Japan Visas: Visa-Free Countries List (2023)

iVisa | Updated on Feb 13, 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.

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Japan Visas: Visa-Free Countries List (1)

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.

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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.

CountryCountryCountry
AndorraArgentinaAustralia
Austria*BahamasBarbados**
Belgium*Brunei (Only 15 days)Bulgaria*
CanadaChileCosta Rica
Croatia*Cyprus*Czech Republic*
Denmark*Dominican RepublicEl Salvador
Estonia*Finland*France*
Germany*GuatemalaGreece*
HondurasHong Kong^^Hungary*
IcelandIndonesia (Only 15 days)Ireland*
IsraelItaly*Latvia*
Lesotho**Liechtenstein*Lithuania*
Luxembourg*Macao^^^Malaysia***
Malta*MauritiusMexico*
MonacoNew ZealandNetherlands*
North MacedoniaNorwayPoland*
Portugal*Romania*San Marino
SerbiaSingaporeSlovakia*
Slovenia*South KoreaSpain*
SurinameSweden*Switzerland*
Taiwan^Thailand^ (Only 15 days)Tunisia
Turkey**United Arab Emirates (Only 30 days)--
United Kingdom*United StatesUruguay

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

FAQs

Is Japan visa free for US citizens? ›

Currently, tourists with U.S. passports do not need visas for short-term visits (up to three months). Passengers who have been fully vaccinated and boosted with vaccines approved by the Japanese government and who are arriving in Japan after October 11, 2022, will not require a pre-travel COVID-19 test.

How many countries give visa on arrival to Japan? ›

Japan visa on arrival countries

Citizens of several eligible countries including Australia, Canada, the United States and European Union member countries can obtain a visa on arrival for Japan. Travelers simply need to meet the Japan visa on arrival requirements to get their visa at a port of entry.

Can an American travel to Japan right now? ›

Individual tourists may visit Japan starting October 11, 2022, subject to vaccine or testing requirements as further described in the U.S. Embassy's “Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Japan” webpage. Tourists with U.S. passports no longer need a visa to stay up to three months.

Can I enter Mexico with Japan visa? ›

Please note that a foreign citizen holding a valid passport and having any of the following documents does not require a Mexican visa: a) Valid multiple entry visa from Canada, the United States of America, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or a visa Schengen.

Why is Japan visa powerful? ›

An Indian passport holder, on the other hand, can visit 59 destinations without a visa. For the fifth straight year, the Japanese passport is the most powerful among all passports in the world, as it allows visa-free access to as many as 193 countries, according to Henley Passport Index 2023.

How long can US citizen stay in Japan? ›

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor visa purposes) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Can I live in Japan as a US citizen? ›

Can an American move to Japan? Yes. You can move to Japan from the US. You'll need to apply for the relevant visa for your situation, at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate² which is closest to your home.

Can a US citizen live permanently in Japan? ›

A person who already stayid in Japan and would like to extend stay for long period of time can apply for permanent resident visa. You can get permission to live in Japan with no period, without changing your nationality.

What countries do not accept US passport? ›

What countries do not accept U.S. passport? The only destination where it is forbidden for US citizens to travel to is North Korea, due to its closed border status for both US citizens and citizens of other countries.

What is the strongest passport in the world? ›

No. 1 most powerful passport in the world: Japan

As of 2023, Japanese passport holders can visit 193 of 227 destinations visa-free, which is 85% of the world, according to data from the International Air Transport Association compiled by Henley & Partners.

Which countries are not visa free for Japan? ›

You need a valid visa to enter the following 28 countries with a Japanese passport:
  • Afghanistan.
  • Algeria.
  • Bhutan.
  • Burkina Faso.
  • Cameroon.
  • Central African Republic.
  • Chad.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What does a US citizen need to enter Japan? ›

You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.

Which countries are visa free for US passport 2022? ›

Let's Look At The US Passport Visa-Free Countries

Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.

Which countries need visa for US citizens? ›

  • What Are The Countries That Require A Visa For U.S. Citizens?
  • Travel To Australia From The US.
  • Travel To Bolivia From The US.
  • Travel To China From The US.
  • Travel To Egypt From The US.
  • Travel To India From The US.
  • Travel To Indonesia From The US.
  • Travel To Iran From The US.
Jan 16, 2023

Do Mexicans need visa for USA? ›

Mexican nationals are required to present a valid passport and visa or BCC when traveling to the United States by land. For travel by sea, Mexican nationals will need to present a valid passport and visa or a valid passport and BCC.

