Japan’s New e-Visa System for Tourists from 11 Countries: A Complete List

For travelers from 11 countries, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a new electronic visa (e-Visa) system that streamlines the application procedure and permits short-term visits. With special restrictions for citizens of China and Vietnam, the e-Visa allows for a single 90-day entrance for tourists.

The new electronic visa (e-Visa) system from the Japanese Ministry of International Affairs is now accessible to qualified international visitors looking to go to Japan for a brief stay. This digital innovation will go into effect on July 23, 2024, to simplify the visa application procedure and increase accessibility to Japan.

Countries Eligible for Japan e-Visa

Foreign nationals living in the following nations can apply for a Japan e-Visa:

• Brazil
• Australia
• Canada
• Saudi Arabia
• Cambodia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• Taiwan
• United States
• Singapore
• United Kingdom

Through the Japan e-Visa system, these tourists can now apply for and obtain their visas online. The system is accessible to anyone with regular passports, but it’s crucial to remember that e-visas can only be obtained for air travel at this time.

Application Process and Requirements

The new procedure requires applicants to apply online for their visas, and they are only qualified if they are taking a plane trip with a regular passport. The majority of the application procedure can be completed online, but in certain cases, candidates might need to physically show up for an interview at the closest Japanese embassy or consulate.

Comprehensive e-Visa Guidelines

For most qualified nationals, the Japan e-Visa allows for a single entrance for tourists, with a stay of up to 90 days. For Chinese and Vietnamese nationals, there are, nevertheless, special rules. Vietnamese nationals living in Vietnam are eligible for stays of up to 15 days, whereas Chinese persons living in China can acquire e-Visas for stays of up to 15 or 30 days.

Travelers holding an electronic visa are required to provide a “visa issuance notice” in digital format at the airport upon arrival in Japan. Please be aware that printed copies, screenshots, and PDF data will not be accepted.

Authorization for Future Travel in the Event of a Visa Exemption

Japan intends to implement an electronic travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers in addition to the e-Visa system. The purpose of this new rule is to improve security and stop unauthorized stays.

Before entering Japan, tourists without a visa must electronically submit their travel itinerary, which includes their personal information and the reason for their visit. Anticipated for implementation in 2025, this strategy is a component of Japan’s larger endeavors to fortify its entry protocols.

Japan’s Visa Issuance in 2023

Compared to 2022, when Japan issued 1.4 million visas, it issued 4.1 million in 2023—a considerable rise. Out of these, 2.4 million visas—or 58% of the total—were granted to citizens of China. Even with this increase, fewer visas have been issued than in 2019, before the pandemic, when Japan issued 8.2 million.

Conclusion

Japan has taken a big step toward updating its travel laws and increasing its accessibility to foreign visitors with the introduction of its new e-Visa system. Japan is making strides to improve security and expedite entry procedures in preparation for the impending implementation of electronic travel authorizations for visa-exempt passengers. This will make travel to the country safer and more effective for all visitors.