DFAT refreshed its Japan travel advisory on 9 January 2026, reiterating that Australians continue to enjoy 90-day visa-free access for tourism and business, but cautioning that entry and exit requirements can change at short notice.
The update follows Japan’s phased rollout of automated entry/exit gates and rumours on social media of new pre-departure registration. DFAT confirms no additional paperwork is currently required, yet urges travellers to verify requirements with their nearest Japanese embassy before departure.
For travellers who would like an extra layer of certainty, VisaHQ’s Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) offers real-time updates, personalised document checklists and optional expedited processing for Japan and many other destinations, streamlining everything from tourist visas to complex corporate paperwork.
![Japan Reminder: Australians Still Visa-Exempt but Must Check Entry Rules, Says DFAT]()
The advisory also repeats long-standing guidance on natural-disaster preparedness, warning that earthquake and tsunami risks remain high and that some infrastructure in Ishikawa Prefecture is still under repair after the 2024 quakes. Business travellers are encouraged to download NHK and JMA alert apps and to familiarise themselves with company earthquake muster points.
Corporate mobility teams should note the reminder that working in Japan on a tourist status is illegal; assignees delivering short-term services must secure the appropriate Engineer/Specialist-in-Humanities or intra-company transferee visas. Penalties for non-compliance include detention and deportation, which void corporate insurance.
The overall advice level stays at “Exercise normal safety precautions”, making Japan one of the few major economies currently classified green by DFAT.
The update follows Japan’s phased rollout of automated entry/exit gates and rumours on social media of new pre-departure registration. DFAT confirms no additional paperwork is currently required, yet urges travellers to verify requirements with their nearest Japanese embassy before departure.
For travellers who would like an extra layer of certainty, VisaHQ’s Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) offers real-time updates, personalised document checklists and optional expedited processing for Japan and many other destinations, streamlining everything from tourist visas to complex corporate paperwork.
The advisory also repeats long-standing guidance on natural-disaster preparedness, warning that earthquake and tsunami risks remain high and that some infrastructure in Ishikawa Prefecture is still under repair after the 2024 quakes. Business travellers are encouraged to download NHK and JMA alert apps and to familiarise themselves with company earthquake muster points.
Corporate mobility teams should note the reminder that working in Japan on a tourist status is illegal; assignees delivering short-term services must secure the appropriate Engineer/Specialist-in-Humanities or intra-company transferee visas. Penalties for non-compliance include detention and deportation, which void corporate insurance.
The overall advice level stays at “Exercise normal safety precautions”, making Japan one of the few major economies currently classified green by DFAT.
