Japan Visa RequirementsFor Greece passport holders
Greek citizens can travel to Japan for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business under a longstanding bilateral agreement.
Great news! Greece 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 a valid Greek passport at Japanese immigration. Fill in the arrival card on the plane. Ensure your passport has at least six months validity. A return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested.
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
Greece to Japan: What You Need to Know
Japan and Greece have maintained a bilateral visa exemption agreement for many years. Greek passport holders can enter Japan for tourism, business or transit without a visa for up to 90 days. Japan is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for Greek travellers, known for its unique culture, cuisine, technology and natural beauty.
Money & Banking
Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY). Japan remains a largely cash-based society, especially outside major cities. Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven, Japan Post or international ATMs. IC transport cards (Suica, Pasmo) are useful for public transit.
Practical Tips
Tokyo (NRT/HND) and Osaka (KIX) are the main international entry points. Direct flights from Athens are limited; connections are typically via Middle Eastern or European hubs. Japan has an efficient rail network including the Shinkansen bullet train.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Greek passport holders need a visa to visit Japan?
No. Greek nationals can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa under a bilateral visa exemption agreement.
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit Japan?
No. Greek citizens can enter Japan without a visa for stays up to 90 days under a bilateral visa-free agreement. This covers tourism, business visits, and short-term study.
What is Japan's entry process like for Greek travellers?
Fill in the arrival card on the aircraft. At immigration, submit the card and passport. Japan is known for its efficient and courteous immigration process.
What is the connection between Greece and Japan?
Greece and Japan share a mutual fascination rooted in ancient civilizations, maritime heritage, and aesthetics. Japan has long been captivated by ancient Greek philosophy; references to Plato, Aristotle, and Greek mythology appear regularly in Japanese literature and popular culture. Greek shipping companies are major clients of Japanese shipbuilders (Imabari, Oshima, Mitsubishi Nagasaki), and commercial ties in the maritime sector are substantial.
What currency is used in Japan?
Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY). Japan is a largely cash-based country; carry yen for smaller shops, vending machines and rural areas. Withdraw from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs.
What documents do I need to enter Japan as a Greek citizen?
A valid Greek passport, a return ticket, proof of accommodation or a contact address in Japan, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. No visa application is needed. Japanese immigration is efficient but thorough.
Is internet access restricted in Japan?
No. Japan has no internet restrictions. Wi-Fi pocket routers and local SIMs are widely available at airports for tourist use.
What is the best time to visit Japan?
Cherry blossom season (late March to early April, timing varies by location) and autumn foliage season (mid-October to mid-November) are the most celebrated times. Both are peak travel seasons with higher prices and crowds. Spring and autumn also have comfortable temperatures. Summer (July-August) is hot and humid with typhoon risk; winter offers skiing in Hokkaido and fewer crowds.
Are there direct flights from Greece to Japan?
There are no direct flights from Greece to Japan. Connections from Athens to Tokyo (NRT/HND) or Osaka (KIX) transit via Middle Eastern hubs (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) or other European cities.
How do I get a JR Pass for train travel in Japan?
The Japan Rail Pass covers unlimited travel on most JR trains including Shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho trains). It must be purchased from an authorized overseas agent before arrival in Japan; it is not available for purchase within Japan at JR counters (though a temporary exception was introduced at some stations). Exchange the voucher at a JR Pass exchange office upon arrival.
How many days can a Greek citizen stay in Japan?
Up to 90 days per visit. Japan's 90-day rule applies to a single entry; multiple visits may be possible but immigration may question repeated short visits.
What are the must-visit cities in Japan for a first-time visitor?
Tokyo (modern city, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Harajuku, teamLab), Kyoto (temples, geisha district Gion, Arashiyama bamboo grove, Fushimi Inari), Osaka (street food, Dotonbori, Osaka Castle), Hiroshima (Peace Memorial), and Nara (free-roaming deer, Todai-ji temple) form the classic first-visit circuit.
What are the main cultural etiquette rules to know before visiting Japan?
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional establishments (tatami rooms). Avoid eating or drinking while walking; eat at designated areas. Do not tip in restaurants or taxis; tipping is considered rude. Talking on the phone in a loud voice on public transit is frowned upon. Queue orderly at all times.
Is Japan expensive for Greek travelers?
Japan is mid-range in cost for Europeans. Accommodation ranges from budget capsule hotels (EUR 25-40) to mid-range business hotels (EUR 80-150) to luxury ryokan (EUR 200-500+). Food is excellent value: ramen at EUR 8-12, conveyor belt sushi at EUR 15-25, fine dining at EUR 60-100+. A realistic mid-range budget is EUR 100-150 per day.