As of July 2017, Japan has entered into reciprocal visa exemption agreements with 68 countries and regions, as shown in the list below. Foreign nationals from these areas are not required to obtain a visa to enter Japan if the purpose of their stay is within those authorized under the temporary visitor visa status, and the length of their stay does not exceed the terms of the agreement between their country and Japan (either six months, 90 days, 30 days, 15 days or 14 days).

The list of countries and regions with visa exemption is as follows:

Immigration inspectors at ports of entry have wide discretion to decide on a period of stay in Japan for foreign nationals that would like to enter Japan. As for temporary visitor status applicants, the immigration inspector grants either 15 days, 30 days or 90 days, whichever they consider appropriate to cover the foreign national's stay.

Nationals of countries and regions that have taken measures concerning the waiver of visa requirements with Japan for stays of up to six months are granted permission to stay in Japan for 90 days at the time of entry. Nationals of these countries and regions who would like to stay in Japan for more than 90 days must apply at their nearest local Immigration Services Bureau in Japan to extend their period of stay.

However, nationals of some of these countries that have taken measures concerning the exemption of visa requirements, including Peru (since 15 July 1995) and Colombia (since 1 February 2004), are still encouraged to obtain visas before entering Japan; otherwise, these nationals without visas will be strictly examined upon entering Japan.

Eligibility for the use of automated gates was to be expanded to include foreign nationals who frequently travel to Japan and are deemed to pose little immigration control risk (Trusted Travelers) on the condition that they complete the prior registration process (including filing of fingerprints). Trusted Travelers are permitted to enter and leave Japan without needing to apply for landing permission each time, for the purpose of simplifying and streamlining the immigration process.

Temporary visitor is a status of residence for foreign nationals who intend to stay in Japan for a limited amount of time (up to 90 days) for business purposes, such as meetings, contract signings, market surveys and post-sale services for machinery imported into Japan.

Activities involving business management (i.e., profit-making activities) or remuneration other than those activities permitted under the status of residence (paid activities) by temporary visitor visa status are not permitted. Violating the status of residence rules is considered illegal labor. Both the foreign national and the employer may incur criminal liability.

Paid activities means activities for remuneration for certain services, such as employment by another person or organization for compensation or any other activities for compensation (both financial and material) for the completion of any project, work or clerical work. There is an exemption for certain types of incidental or nonrecurring compensation of certain amounts that occur within regular, daily life.

In principle, temporary visitor status may not be extended because it is intended for foreign nationals who stay in Japan for a short period of time.