Home › ETIAS Guide › ETIAS by Nationality › Japanese Citizens
Last Updated: September 2026
Japanese citizens will need ETIAS — Europe’s new pre-travel authorisation — once it launches.
⚠️ September 2026 Update: ETIAS Launch Now Expected in 2027
In mid-July 2026, the EU quietly removed the “last quarter of 2026” launch target from the official ETIAS website. Financial Times reporting cited eu-LISA (the EU agency building ETIAS) as having internally concluded a 2026 launch is no longer feasible.
No new date had been announced as of late September 2026. A 2027 launch is now the most likely outcome. See our ETIAS launch date tracker for the running record.
⚡ Quick Reference for Japanese Citizens
| What | ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) |
| When | 2027 now most likely — Q4 2026 target removed July 2026. See timeline |
| Cost | €20 per application — free for under-18s and over-70s |
| Valid for | 3 years or until your passport expires |
| Processing | Most approved in minutes |
| Covers | 30 European countries |
| Covers UK? | No — the UK requires a separate UK ETA (£20, required since January 2025) |
🛂 Visiting the UK Too? You’ll Need a UK ETA
Japanese citizens need a UK ETA (£20, valid 2 years) to enter Britain. It’s separate from ETIAS, and iVisa handles the application end-to-end.
When ETIAS eventually launches, iVisa will handle ETIAS applications too.
Apply for UK ETA with iVisa →Affiliate partner — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Do Japanese Citizens Need a Visa for Europe in 2026?
No — and that isn’t changing. Japanese passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in Europe, and ETIAS does not change that. Japan consistently ranks among the world’s most powerful passports, with visa-free access to all Schengen countries.
What IS changing (once ETIAS launches) is that you’ll need to complete a quick online authorisation before your trip. The process is straightforward: fill out a 10-minute form online, pay €20, receive approval within minutes, and travel. Your ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport — no printout needed.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It’s a pre-travel screening system that checks visitors from visa-exempt countries against EU security databases before they board a flight, ferry, or train to Europe.
It is not a visa. There’s no embassy appointment, no supporting documents, no interview. When you apply, your passport details are automatically checked against databases including the Schengen Information System, Interpol, and Europol. For the vast majority of Japanese applicants, approval comes within minutes.
Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years and covers unlimited trips across all 30 participating countries — as long as each stay respects the 90-day limit.
ETIAS vs. US ESTA: A Familiar Concept
Many Japanese travellers are familiar with the US ESTA — the electronic authorisation required before visiting the United States. ETIAS works on exactly the same principle, applied to Europe instead.
| Feature | Europe’s ETIAS | US ESTA | UK ETA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | €20 | $40 USD | £20 |
| Valid for | 3 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Max stay | 90 days per 180 | 90 days | 6 months |
| Countries covered | 30 European countries | United States only | United Kingdom only |
| Application | Online, ~10 min | Online, ~15 min | App or website |
| Age exemptions | Free for under-18s and over-70s | None | None |
How to Apply for ETIAS (Step by Step)
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS covers 30 European countries — the 29 Schengen Area member states plus Cyprus. One authorisation covers all of them.
Countries That Do NOT Require ETIAS
| Country | ETIAS Required? | What Japanese Citizens Need |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | No | UK ETA (£20, valid 2 years) |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇦🇱 Albania | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
The 90/180-Day Rule for Japanese Travellers
ETIAS doesn’t change how long you can stay. The Schengen rule already in place still applies: up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
For Japanese travellers combining Europe with the UK, remember that days spent in the UK do not count toward your Schengen 90-day total. A 2-week trip to London followed by 2 weeks in France uses only 14 of your 90 Schengen days.
Use our free Schengen Calculator to plan your days. For the full explanation see our 90/180-Day Rule Guide.
🛡️ Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Your Europe Trip
ETIAS authorises your entry, but it doesn’t cover a medical emergency, a travel delay, or lost luggage. SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance covers emergency medical treatment across 180+ countries, travel delays, and lost checked luggage — with no long-term commitment required.
Get a Quote from SafetyWing →Affiliate partner — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dual Citizens: Japan + EU Country
Japan’s Nationality Act generally doesn’t let adults keep two nationalities. People who hold dual nationality from birth are required to choose one by a set age, and Japanese citizens who voluntarily acquire another nationality lose their Japanese nationality.
For ETIAS, what matters is the passport you travel on. If you enter Europe on an EU passport, you do not need ETIAS. If you travel on your Japanese passport, ETIAS is required.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost in Japanese Yen?
- Adults (18–70): €20. The amount in yen depends on the exchange rate on the day you pay, plus any fees your card charges.
- Under 18: Free (application still required)
- Over 70: Free (application still required)
For a full breakdown, see our guide to ETIAS Cost & Fees.
🌍 There’s More to Plan Than ETIAS
The free Europe Travel Planner builds one personalised briefing for your passport and route: entry requirements, your 90/180 stay limit, local currencies, plug adapters, eSIM data, and driving rules across 45+ countries. No signup.
Build My Free Travel Briefing →Frequently Asked Questions
When does ETIAS start for Japanese citizens?
No confirmed start date exists. The Q4 2026 target that had been on the official EU ETIAS page was removed in mid-July 2026 following Financial Times reporting that eu-LISA had concluded a 2026 launch was no longer feasible. 2027 is the most likely outcome, and no new date had been announced as of late September 2026. See our launch date tracker for updates.
Can Japanese citizens apply for ETIAS today?
No. The ETIAS system is not yet operational. Applications will open shortly before the system officially goes live — no confirmed date exists. Until then, Japanese travellers head to Europe exactly as before — with just a passport. Any website currently claiming to accept ETIAS applications is a scam.
How much does ETIAS cost in Japanese yen?
The fee is €20. The amount in yen depends on the exchange rate on the day you pay, plus any card fees. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee but still need to complete the application.
Is ETIAS the same as a Schengen visa?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt countries like Japan. As a Japanese citizen, you need ETIAS — not a Schengen visa — for short stays.
Do I need ETIAS for a stopover in Europe?
If your layover requires passing through border control in a Schengen country, yes. If you remain in the international transit zone, no ETIAS is required.
Do children need ETIAS?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own ETIAS regardless of age. Parents can apply on behalf of minors. Children under 18 are exempt from the €20 fee.
Can I work or study in Europe with ETIAS?
No. ETIAS covers short-term visits for tourism, business, and transit only — up to 90 days. To work or study, you need a national visa or residence permit.
Does ETIAS cover the UK?
No. The UK requires a separate UK ETA (£20, valid 2 years). A combined Japan → UK → Europe trip requires both a UK ETA and an ETIAS.
What if my ETIAS is denied?
You’ll receive a reason and can appeal. You may also apply for a full Schengen visa through a European embassy. See: Can You Be Denied ETIAS?
📚 Related Articles
- ETIAS Launch Date — the running record of delays and updates
- ETIAS: Complete Guide — the full breakdown of Europe’s new travel authorisation
- UK ETA Guide — the separate authorisation for the UK leg of your trip
- ETIAS vs ESTA — the familiar US ESTA comparison
- ETIAS Cost & Fees — the €20 breakdown and exemptions
- Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) — the biometric system already operating
- Schengen 90/180-Day Rule — stay limits that apply with your ETIAS