Japan
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Japan
You · American passport
Up to 90 days per visit
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
mofa.go.jp · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Up to 365 days per visit
It needs Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) authenticated by JAF before you cross.
customs.go.jp · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 215 days out
Japan needs a microchip, two rabies shots, a FAVN test of 0.5+, a 180-day wait, 40-day advance notice and a government certificate. See the steps
maff.go.jp · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Japan.
We'll email you if Japan's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Japan.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
ISO microchip before first rabies shot
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15 numeric digits) before the first rabies vaccination.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination 1
First inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine on or after the microchip date, when the pet is at least 91 days old (birth date = day 0).
- At least 30 days after the rabies shot
Rabies vaccination 2
Second rabies vaccine at least 30 days after the first (first = day 0) and within the first shot's effective period.
- On or after the rabies shot
Rabies antibody test (FAVN) at a designated lab
Blood sample on or after the day of the second vaccination, within its effective period, tested at a Japan-designated laboratory; result at least 0.5 IU/mL.
- At least 180 days after the blood test
180-day wait
Arrival in Japan must be at least 180 days after the blood sample date (sample = day 0), and within the vaccine and antibody-test validity.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- At least 40 days before you arrive
Notify Animal Quarantine Service 40+ days ahead
Submit the advance notification to the AQS office at your port of entry at least 40 days before arrival (NACCS online or by email) and get the Approval of Import Inspection.
- Within 10 days before you arrive
Clinical inspection within 10 days before departure
A vet examines the pet within 10 days before boarding (free of rabies signs; dogs also leptospirosis) and checks the microchip.
- Within 10 days before you arrive
Government certificate (Form AC)
Obtain the certificate issued/endorsed by the exporting country's government agency (Form AC recommended).
- At the border
Import inspection on arrival
AQS inspects the pet on arrival. If compliant it is released (typically within 12 hours); otherwise detention up to 180 days or return.
maff.go.jp · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Japan
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | mofa.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | mofa.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | mofa.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | mofa.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | mofa.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | mofa.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | mofa.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | mofa.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Japan
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Carnet needed | Up to 365 days per visit | customs.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Carnet needed | Up to 365 days per visit | customs.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Carnet needed | Up to 365 days per visit | customs.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Carnet needed | Up to 365 days per visit | customs.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Carnet needed | Up to 365 days per visit | customs.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Carnet needed | Up to 365 days per visit | customs.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Carnet needed | Up to 365 days per visit | customs.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Carnet needed | Up to 365 days per visit | customs.go.jp · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Japan leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
