🇯🇵JAPAN

🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOMJP-GB

Do Japan passport holders need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

Q: How long can I stay in the UK with an ETA?

Up to 6 months per entry. The ETA itself is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries.

Q: How long does the UK ETA take?

Most applications are decided within minutes by email. Some can take up to 3 working days, so apply at least 3 days before travelling.

Q: Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No. The ETA permits tourism, business meetings, conferences, and short study (under 6 months) but not paid employment. For work, apply for the appropriate UK work visa.

Q: Do I need 6 months on my passport?

Not required by UK rules — your passport must be valid for the duration of stay — but a biometric (chip-equipped) passport is required for ETA and eGates.

Q: Can I use eGates at UK airports?

Yes — Japanese biometric passport holders aged 10+ can use eGates at UK airports for fast entry, provided they have a valid ETA.

UK ETA required since 8 January 2025 (GBP 16, rising to GBP 20 on 8 April 2026). 6-month visa-free stay. Japanese ordinary passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom since 8 January 2025. The ETA costs GBP 16 (rising to GBP 20 on 8 April 2026), is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever is sooner), and allows multiple entries with up to 6 months stay per entry for tourism, business meetings, short study (under 6 months), or family visits. The ETA is normally approved within minutes via the UK ETA app, occasionally requiring up to 3 working days. Paid work and stays beyond 6 months still require a visa.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Japan (PR)Living in Japan as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27

Visa type

ETA required

Maximum stay

Up to 6 months per entry

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

GBP 16 (GBP 20 from 8 April 2026)

consular fee only

Processing time

Minutes to 3 working days

standard track

Validity

2 years or until passport expiry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check passport validity

Must be valid for the duration of stay. Biometric passport required for the ETA app.

· biometric passport

/02

Apply for UK ETA

Download the UK ETA app or apply online. Submit passport scan, selfie, basic travel info, and pay GBP 16 (GBP 20 from 8 April 2026).

· ETA app· GBP 16

/03

Wait for approval

Most decisions arrive within minutes by email. Some applications take up to 3 working days.

· minutes-3 days

/04

Travel to the UK

ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no need to print anything. Use eGates with biometric passport at Heathrow, Gatwick, and other major airports.

· eGates

/05

Stay up to 6 months

Multiple entries allowed during 2-year ETA validity. For paid work, study over 6 months, or settlement, apply for an appropriate UK visa.

· 6 months per entry

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 8 complete

Japanese biometric passport

Valid for duration of stay; chip required for ETA

UK ETA approval email

Electronic — linked to passport

Return or onward ticket

Required at boarding and immigration

Accommodation address

Hotel booking or host's address

Funds evidence

Sufficient for trip duration

Travel insurance

Recommended; NHS access is limited for visitors

International Driving Permit

Required to drive in the UK (Japanese licence not directly recognised long-term)

Vaccination certificate (if applicable)

Only required from yellow fever risk countries

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

UK ETA (current)GBP 16Valid 2 years or until passport expiry

UK ETA (from 8 April 2026)GBP 20Price increase announced; applications before that date pay GBP 16

Standard Visitor VisaGBP 127+Only needed for stays beyond 6 months or specific activities

Overstay penaltiesRemoval + banFuture entry significantly affected

Total estimateGBP 16 — GBP 20incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

UK ETA

Minutes to 3 working days

Apply via UK ETA app. Most decisions within minutes; apply at least 3 working days before travel.

Visitor Visa

3 weeks+

Required for stays beyond 6 months, certain study, or paid engagements.

eGates entry

Minutes

Japanese biometric passport holders aged 10+ can use eGates at UK airports.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

ETA refused or revoked

Past UK refusals, criminal convictions, or false information on the application can lead to refusal at the ETA stage.

Low

/02

Suspected work intent

Pre-arranged paid engagements require a work visa even if you have an ETA.

Low

/03

Insufficient funds or vague itinerary

Border Force can question or refuse entry if your trip seems unclear.

Low

/04

Past overstays

Any prior UK overstay or removal heavily affects future ETA approvals.

Medium

/05

Prohibited items at customs

Strict controls on meat, dairy, drug-related items, and certain medications.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-27

Japan to UK route verified

Confirmed ETA mandatory since 8 January 2025; GBP 20 from 8 April 2026.

2026-04-08 · major

ETA fee rising to GBP 20

UK Home Office announced ETA fee increase from GBP 16 to GBP 20 effective 8 April 2026.

2025-01-08 · major

ETA became mandatory for Japan

Japanese citizens must hold a UK ETA before travelling for tourism or short business visits.

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Japanese citizens need a UK ETA?—

Yes — since 8 January 2025, all Japanese ordinary passport holders must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the UK for tourism, business, or short study. The current fee is GBP 16, rising to GBP 20 on 8 April 2026.

How long can I stay in the UK with an ETA?+

How long does the UK ETA take?+

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?+

Do I need 6 months on my passport?+

Can I use eGates at UK airports?+

/11 — Passport tools