SchengenClock
Verified June 2026

Do Japanese nationals need ETIAS?

Yes

Yes. Japanese citizens are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches travellers from Japan will need an ETIAS authorisation to enter Europe.

Needs ETIAS?
Yes
Cost
€20
Validity
3 yrs
From
Q4 2026

Japan's passport is among the most powerful in the world, and Japanese citizens already travel visa-free to the Schengen area for short stays. That visa-free status is why ETIAS will be required - a quick online authorisation rather than a visa.

The 90-days-in-180 limit is unchanged for Japanese travellers; ETIAS is an additional step to complete before departure, not a relaxation of the day count.

Passport and bilateral agreements

Japan, like several long-standing visa-free partners, holds older bilateral visa-waiver agreements with some individual Schengen states. Their standing under the 90/180 rule is uncertain, so they are not a reliable route to a longer stay. Make sure your Japanese passport is valid for at least three months after your intended departure from Europe and was issued within the previous 10 years.

How Japanese nationals will apply

When ETIAS launches, Japanese nationals will apply online on the official EU portal, pay €20 (free under 18 or over 70), and receive an authorisation linked to their passport for up to 3 years. It is not a visa - see what ETIAS is and how it differs from a visa.

ETIAS gets Japanese nationals to the border; it does not extend the stay. Check how many days are left with the free 90/180 calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Do Japanese nationals need ETIAS?

Yes. Japanese citizens are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches travellers from Japan will need an ETIAS authorisation to enter Europe.

How much will ETIAS cost Japanese nationals?

€20 per application, free for travellers under 18 or over 70. One authorisation lasts up to 3 years. See ETIAS cost.

When will Japanese nationals need ETIAS from?

From the launch of ETIAS, expected in the last quarter of 2026. No exact date is set yet - track it on the ETIAS start date page.

Does ETIAS change the 90-day limit for Japanese nationals?

No. ETIAS lets you travel, but the 90/180-day rule still caps short stays at 90 days in any 180. Plan it with the 90/180 calculator.

Sources