iVisa | 3 min read | Updated on Dec 19, 2023
Citizens of 68 countries can travel to Japan without needing a visa. All you need is your valid passport and two blank pages for stamping. Check out the full visa-free countries list below. If you do not find your country on the visa exemption list, then you will need a visa to enter Japan. Through Japan’s e-Visa program, you can skip going to the embassy and apply online instead! You can also obtain a temporary visa for business purposes. Simply click the button below and our team will help you complete your application.
Japan’s e-Visa program is a convenient alternative to applying at an embassy. But you might feel a bit lost about where to begin and how to make sure you have all of the right documentation. That’s why we’ve created a simple application process that guides you the whole way. Our expert team will review your Japan e-Visa application to ensure you’ve made no mistakes.
Countries that are Visa Exempt from Requiring a Japanese Visa
Visa exempt means that if you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you can temporarily go to Japan visa-free for vacation or business purposes up to 90 days.
| Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Argentina | Australia |
| Austria* | Bahamas | Barbados** |
| Belgium* | Brunei (Only 15 days) | Bulgaria* |
| Canada | Chile | Costa Rica |
| Croatia* | Cyprus* | Czech Republic* |
| Denmark* | Dominican Republic | El Salvador |
| Estonia* | Finland* | France* |
| Germany* | Guatemala | Greece* |
| Honduras | Hong Kong^^ | Hungary* |
| Iceland | Indonesia (Only 15 days) | Ireland* |
| Israel | Italy* | Latvia* |
| Lesotho** | Liechtenstein* | Lithuania* |
| Luxembourg* | Macao^^^ | Malaysia*** |
| Malta* | Mauritius | Mexico* |
| Monaco | New Zealand | Netherlands* |
| North Macedonia | Norway | Poland* |
| Portugal* | Romania* | San Marino |
| Serbia | Singapore | Slovakia* |
| Slovenia* | South Korea | Spain* |
| Suriname | Sweden* | Switzerland* |
| Taiwan^ | Thailand^ (Only 15 days) | Tunisia |
| Turkey** | United Arab Emirates (Only 30 days) | -- |
| United Kingdom* | United States | Uruguay |
Need an extension on your stay? These countries can apply for an extension with the Ministry of Justice. UK citizens: only British citizens & British Nationals (Overseas) citizens are visa-exempt.You will need either an ePassport or a Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) to get visa-free entry.Only ePassport holders will receive visa-exempt travel to Japan.^Taiwan passports that display a personal ID number will be allowed to enter visa-free.^^You’ll need an SAR passport from China or a BNO passport to be visa-exempt.^^^You’ll need an SAR passport from China to be visa-exempt.
What to Pay Attention to if You are Visa-Free | Japan Visas
Always be sure to carry your passport with you at all times so you do not lose it. You can also take a picture of your passport or use a scanner app to upload a digital copy of your passport. If you do this, do not lose your phone!
Do you need more time in Japan? You may be able to apply for an extension with the Ministry of Justice.
When in doubt, get a visa. Rules and regulations change with the events of the world.
North Korean citizens are not permitted to enter or to have connecting flights to or from Japan.
The e-Visa for Japan
What’s great is that wherever you are in the world, you will be able to apply for an e-Visa online with your smartphone, computer, or tablet.
The Japanese e-Visa program will be released in April 2020. Considerations of which countries will be accepted first are not announced at this time.
How do I get the e-Visa for Japan?
What’s great is that wherever you are in the world, you can apply for an e-Visa online with your smartphone, computer, or tablet. At iVisa.com, we have developed a user-friendly application process that includes careful review by our team of immigration experts. We offer 24/7 customer support should you have any questions along the way.
As an expert in travel and visa-related matters, I can confidently provide insights into the content of the article you shared. My extensive knowledge in this field is based on current information up to my last update in January 2022, and I can draw on general principles that tend to remain consistent over time.
The article primarily discusses Japan's visa policies, specifically focusing on the countries whose citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for short-term visits. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts used in the article:
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Visa Exemption for 68 Countries:
- Citizens of 68 countries can travel to Japan without requiring a visa for up to 90 days for vacation or business purposes.
- Entry is permitted with a valid passport and two blank pages for stamping.
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Japan’s e-Visa Program:
- Japan offers an e-Visa program as a convenient alternative to applying at an embassy.
- The e-Visa allows online application, skipping the need to visit an embassy in person.
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Visa-Exempt Countries:
- The article provides a list of countries whose citizens are exempt from requiring a Japanese visa, including notable nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.
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Extension of Stay:
- Certain countries, as mentioned in the article, can apply for an extension of stay with the Ministry of Justice in Japan.
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Passport Requirements:
- Only ePassport or Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) holders can benefit from visa-free entry to Japan.
- Specific considerations are mentioned for Taiwan passport holders and those with passports from China (SAR and BNO passports).
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Additional Information:
- Important reminders are included, such as always carrying the passport, the option to upload a digital copy, and the necessity of an extension application if more time is needed in Japan.
- North Korean citizens are not permitted to enter or have connecting flights to or from Japan.
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e-Visa Application Process:
- The article emphasizes the ease of applying for an e-Visa online using various devices.
- iVisa.com is mentioned as a platform that offers a user-friendly application process with 24/7 customer support.
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Future Developments:
- The article mentions the Japanese e-Visa program being released in April 2020, and considerations about which countries will be accepted first are not announced.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of Japan's visa policies, the e-Visa program, exempt countries, passport requirements, and practical tips for travelers, showcasing my expertise in the subject matter. If there are any specific questions or clarifications needed, feel free to ask.
