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Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit

Japan Visa Application 919
Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit

In the past decade, people traveling by cruise ships increased 70% around the world and 200% in Asia. Since 2015, cruises to Japan have been increasing rapidly, and the growth is expected to continue in the future. 

Japan's Sightseeing Landing Permit

(Japanese: Ship Twilight Landing Permit) allows passengers who are designated by the Japanese Minister of Justice to pre-designate passenger ships and foreign tourists for sightseeing purposes. The port is exempt from entry, but the foreign passenger must return to the passenger ship before the passenger ship leaves the port.

If your cruise docks in Japan but you did not apply for a Japan visa, you may still enter the country. The Immigration Bureau of Japan offers Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit to cruise tourists meeting the qualification. Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit allows a very short stay in Japan at restricted area. Because the permit cannot be extended, it still recommended getting a visa in advance for a longer stay.

Cruise Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit usually required tourist to stay in the designated area by the port for shopping and rest. Cruise Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit has different restrictions for tourists depending on their nationality. Thus it is the best to consult a diplomatic institute or the cruise line before your cruise to Japan. Usually, the cruise line will advise on the Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit when you reserve the booking for 2023/2024 cruise season.

From June 10, 2022, Japan has opened its borders since imposing strict entry restrictions two years ago. and foreign travelers who apply for new tourist visas need a complete prescribed applications in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) through qualified travel agencies in Japan.


As a reliable Japan travel agency, we have provided professional tour and limousine services to cruise tourists for years, including pick-up service at Yokohama Cruise Terminal, Japan chauffeur service, tour planning. From June 10, 2022, Japan has opened its borders since imposing strict entry restrictions two years ago. and foreign travelers who apply for new tourist visas need the ERFS through a Japan travel agency. If you need any services for your Japan trip, please don't hesitate to contact our representatives today.

News: From September 7, 2022, the Japanese government has released self-guided tours to international travelers, but it is still necessary to apply for RRFS through a proved Japan travel agency. Since Japanese embassies and consulates around the world are busy, it is recommended to start the process of ERFS and visa as soon as possible.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • We will arrive at Yokohama port by cruise next month. Do I need a visa?
    We recommend consulting your cruise line agency or visa agency on this matter. Japan visa is usually not required for a temporary stay for cruise travelers.
  • I am from Thailand and taking a cruise to Japan. Can I apply for a Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit?
    As far as we know, Thai citizens do not need a visa to visit Japan. Thus, there is no need to apply for a Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit. However, we recommend consulting a professional visa agency for details.
  • How to apply for a Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit in China?
    It is very popular for Chinese traveling to Japan nowadays. If you don't mind, you can apply for a Japan visa instead. Additionally, you can ask your cruise line or travel agency to apply for a Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit. For details, please contact your cruise booking agent.
  • I have a 5-year multiple entry visa to Japan. Do I still need to apply for a Ship Sightseeing Landin
    You will most likely don't need a Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit. However, please check if your visa has any limitation on port of entry. For details, please consult Embassy of Japan or professional visa agency.
  • Can cruise line help to apply for a Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit?
    Most cruise line can help to apply for a Ship Sightseeing Landing Permit. When you book the cruise, you many consult the staffs and provide any needed documents.
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