Japan Visa exemptions
Countries that do not require a visa to enter Japan
Under normal circumstances, citizens of more than 60 countries do not require a visa to enter Japan. The visa exemption applies to visitors traveling to Japan short-term. Passport holders of these visa-exempt countries can visit Japan for up to 90 days.
However, Japan has suspended its visa waiver system due to COVID-19. All foreign nationals are currently required to apply for a visa to travel to Japan.
Visa Exemption Agreements usually allow travelers from over 60 countries to travel to Japan without a visa for purposes including tourism, commerce, conferences, or visiting family or friends.
Japan’s visa exemption system is expected to restart once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Japanese Visa-Exempt countries
Due to the suspension of Japan’s visa-exemption system, all foreign nationals need to hold a valid visa to travel to Japan, except for re-entry permit holders.
Under normal circumstances, citizens of the countries listed below can travel without a visa.
Europe
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
North America
Latin America and the Caribbean
- Argentina
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Suriname
- Uruguay
África
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Tunisia
Asia
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Malaysia
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Hong Kong
- Macao
- Taiwan
- Turkey
The period of stay granted at the time of arrival in Japan will be 14 days for Brunei, 15 days for Indonesia, and Thailand, and 30 days for the United Arab Emirates.
Travelers from all other listed countries can enter visa-free for 90 days.
Important: Due to COVID-19, all foreign nationals need to hold a valid visa to travel to Japan, except for re-entry permit holders.
Foreigners must meet additional requirements to be granted a visa during COVID-19 restrictions. Travelers should check the latest entry requirements for their nationality.
Japan Visa Applications for Visa-Exempt Travelers During COVID-19
As explained above, visa exemptions for Japan are suspended. Visa-free entry was paused as part of Japan’s COVID-19 measures.
Most foreign nationals need to get a visa through the Japanese embassy or consulate.
Japan eVisa for Canada, U.S., and Taiwan citizens during suspension of visa-exemption
Citizens of Canada, the United States, and Taiwan can now apply for a visa online. Japan’s eVisa was launched in August 2022. American, Canadian, and Taiwanese travelers can take advantage of the electronic visa application system.
The Japan eVisa system is fast and efficient. Citizens of Canada, the U.S., and Taiwan can complete the application form online and receive their approved visa by email.
It is expected that the Japanese eVisa will be extended to nationalities in the near future.
Documents for Visa-Exempt Travel to Japan
To travel to Japan it is necessary to have a machine-readable passport (MRP) in compliance with ICAO standards or an ePassport that is also in compliance with ICAO standards.
Foreign nationals from all countries also need a visa to travel to Japan during the suspension of the visa-exemption system.
Travelers from specified countries can apply online, all other visitors must apply through the embassy.
All foreigners need a visa to stay long-term or work in Japan
A visa is required to engage in paid activities in Japan or to remain in Japan beyond the stipulated stay.
There are many types of visas for Japan available for different purposes, including working and studying in the country.
Applicants must meet the requirements for the visa they are applying for. Supporting documents will be requested. Applications are made through the Japanese embassy or consulate.