New Japan eVisa for Canadian, U.S., and Taiwanese Citizens

Japan has announced a new electronic visa system for citizens of Canada, the United States and Taiwan. The online application will be accessible for eligible travelers in August 2022 and Taiwanese travelers in September 2022.

This new immigration policy is part of Japan’s reopening plan, following its strict response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The country has maintained one of the harshest travel bans in the world, prohibiting all international tourists from entering for the last 2 years. In June 2022, Japan started to loosen its restrictions, however only guided package tours were permitted.

Japan’s visa exemption program also remains suspended, meaning citizens of visa waiver nations—including Canada, the U.S. and Taiwanese—are unable to visit without a visa. The Japan eVisa has been introduced to facilitate travel for some of these nationalities.

Japan Visa Exemptions Suspended

Canada the U.S., and Taiwan are part of Japan’s visa waiver program, which means citizens of these countries can usually travel to Japan without a visa. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa exemption policy has been suspended.

To allow Canadian, American, and Taiwanese tourists to visit the country while visa-free travel is not permitted, Japan has authorized an online visa service. The new visa system grants tourists entry into Japan once again, paving the way for other eligible nationalities.

The Japan eVisa for citizens of Canada and the U.S. is valid for the following purposes:

The electronic visa permits the holder a single-entry visit to Japan for up to 90 days.

Who Is Eligible for the New Japan eVisa?

Currently, only travelers from Canada, the U.S., and Taiwan can apply for the Japan eVisa. The online system went live on August 18, 2022.

Initially, the launch date for the electronic visa system was April 2020, and intended for a number of nationalities. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch date was delayed.

Canada, the U.S., and Taiwain have been added to the list of eligible countries, due to the suspension of visa exemption services. More countries are expected to be added in the future, as travel restrictions relax further.

Requesting a Japan eVisa from Canada, the U.S., or Taiwan

Canadian, American, and Taiwanese nationals can easily request the Japan electronic visa using the online system. Applicants simply need to complete the Japan eVisa application form and pay the online visa processing. Once approved, the eVisa is sent by email.

The eVisa application service is 100% online. Eligible citizens do not need to present any documents in person. All that is required is a digital copy of a valid Canadian, U.S., or Taiwanese passport.

The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of arrival, and have at least 2 blank pages.

Travel to Japan from Canada, the U.S., or Taiwan

Canadian, American, and Taiwanese travelers with an approved eVisa must present their travel permit upon arrival. Japanese officials will then validate the visa and confirm if the visitor is eligible for entry.

The most common way to travel to Japan from Canada, the U.S., or Taiwan is by plane. Below is an outline of the most common routes.

Canada to Japan with an eVisa

There are flights between all major Canadian and Japanese cities. Some popular routes include:

The U.S. to Japan with an eVisa

American citizens can take direct flights from major U.S. cities to both Tokyo and Osaka, including:

Many more U.S. airports also operate flights to Japan’s major cities.

Taiwan to Japan with an eVisa

Taiwanese citizens can catch a direct flight to several Japanese cities:

These are some of the most popular routes, others are available.