Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Kōbe, Hyōgo, Japan

1. Japanese Visa for Short-Term Stay

Required for most foreign nationals staying in Kobe for tourism or business. Valid for up to 90 days.

Visa Type: Tourist (temporary visitor) visa
Application Process: Apply at your local Japanese embassy or consulate
Required Documents: Passport, completed application form, photo, travel itinerary, financial documents

Electronic system for travelers entering Japan. Not applicable to visa-exempt nationals.

Online Application: Apply online before travel
Processing Time: Usually approved within minutes, but may take up to 72 hours
Validity: Single entry and valid for two years or until passport expiration (whichever comes first)

Required if you're transiting through Japan with a connecting flight and your layover is more than 24 hours.

If you're a cruise ship passenger planning to visit China from Kobe, check specific visa requirements.

Cruise Ship Travel: Specific visa requirements for cruise passengers
Application Process: Apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country
Validity: Valid for the duration of your cruise and sometimes up to 15 days before or after the cruise

For Kobe residents planning to visit South Korea, check specific visa requirements.

Eligible citizens can enter the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.

Citizenship: Only certain countries eligible for the VWP
Application Process: Register online through ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Validity: Valid for two years or until passport expiration (whichever comes first)

Required for citizens of non-Schengen countries planning to visit multiple EU countries.

European Travel: For multiple EU country visits
Application Process: Apply at the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country of entry
Validity: Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Required for citizens of eligible countries traveling to Australia for tourism or business.

Citizenship: Only certain countries eligible for the ETA
Application Process: Apply online through the Australian ETA system
Validity: Valid for up to 12 months or until passport expiration (whichever comes first)

Required for citizens of eligible countries traveling to Canada for tourism or business.

Citizenship: Only certain countries eligible for the eTA
Application Process: Apply online through the Canadian eTA system
Validity: Valid for up to five years or until passport expiration (whichever comes first)

Required for citizens of eligible countries traveling to New Zealand for tourism or business.

Citizenship: Only certain countries eligible for the eTA
Application Process: Apply online through the New Zealand eTA system
Validity: Valid for up to two years or until passport expiration (whichever comes first)

Required for most foreign nationals entering Taiwan, even if it's a transit or a technical stopover.

Transit and Technical Stops: Visa required for transit and technical stops in Taiwan
Application Process: Apply at a Taiwanese embassy or consulate
Validity: Valid for the duration of your visit, usually up to 90 days

Required for citizens of certain countries entering Singapore, even if it's a transit or a stopover.

Available at select airports in Thailand for citizens of eligible countries. Check eligibility and required documents before travel.

Available at select airports in Malaysia for citizens of eligible countries. Check eligibility and required documents before travel.

Airport Availability: Only available at specific Malaysian airports
Application Process: Apply online before travel, then complete the application at the airport upon arrival
Validity: Valid for 14 or 30 days, depending on your nationality

Required for citizens of certain countries entering the Philippines. Check eligibility and required documents before travel.

Citizenship: Certain countries require a tourist visa
Application Process: Apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate
Validity: Valid for up to 59 days, with the option to extend for an additional 29 days