🇯🇵Japan

🇬🇧United KingdomJP-GB

Japan to United Kingdom visa requirements

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?

UKVI says decisions usually arrive by email within a day, but you should allow up to 3 working days and wait for the approval email before travelling.

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

No. The ETA permits travel for Standard Visitor activities such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, and short study, but not employment for a UK company or long-term residence.

Q: Do I need 6 months on my passport?

UK visitor rules do not impose a blanket 6-month passport-validity rule. Your passport should be valid for the whole stay, and your ETA is linked to the passport you applied with.

Q: Can I use eGates at UK airports?

Yes — Japanese biometric passport holders aged 10+ can use eGates at UK airports where available, provided they travel with the passport linked to their ETA.

UK ETA required since 8 January 2025; fee is GBP 20. Visitor stays are up to 6 months. Japanese ordinary passport holders do not need a Standard Visitor visa for short visits to the United Kingdom, but they must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Japan is listed by UKVI as an ETA-eligible nationality and was included in the non-European rollout requiring an ETA for travel from 8 January 2025. The ETA costs GBP 20, is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever is sooner), and allows multiple entries with up to 6 months per visit for tourism, family visits, business meetings, short study, or other Standard Visitor permitted activities. Applications are made through the UK ETA app or GOV.UK, usually decided within a day and sometimes taking up to 3 working days. Paid work, settlement, and stays beyond the visitor rules still require the appropriate UK visa.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19

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.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Japan (PR)Living in Japan as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19

Visa type

ETA required (visa-free visitor route)

Maximum stay

Up to 6 months per entry

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

GBP 20

consular fee only

Processing time

Usually within a day; allow up 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

Use the Japanese passport you will travel with. It should be valid for the whole stay because the ETA is linked to that passport.

· same passport

/02

Apply for UK ETA

Download the UK ETA app or apply online on GOV.UK. Provide passport details, a face photo, contact details, and pay GBP 20.

· ETA app· GBP 20

/03

Wait for approval

UKVI says decisions usually arrive by email within a day; allow up to 3 working days before travelling.

· allow 3 working days

/04

Travel to the UK

ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so you only need to show that passport. Japanese biometric passport holders can use eGates where available.

· 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

11 items

Personalized checklist

Japan -> United Kingdom · ETA required (visa-free visitor route)

0 / 11 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredJapanese passport

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Use the same passport for ETA and travel; valid for the whole stay

RequiredUK ETA approval email

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Electronic — linked to passport

RequiredReturn or onward ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Carry evidence in case the carrier or Border Force asks

RequiredAccommodation address

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Hotel booking or host's address

ConditionalFunds evidence

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Sufficient for trip duration, if asked

RecommendedTravel insurance

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Recommended; NHS access is limited for visitors

RequiredInternational Driving Permit

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

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

ConditionalVaccination certificate (if applicable)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Only required from yellow fever risk countries

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesGOV.UK — Get an ETA to visit the UK GOV.UK — Apply for an ETA UKVI — ETA eligibility list (published 10 September 2024; updated 9 April 2026)

Application link included: GOV.UK — Apply for an ETA

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

UK ETAGBP 20Valid 2 years or until passport expiry

Standard Visitor visaGBP 135Only needed if a visa is required or advisable for the traveller's circumstances

Overstay penaltiesRemoval + banFuture entry significantly affected

Total estimateGBP 20 — GBP 135+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

UK ETA

Usually within a day; up to 3 working days

Apply via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK. Wait for the approval email before travelling.

Visitor visa

About 3 weeks

Use only if a visa is required or advisable, such as after relevant refusals or for activities outside ETA/visitor permission.

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

2026-06-19

Reviewed by Claude Code

Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.

2026-06-19

Codex checked/re-verified on 2026-06-19

Rechecked GOV.UK ETA, ETA eligibility, Standard Visitor, visa national list, and Home Office April 2026 sources; confirmed Japanese passport holders need ETA, not a Standard Visitor visa, for short visitor stays.

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 increased to GBP 20

UK Home Office increased the ETA fee 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, Japanese ordinary passport holders must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the UK for tourism, business, family visits, or short study. The current fee is GBP 20.

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?+