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Japan

South Korea citizenship

Visa

Visa-free up to 90 days

Language

Japanese

Car traffic

Left-hand

Phone code

+81

Currency

Japanese yen

Covid

There are no COVID restrictions

Insurance policy

Insurance policy recommended

Minimum passport validity

at least 6 months

Rules of entry and stay

Transit rules

Entry with pets

Emergency contacts

Customs regulations

Information for vehicle owners

Embassy contacts

Is Japan open to South Korean citizens under a visa waiver?

Yes, South Koreans enjoy visa-free entry to Japan for stays up to 90 days. This applies to short-term visits for leisure, business, cultural engagements, and other similar trips.

To remain longer or undertake activities beyond this scope (e.g., employment), securing an appropriate visa in advance is necessary.

Entry checklist for South Koreans traveling to Japan

Required documents include:

Valid passport. Validity for your visit duration, ideally at least six months beyond your entry date.
Return/onward travel proof.
Accommodation documents: a hotel booking or equivalent.
Financial stability proof: carry bank statements or similar.

More details are available on the Japanese diplomatic website in South Korea.

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“Landing Permit” procedures for South Korean citizens entering Japan

South Korean citizens arriving in Japan must be examined by an immigration officer to receive a “Landing Permit”. This ensures adherence to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, covering valid documentation like passports and visas (if required), the purpose of your trip, and your allowed stay duration.

An “entry permit” stamp will be placed in your passport if conditions are satisfied, indicating your “residence status” and your permitted length of stay.

Keep in mind: After obtaining this permit, single-entry visas become invalid (except for multiple-entry visas). Changes or extensions of your stay must be handled through the Regional Immigration Bureau.

Important recommendations for South Korean citizens visiting Japan

- Customs rules. Importing drugs, weapons, hazardous items, or specific foods is strictly controlled. Be aware of restrictions on tobacco and alcohol.

- Immigration law: Unauthorized employment is illegal and may lead to permanent entry bans.

When to travel to Japan for South Korean tourists

For travelers from South Korea, the best times to experience Japan are:

- Spring (March-April): admire the cherry blossoms in full bloom, especially in Kyoto’s iconic parks and gardens.

- Autumn (October-November): enjoy vibrant fall colors in Nikko, Arashiyama, and other scenic spots.

- Winter: visit snowy towns like Shirakawa-go or hit the slopes at Hokkaido’s mountain resorts.

Best places to visit in Japan for South Korean travelers

National Parks. Visit Fuji Hakone-Izu to experience breathtaking Mount Fuji landscapes, hot springs, and serene lakes.
Kyoto. Explore a rich heritage of temples, bamboo forests, and historical gardens, such as Ryoanji’s stone garden.
Okinawa. Enjoy tropical beaches and visit the impressive Churaumi Aquarium.
Tokyo. A city that perfectly balances modern skyscrapers and traditional neighborhoods like Asakusa.
Hiroshima. See the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Dome as you learn about Japan’s history.

Based on the current situation in Ukraine, Japan has decided to apply to dogs and cats evacuated to Japan, the provisions on rescue dogs, etc., provided by the order of the Minister. You can find this provision here.

General rules for importing pets to Japan.

First, let us briefly list the necessary documents and conditions, and then consider them in more detail:

1) Obtaining an international passport and implantation of a subcutaneous chip.

If the animal does not have an international veterinary passport, you need to get one to start the first stage. It is desirable to register the animal for the person who will transport it.

Next - identification chip installment. If the animal already has a chip implanted, please check its compatibility with Japanese requirements. The microchip must comply with ISO 11784 and 11785 standards (15-digit code consisting only of numbers).

Make sure that the microchip number can be identified by a microchip reader in veterinary hospitals.

2) Double vaccination against rabies.

The Japanese quarantine service requires double vaccination of animals, each dose of which is noted in the veterinary passport.

1st vaccination:

If the animal was vaccinated before the installation of the chip, these vaccinations are not considered valid. In this regard, you can take the opportunity and put the first vaccination immediately after installation of the chip or after 1 week.

If the animal has been vaccinated with the chip installed, the duration of this vaccination should not exceed 91 days (the date of vaccination is considered zero day).

2nd vaccination:

No earlier (mandatory condition!) than in 31 days the animal is given the 2nd rabies vaccination.

Importantly! Japanese requirements state that vaccination must contain a dead virus! "Killed" recombinant / modified viral vaccine. Vaccines made with "live" viruses are not accepted by the Japanese side. Please consult your doctor in advance during this step to avoid unpleasant consequences.

3) Test for antibodies to rabies and 180-day quarantine.

This test can be done on the day of the 2nd rabies vaccination or in the following days.

The certificate is issued within 2 weeks. Be sure to check this document for spelling information, especially the microchip number. Otherwise, if an error is detected at the border, the animal will simply be not accepted. The certificate validity is 2 years.

Importantly! The antibody titer should be greater than or equal to 0.5 IU per 1 milliliter, which means that the animal is eligible for import into Japan. If the titers are unsatisfactory - the analysis is repeated.

The waiting period is 180 days. Dogs and cats must arrive in Japan 180 days after the blood test for rabies antibodies. The date of blood collection is considered to be day 0.

In addition, the date of arrival in Japan must be within the validity of the administered rabies vaccine and the validity of the rabies antibody test (certificate valid for 2 years).

Importantly! Dogs and cats waiting less than 180 days will be quarantined in the Animal Quarantine Service remand center for the period of replenishment of missing days. The age of the animal imported into Japan must be at least 10 months.

4) Prior notification of the quarantine service.

You must notify the Japanese Quarantine Service of your arrival with the pet at one of the airports/seaports at least 40 days in advance. Communication is in Japanese or English.

Japan Quarantine Service: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/attach/pdf/aqs_contact_list_en.pdf

When making a notification, you need to send information about the upcoming flight with your pet and special completed notification forms:

Notification form for dogs:

https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/pdf/notification-dog.pdf

Notification form for cats: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/pdf/notification-cat.pdf

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