Visa changes – Japan

Japan has announced that independent tourists can visit Japan visa-free from October 11 2022.

In the latest visa exemption and border rules update released by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, foreign nationals from 68 countries and regions who wish to enter Japan for a short-term visit (up to 90 days) no longer need to apply for a visa. Tourists can visit Japan freely for tourism purposes without going through a travel agency.

Starting Tuesday, October 11, the following 68 countries and regions no longer need to apply for a visa when travelling to Japan. Please note that the stay period varies and additional conditions may exist. You’ll find more details here.

Asia

  • Brunei
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Republic of Korea
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Hong Kong 
  • Macao
  • Taiwan

North America

  • Canada
  • United States

Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Argentina
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Chile 
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Surinam
  • Uruguay

Oceania

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Middle East

  • Israel
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates

Africa

  • Lesotho
  • Mauritius 
  • Tunisia

Europe

  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • North Macedonia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom

Tourists from China, Russia,  Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries (including Georgia), the Philippines and Vietnam must apply for a visa before visiting Japan. For more information, see here.

Note: these are the countries and regions listed on the MOFA page as of September 28 at 10 AM (BST).

Please see the IUNS-ICN website for further details and notes on the COVID-19 status requirements for entry to Japan