Japan Visa RequirementsFor Belgium passport holders
Belgian passport holders can travel to Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. This covers tourism, business meetings, and transit.
Great news! Belgium passport holders can enter Japan without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required for stays up to 90 days. Present your Belgian passport at the immigration counter on arrival. Complete the arrival card distributed on the plane or available at the airport. You will receive an entry stamp with your permitted stay date. No prior registration or authorization is needed. Do not overstay: Japan strictly enforces immigration rules.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Belgium to Japan: What You Need to Know
Belgium and Japan maintain strong diplomatic and trade relations. Belgium is home to several major Japanese companies and Japan is an important export market for Belgian goods, particularly food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Belgium and Japan signed a bilateral visa exemption agreement enabling visa-free travel for short stays. Japan is a premier long-haul destination for Belgian travelers, known for its blend of ancient tradition, modern technology, cherry blossom season, and culinary excellence.
How to Get There
Brussels Airport (BRU) has no direct flights to Japan. Most Belgians connect via Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM/ANA to Tokyo Narita or Haneda, or via Paris CDG with Air France, Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa or ANA, or London (LHR) with British Airways or JAL. Total travel time is typically 13-16 hours including connection.
Money & Banking
Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). While Japan is increasingly accepting cards, cash remains essential especially at smaller restaurants, rural transport, and convenience stores. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart convenience store ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Japan is generally moderately priced for accommodation and food, with significant range from budget hostels to luxury ryokan. No tipping is customary: it can be considered rude.
Practical Tips
Japan operates on a cash culture far more than Belgium: carry Japanese Yen for daily expenses including small restaurants and vending machines. Get a Suica or IC card (rechargeable transit card) at the airport for seamless use on trains and subways. Pocket Wi-Fi or a local SIM is highly recommended. Book popular ryokan (traditional inns) and restaurant omakase seats weeks or months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belgian citizens need a visa for Japan?
No. Belgian citizens can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days under a bilateral visa exemption agreement. No prior application is needed: simply present your Belgian passport at the immigration counter on arrival.
How long can Belgian citizens stay in Japan without a visa?
Belgian citizens are admitted for up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business. The 90-day limit is strictly enforced: overstaying will result in deportation and a future entry ban.
What is the best way to get around Japan?
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is highly recommended for tourists planning to visit multiple cities. It must be purchased before arriving in Japan. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) work on local trains and subways and can also be used at convenience stores and vending machines.
Does Japan still operate as a cash-heavy society?
Japan is traditionally cash-oriented: carry Japanese Yen for small restaurants, temples, vending machines, and rural areas. ATMs at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart convenience stores accept foreign cards reliably. Cards are increasingly accepted in cities.
How do I fly from Belgium to Japan?
There are no direct flights from Brussels. Connect via Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM or ANA, Paris (CDG) with Air France or ANA, or Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa. Total travel time to Tokyo is approximately 13-15 hours.
When is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossom season (sakura) typically runs late March to mid-April, starting in southern Kyushu and moving northward. The exact peak varies by year. Book accommodation for this period at least 6 months in advance as it is the most popular travel season.