Japan Visa Guide 2026: Requirements, eVISA & Country List

Introduction

The first thing every traveller planning a trip to Japan needs to know is whether they need a visa. Japan has visa exemption agreements with 74 countries and territories, but travellers from outside that list need to get a visa before they fly.

This guide is based on the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the embassies of Japan in each country, as of April 2026.

Important: Visa rules can change at any time. Always check the official MOFA visa portal or the Japanese embassy in your country before booking your trip.

Visa-exempt countries (short stays)

Japan exempts citizens of 74 countries and territories from visa requirements for short stays — tourism, business meetings or visiting family.

Countries with 90-day exemption

The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, EU member states (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Israel and Turkey, among others.

Countries with 30-day exemption (e-Passport required)

• United Arab Emirates — visa-exempt since 1 November 2022
• Qatar — e-Passport holders, 30 days
• Brunei — e-Passport holders, 30 days

Countries with 15-day exemption (e-Passport required)

• Indonesia — e-Passport holders only
• Thailand — e-Passport holders only

Recently added exemptions

Source: MOFA — Visa Exemption List

Note: Some exemptions require an e-Passport (a passport with a biometric chip). Older non-biometric passports may not qualify even if you are a citizen of an exempt country.

eVISA expansion (December 2025)

As of 15 December 2025, citizens or residents of 9 countries and territories can apply for a Japan electronic visa entirely online:

How to apply for an eVISA

1. Go to the JAPAN eVISA official site
2. Create an account
3. Fill in the application (purpose of travel, length of stay, accommodation)
4. Upload required documents (passport bio page, photo, itinerary)
5. Wait for the result by email — usually about 5 business days
6. Print or save the approved eVISA on your device

Conditions: Single entry, tourism only, maximum 90 days, must enter Japan within 3 months of issue.

Source: MOFA — JAPAN eVISA

Countries that still need a visa in advance

Citizens of the following countries need to obtain a visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate before flying:

• China, Russia, India
• Philippines, Vietnam (most passports)
• Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
• Most African countries
• Saudi Arabia (general passport — but eVISA is available)

Documents commonly required

1. Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
2. Visa application form with passport-size photo
3. Round-trip flight reservation
4. Hotel reservations covering the entire stay
5. Travel itinerary matching the flight booking
6. Proof of funds (bank statement, last 3 months)
7. Letter of employment or invitation letter

Visa fees (as of April 2026)

Visa fee increase planned for 2026

The Japanese government has announced plans to raise visa fees during fiscal year 2026. The current ¥3,000 single-entry fee has been unchanged since 1978 and is far below the G7 average (the US charges $185, the UK around $167). The new amount has not been published yet — check the official fee page before applying.

Processing times

What to know on arrival

COVID-19 rules

Since 29 April 2023, no vaccination certificate or PCR test is required to enter Japan.

Departure tax

When you leave Japan, an international tourist tax of ¥1,000 (the “Sayonara Tax”) is charged automatically — it is included in your flight ticket, you don’t pay separately. There are ongoing discussions in the Japanese government about a possible future increase; check official sources for the current amount before travel.

Visit Japan Web

Filling in Visit Japan Web before you fly lets you complete the immigration card and customs declaration digitally — saving time at the airport.

Embassy directory

Apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your area of residence:

Summary

• Visa-exempt: US, UK, EU, Australia, Brazil, Korea, Taiwan, UAE (30 days), Qatar (30 days), Indonesia (15 days, e-Passport), Thailand (15 days, e-Passport) — 74 countries total
• eVISA: 9 countries including Saudi Arabia
• Visa required: China, Russia, India, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and most African countries
• Fee: ¥3,000 single-entry (increase planned for FY2026)
• Processing: Around 5 business days

Start the visa process as early as possible — at least one month before travel, and even earlier in peak seasons (March-April for cherry blossoms, October-November for autumn foliage).

Related articles:

• How much does a trip to Japan cost in 2026? (in Portuguese)
• Arabic visa guide for GCC countries

Official sources:

• MOFA Visa Portal
• JAPAN eVISA
• Visit Japan Web