires a sponsoring employer and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa (College/University)
Up to 2 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for Certificate of Eligibility
For enrollment in a Japanese educational institution. Allows part-time work (up to 28 hours/week) with permission. Requires proof of funds and acceptance letter.
digital nomad visa
Specified Skilled Worker (No specific digital nomad visa)
1–5 years, renewable
Varies by industry
Japan does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use tourist visa (up to 90 days) or seek work visas if employed by a Japanese company.
retirement visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (for retirees with Japanese ties)
1–3 years, renewable
¥4,000 (~$27 USD) for Certificate of Eligibility
Available for those with Japanese ancestry or long-term ties. Not a general retirement visa; requires significant connection to Japan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | ¥3,000 (~$20 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | ¥6,000 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; overstays can lead to deportation and ban. | ¥10,000 (~$67 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Japan
No transit visa needed
Greek passport holders transiting through Japan do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
- Some airlines may require a visa for certain nationalities; check with carrier.
Transit hubsNarita International Airport (NRT) · Kansai International Airport (KIX) · Haneda Airport (HND)
Health & vaccines for Japan
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
Japanese EncephalitisLow risk
Rare in urban areas; risk in rural regions during transmission season.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water; risk from raw or undercooked seafood.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tokyo
Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau
5-5-30 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and status changes. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Osaka
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1-2-2 Benten, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0007
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa-related matters for Kansai region.
Practical information for GR travellers
Country basics
CapitalTokyo
LanguageJapanese
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license. Obtain before travel.
Money
CurrencyJapanese Yen (JPY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 161.33 JPY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+13h (EST) / +14h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +17h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage100V / 50-60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
One of the safest tap water supplies in the world.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Japan
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Japan — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave Japan before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Japan.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Japanese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, for stays over 90 days you need a visa (e.g., work, study, or long-term tourist visa). Apply at the Japanese embassy in Athens well in advance. Processing can take several weeks.
No, it's optional. You can fill out paper forms on arrival instead. But using the online system speeds up the immigration and customs process, especially during busy periods.
The airline may refuse to let you board. Even if you get through, immigration can deny entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. Always have a return or onward ticket booked.
No, the visa-free status is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Any paid work requires a proper work visa. Working without authorization can lead to deportation and a ban.
Report the loss immediately to the local police station and get a police report. Then contact the Greek embassy in Tokyo (3-4-2 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) for an emergency travel document. Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your passport separately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.