• Visa exemption countries

    Depending on the nationality, the purpose of the visit and the length of intended stay, a foreigner may or may not require a visa to enter Japan.

    Japan has taken measures concerning the Visa Exemption Arrangements with 68 countries and regions as the chart below.

    Nationals and citizens of those countries and regions shown below are not required to obtain visas to enter Japan when their visits are tourism, commerce, conferences, visiting relatives/ acquaintances, etc. However, when foreign nationals engage in paid activities in Japan or their periods of stay exceed those stipulated in each country’s arrangement of short-term stay, visas will be required to enter Japan.

    • Period of Stay: The period of stay granted at the time of the landing permission will be 15 days for Indonesia, and Thailand, 14 days for Brunei, 30 days for United Arab Emirates and “90 days” for other countries and regions.
    Asia

    Country

    Remarks

    Singapore

    Brunei

    Hong Kong

    For citizens of Hong Kong, visas are not required only for holders of Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport issued by the Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China or British National Overseas (BNO) passports who have the right of residence in Hong Kong.

    Indonesia

    For nationals of Indonesia (since December 1, 2014), visas are not required only for those who have registered ICAO-compliant ePassport to diplomatic missions of Japan in Indonesia (the embassy, consulates-general, or the consulate). Validity of the registration is three years period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

    Republic of Korea

    Macao

    For citizens of Macao, visas are not required only for holders of SAR passport issued by the Macao SAR of the People’s Republic of China.

    Malaysia

    For nationals of Malaysia (since July 1, 2013), visas are not required only for holders of ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold such ePassport are advised to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.

    Taiwan

    For citizens of Taiwan, visas are not required only for holders of Taiwan passport which includes a personal identification number.

    Thailand

    For nationals of Thailand (since July 1, 2013), visas are not required only for holders of ePassport in compliance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.

    North America

    Country

    Remarks

    Canada

    USA

    Latin America and Caribbean

    Country

    Remarks

    Argentina

    Bahamas

    Barbados

    For nationals of Barbados (since April 1, 2010), Turkey (since April 1, 2011) and Lesotho (since April 1, 2010), visas are not required only for holders of Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold an MRP or ePassport are advised to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.

    Chile

    Costa Rica

    Dominican Republic

    El Salvador

    Guatemala

    Honduras

    Mexico

    For nationals of those countries with visa exemptions permitting stays of up to 6 months under the bilateral visa exemption arrangements, those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) before the period of permitted stay is to expire.

    Surinam

    Uruguay

    • For Peru and Colombia nationals, it is highly recommended to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.
    Middle East

    Country

    Remarks

    Israel

    Turkey

    For nationals of Barbados (since April 1, 2010), Turkey (since April 1, 2011) and Lesotho (since April 1, 2010), visas are not required only for holders of Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold an MRP or ePassport are advised to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.

    United Arab Emirates

    For nationals of the United Arab Emirates (since July 1, 2017), visas are not required only for those who have registered ICAO-compliant ePassport to diplomatic missions of Japan (the embassy, consulates-general, or the consulate). Validity of the registration is three years period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

    Oceania

    Country

    Remarks

    Australia

    New Zealand

    Africa

    Country

    Remarks

    Lesotho

    For nationals of Barbados (since April 1, 2010), Turkey (since April 1, 2011) and Lesotho (since April 1, 2010), visas are not required only for holders of Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold an MRP or ePassport are advised to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.

    Mauritius

    Tunisia

    Europe

    Country

    Remarks

    Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxebourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain

    Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, United Kingdom

    For nationals of those countries with visa exemptions permitting stays of up to 6 months under the bilateral visa exemption arrangements, those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) before the period of permitted stay is to expire.