Most Western and Asian business visitors (United States, United Kingdom, EU/EEA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan) enter Japan visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days, which covers attending or exhibiting at a trade fair. Nationals of countries without a visa-exemption agreement (most of Southeast Asia, China, India, the Middle East, Africa) need a short-term visitor visa (approx. JPY 3,000 / USD ~20 single entry; approx. JPY 6,000 multiple entry) applied for at a Japanese embassy or consulate, normally with an invitation or guarantee letter from the Japanese host. Apply 3-4 weeks before travel; Japan also accepts ATA Carnets for exhibit goods.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Covers business meetings, trade-fair attendance, seminars and market research. Remunerated work is not permitted on visa-free entry. Approx. JPY 3,000 single entry. An invitation letter, itinerary and/or a guarantee from the Japanese host company or organiser is normally required. Fees may be waived or reduced for some nationalities under bilateral arrangements.
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