Japan Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK citizens can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. No application or prior approval is needed. Simply present your British passport at Japanese immigration on arrival.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Japan without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa application is required. Nothing to prepare in advance from a visa perspective.
- Your valid British Citizen passport
- A return or onward ticket
- Address of your accommodation in Japan (hotel name or host address)
At the airport immigration desk, have ready:
Arrival card: Japan phased out paper arrival cards for most nationalities in 2023. If you are enrolled in the Visit Japan Web pre-registration service, processing at e-gates is faster. Registration is free and optional but speeds up immigration considerably.
Note on other British travel documents: The visa exemption applies specifically to British Citizen passports. If you hold a British National (Overseas) (BNO), British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, or British Subject passport, you should confirm your eligibility directly with the Embassy of Japan in London before booking, as the exemption may not apply.
Entry Requirements
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid British Citizen passport
British Citizen passport valid for the full duration of your intended stay in Japan. One blank page required for the entry stamp. Japan does not require 6 months validity beyond departure; validity for the stay period is sufficient. Note: British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, and British Overseas Territories Citizens are not covered by the visa exemption and require a visa.
Return or onward ticket
Confirmed booking showing your departure from Japan. Immigration officers will ask for evidence of onward travel.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host address in Japan. You will be asked to provide a Japanese address on the landing card or at the immigration desk.
Proof of sufficient funds Recommended
Cash, debit card, or evidence of funds to cover your stay. No official minimum, but officers may ask about means of subsistence for longer stays.
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Japan: What You Need to Know
UK citizens holding a British Citizen passport can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa application, no fee, and no prior approval is required. This applies to tourism, visiting family or friends, and short business trips.
Passport type matters: The 90-day visa-free arrangement applies to British Citizen passport holders only. British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, and British Overseas Territories Citizens are not eligible and must apply for a visa before travel.
Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Japan does not require the standard "6 months beyond departure" validity that many other countries impose. One blank page is needed for the entry stamp.
90-day extension: If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for a further 90-day extension at your local Regional Immigration Services Bureau inside Japan. Extensions are at the discretion of the immigration officer and are not guaranteed.
On arrival at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports, proceed through e-gates or manned immigration desks. First-time visitors to Japan will have fingerprints and a photo taken at the immigration desk; this is standard for all non-Japanese nationals.
How to Get There
British Airways operates direct daily flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda (HND), with up to 14 flights per week during peak seasons. Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA also operate non-stop LHR to HND services. Non-stop flight time is approximately 13 hours 40 minutes.
Via connecting hubs: China Eastern and Air China connect via Shanghai or Beijing at lower fares, adding 3 to 5 hours. Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, and Finnair all operate popular one-stop services via their respective hubs.
For UK travellers prioritising convenience and direct access to central Tokyo, Haneda (HND) is preferable to Narita (NRT): Haneda is closer to the city centre and well connected by monorail and rail.
Money & Banking
Japan is increasingly card-friendly but remains more cash-dependent than most Western European countries, particularly outside major cities.
UK debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) work reliably at: 7-Eleven (7 Bank) ATMs (over 10,000 locations nationwide), Japan Post Office ATMs (over 20,000 locations), and Aeon Bank ATMs. Standard Japanese bank ATMs (e.g. Mizuho, SMBC, MUFG branches) generally do not accept foreign cards.
Withdrawal limits and fees: Most ATMs allow withdrawals of up to 50,000 to 100,000 JPY per transaction. ATM fee is typically 110 to 220 JPY per withdrawal (approximately 55p to £1.10), plus your UK bank's own foreign transaction or ATM fees. Using a Wise or Starling card eliminates the UK bank fee.
Cash is still essential for many temples, shrines, smaller restaurants, local trains, taxis, and rural accommodation. Carry yen at all times; do not rely on card-only.
Currency exchange: Exchangeable at airport exchange desks (competitive rates at Narita/Haneda arrivals), major post offices, and licensed exchange shops in cities. Rates vary; airport rates are generally acceptable.
Practical Tips
Japan is one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations. A few practical points for UK visitors:
Transport: IC Card and JR Pass
An IC card (Suica or Pasmo) is the most practical tool for getting around. It is a rechargeable contactless card covering metro, buses, local trains, and convenience store purchases. Since March 2025, physical card availability has been restored. For tourists, the Welcome Suica can be loaded via Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before departure using a credit or debit card.
The JR Pass (7, 14, or 21 days) covers unlimited travel on most Japan Railways (JR) services including the Shinkansen bullet train. It is significantly cheaper than buying individual Shinkansen tickets if you plan to travel between cities. Purchase online before departure; it can also be bought at Narita and Haneda on arrival.
Best time to visit: Spring (late March to May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October to November) for foliage. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May): accommodation prices triple and popular sites are extremely crowded. July and August are hot and humid.
Language: Japanese is the primary language. English signage is widespread in Tokyo, Kyoto, and major tourist cities. Translation apps (Google Translate camera mode) are useful for menus and local signage outside tourist areas.
Tipping: Tipping is not practised in Japan and can cause confusion. Never tip in restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
Power: Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat pins) at 100V / 50-60 Hz. UK plugs do not fit without an adapter. Most modern electronics and phone chargers handle 100V without issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Japan?
No. UK citizens holding a British Citizen passport can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, fee, or prior approval is required. Simply present your passport at Japanese immigration on arrival.
Note on other British travel documents: The visa exemption applies specifically to British Citizen passports. If you hold a British National (Overseas) (BNO), British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, or British Subject passport, eligibility may differ. BNO holders in particular should confirm their status directly with the Embassy of Japan in London before booking, as information from different sources conflicts on this point.
How long can UK citizens stay in Japan?
90 days per visit. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a further 90-day extension at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau inside Japan. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Do I need to register or complete anything before flying to Japan?
No registration is mandatory. The Visit Japan Web service is optional but speeds up immigration processing by allowing e-gate use at Narita and Haneda airports. Registration is free and takes about 10 minutes.
Do UK bank cards work in Japan?
Yes, at specific ATMs. UK Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards work reliably at 7-Eleven (7 Bank) ATMs, Japan Post ATMs, and Aeon Bank ATMs. Standard Japanese bank branch ATMs generally do not accept foreign cards.
Japan is still significantly cash-dependent outside major cities. Carry Japanese Yen (JPY) for temples, smaller restaurants, local trains, and rural areas.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Japan?
Yes. British Airways, Japan Airlines (JAL), and ANA all operate non-stop flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda (HND). Flight time is approximately 13 hours 40 minutes. Connecting options via Qatar Airways, Emirates, and others are also available.
Do I need a JR Pass?
The JR Pass is worth buying if you plan to travel between multiple cities by Shinkansen bullet train. For a Tokyo-only trip, it is not necessary. For itineraries covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, or other cities, the pass typically pays for itself within one or two Shinkansen journeys. Buy online before departure or at Narita/Haneda airport on arrival.