Transit Visa for Tokyo Narita (NRT) — Do You Need One? (2026)
No visa if you stay airside, whatever your nationality — plus when you need one to leave the airport, and Japan's 72-hour shore pass.
Quick Answer
No visa is needed to connect airside at Narita, whatever your nationality: if you stay in the departure area until your next flight you do not go through immigration (Narita Airport). To leave the airport you clear immigration — visa-exempt nationalities (such as the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, South Korea and Singapore) can enter; others, including Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and Nigerian passport holders, need a Japanese visa or, where eligible, a shore pass of up to 72 hours.
Transit Visa by Nationality (2026)
| Nationality | Transit Visa? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA | No | Visa-free 90 days; airside + landside transit free. |
| UK | No | Visa-free 90 days; airside + landside transit free. |
| EU + Schengen | No | Most EU visa-free 90 days; transit free. |
| Canada | No | Visa-free 90 days. |
| Australia | No | Visa-free 90 days. |
| South Korea | No | Visa-free 90 days. |
| Singapore | No | Visa-free 90 days. |
| Malaysia | No | Visa-free 90 days. |
| Thailand | No | Visa-free 15 days. |
| UAE | No | Visa-free 30 days from 2017. |
| China | No | No visa to stay airside. Entering Japan needs a visa — Japan has no visa exemption for Chinese ordinary passports. |
| India | No | No visa to stay airside. Entering Japan needs a visa (or a shore pass where eligible). |
| Russia | No | 90-day visa-free (suspended for some categories post-2022). |
| Pakistan | No | No visa to stay airside. Entering Japan needs a visa (or a shore pass where eligible). |
| Nigeria | No | No visa to stay airside. Entering Japan needs a visa (or a shore pass where eligible). |
Data valid for 2026. Always verify on mofa.go.jp 14 days before travel.
How to Handle a Tokyo Transit
- 1
Stay airside: no immigration, no visa
Narita Airport: when connecting between international flights you do not go through immigration if you stay in the departure area (airside) until your next flight — so no visa is needed for that, whatever your nationality.
- 2
For longer transits or to leave the airport
To leave the airport you go through immigration, and some nationalities need a visa. Japan also allows transit passengers to land for up to 72 hours near the airport under a shore pass without a visa, if they meet its conditions — ask your airline before you fly.
- 3
Narita vs Haneda terminal logistics
Tokyo has two airports: Narita (NRT) 66 km east + Haneda (HND) 15 km south of central Tokyo. NRT has 3 terminals; HND has 3 (T1+T2 domestic, T3 international). Connecting between NRT and HND requires 4+ hours via the Limousine Bus (90-120 min) or Narita Express + Tokyo Monorail (2 hr).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to transit at Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)?+
If you stay in the departure area (airside) until your next flight, you do not go through immigration and need no visa, whatever your nationality (Narita Airport). To leave the airport you clear immigration — visa-exempt nationalities can enter; others need a Japanese visa, or may be able to land for up to 72 hours on a shore pass if they meet its conditions.
Do Chinese passport holders need a visa to transit Tokyo?+
Not to stay airside. To enter Japan, Chinese ordinary passport holders need a visa — Japan has no visa exemption for them (it is China that exempts Japanese visitors for 30 days).
How long is the minimum connection time at NRT?+
Same airline, same terminal: 60 min (Cathay Pacific + JAL CX-JAL standard). Different airline + same terminal: 90 min. Cross-terminal at NRT (T1 ↔ T2 ↔ T3) via free terminal bus: 90 min minimum, 120 recommended. International recheck-baggage: 120 min. Haneda (HND) has tighter minimums: 45 min same-terminal, 60 min cross-terminal (T1 + T2 connected by walkway in 8 min; T3 international is at the opposite end).
Can I leave Narita airport during a layover?+
Yes, if you have a Japan visa or are visa-exempt (most Western nationalities). NRT is 66 km east of Tokyo — Narita Express train to Tokyo Station in 53 min for JPY 3,070 (USD 21). Or the cheaper Keisei Skyliner to Nippori in 41 min for JPY 2,580. For a 6-hour layover, you can comfortably do Asakusa or Akihabara + back. For 4 hours: best stay around Narita station area (Naritasan Temple is a 10-min walk).
How much does a Japan e-visa cost in 2026?+
Fees are set by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and depend on the visa type and your nationality; the JAPAN eVISA site shows the fee before you pay. Visa-exempt nationalities need no visa for short visits.
Should I use Narita or Haneda for connecting flights?+
Haneda (HND) is closer to central Tokyo (15 km vs 66 km), more modern, and is preferred by Japanese carriers for international long-haul. Narita (NRT) handles more international airlines + low-cost (Jetstar, Peach, AirAsia Japan). If you can choose: HND is faster + more reliable for connections; NRT is fine but plan a 2-hour buffer.
What about Haneda transit visa rules?+
The same national rules apply at both airports: no immigration if you stay airside, and visa requirements to enter depend on nationality, not the airport. Haneda is mainly used for connections to Asia (Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore) + transpacific (Honolulu, LAX, JFK); Narita handles more European + global routes.
Hotels in Tokyo for a long layover or stopover
Hotels, hostels & more · Trip.com
Stay connected in Japan
Get an eSIM before you fly — instant activation, no roaming bills
Compare all eSIMs →