Japan

Singapore passport holders are not required to apply for visas for short-term entry into Japan (less than 90 days).

Travellers intending to travel to Japan should refer to the Embassy of Japan in Singapore’s website and Japan National Tourist Organisation’s website for the latest entry requirements.

Loss of Passports

Singaporean travellers who have lost their passport should visit ICA’s website (www.ica.gov.sg) to (i) report the loss of their Singapore passport; and (ii) apply for a temporary travel document known as a Document of Identity (DOI) to facilitate their return home.

When reporting the loss of the passport, please indicate “Japan” as the location of loss and proceed to make online payment for the DOI. Once the application for the DOI is approved, ICA will send the DOI via PDF format to the Singaporean’s designated email.

In the case of Japan, the DOI must be printed in colour and presented as a physical copy to the Japanese immigration authorities for exit from the country.

Travellers may also refer to the Embassy of Singapore in Tokyo’s website and Facebook page for the latest travel updates.

While the crime rate for petty crimes in Japan is generally low, travellers should remain vigilant and ensure that valuables such as passports and cash are not left unattended. There have been occasional reports of foreigners being targeted for credit card fraud and extortion in Tokyo’s entertainment and nightlife districts. Travellers are advised to avoid touts. Travellers should note that the Japan Police may not provide a copy of the police report of the incident. Instead, a report number (with no content) will be issued to acknowledge that a report has been lodged at the police station. Hence, it may be useful to take note of the Police Station where the report is filed.

The legal age for consuming and purchasing alcohol and tobacco in Japan is 20 years old.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for Singaporeans to drive in Japan. As it is illegal to drive without the original IDP, car rental companies will not be able to rent cars to foreigners who are unable to produce the original IDP. For application procedures, please refer to the website of the Automobile Association of Singapore (https://www.aas.com.sg/our-services/international-driving-permit-idp.html).

Possession of prohibited drugs is a crime and can lead to heavy penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Travellers should note that prohibited drugs can include prescribed drugs for personal consumption. Travellers importing prescribed drugs should check with the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/import/index.html) or the Japanese Embassy on the application for an import certificate, before bringing the drugs into Japan.

The Japan National Tourism Organisation (www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/eng) provides safety tips and useful emergency information for travellers to Japan.

The NHK World (mobile) app provides push notifications on disaster and emergency information in English. This includes alerts on earthquake, tsunami, volcano warnings issued by JMA, as well as information from J-Alert. The NHK World app is available for free on Google Play and App Store.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.