Do U.S. citizens need a visa for UK? ›

Quick Facts. TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Not required for stays less than six months.

Can a US citizen travel to Mexico without a visa? ›

Since US citizens can travel to Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days, they may require a visa to travel beyond that period. The Mexican government requires anyone staying in Mexico for more than six months, regardless of nationality, to apply for a Mexican Temporary Residence Permit.

Which passport is No 1 in the world? ›

For the fifth year running, Japan has the world's most powerful passport. The country came out on top of the Henley Passport Index's 2023 rankings. Japanese citizens can now visit 193 countries visa-free, which amounts to 85 per cent of the world and 98 per cent of the global economy.

Which is the toughest visa to get? ›

Which is the hardest VISA to get?
  • North Korea.
  • Russia.
  • China.
  • Saudi Arabia.
  • Iran.
  • Pakistan.
  • Nigeria.
  • Turkmenistan.

What is the rarest passport? ›

The document we're referring to is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) Passport. Currently, only 500 of these passports exist the world. Of those passports, three are granted to the highest-ranking members of the Catholic order.

Can I be a dual citizen of the U.S. and Japan? ›

U.S. law does not contain any provisions requiring U.S. Citizens who are born with dual nationality to choose one nationality or the other when they become adults. Choosing Japanese nationality has no affect on U.S. citizenship. I am a dual citizen and wish to change my name to match my Japanese passport.

How many times can I visit Japan in a year? ›

A17: There is no limit to the number of times you can enter Japan. However,, if you intend to stay in Japan for more than half of year (180 days) as “Temporary Visitor”, you might not be allowed to enter Japan since it may not be regarded as temporary visit.

Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Japan? ›

In most cases, the answer is both. Virtually all US citizens are required to file an annual US Federal Tax Return no matter where they live. On top of this, most expats living in Japan will also have to file taxes to the Japanese government as well.

Where do most Americans live in Japan? ›

The top three Special Wards in terms of population of American citizens are Minato-ku, Setagaya-ku, and Shibuya-ku. Compared to Chinese and Korean nationals, not that many Americans live in Japan, but that number is increasing by around 1,000 every year.

How much is rent in Japan? ›

The average rent in Japan varies by city, but the overall national average falls somewhere between 50 to 70,000 JPY (470–650 USD). Tokyo is the most expensive city in which to rent.

Can you collect Social Security in Japan? ›

If you have Social Security credits in both the United States and Japan, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries. If you meet all the basic requirements under one country's system, you will get a regular benefit from that country.

Can I buy a house in Japan as a foreigner? ›

In Japan, unlike other countries, there are no restrictions for foreigners based on whether or not they have permanent resident status, Japanese nationality, or based on their visa type. This means that foreigners are allowed to own both land and buildings in Japan as real estate properties.

Can I retire to Japan from USA? ›

Bottom Line. Japan is a stunning destination and highly sought after by Americans who want to retire abroad. It is very difficult to gain residency in Japan, but if you do, it can be a great place to retire. The healthcare system is one of the best in the world.

What country has the weakest passport? ›

The weakest passport, once again, is Afghanistan. Afghan people can only visit 27 countries without the need for a visa. Iraqi and Syrian passports rank similarly low.

What are the 10 most powerful passports? ›

Here are the top 10 most powerful passports in the world
  • Japan (193 countries)
  • Singapore and South Korea (192 countries)
  • Germany and Spain (190 countries)
  • Finland, Italy and Luxembourg (189 countries)
  • Austria, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden (188 countries)
Jan 24, 2023

Why is the U.S. passport so weak? ›

Since the start of Trump's presidency, the U.S passport power has been slowly weakening due to international friction over certain political policies under the new administration, and now due to the coronavirus pandemic.

How strong is US passport? ›

The United States passport currently ranks 7th in terms of travel freedom (tied with the passports of Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and Czechia) according to the Henley Passport Index. It is also ranked 3rd by the Global Passport Power Rank.

What are the top 5 passports? ›

Di best passports to hold for 2023, according to di Henley Passport Index
  • Japan (193 destinations)
  • Singapore, South Korea (192 destinations)
  • Germany, Spain (190 destinations)
  • Finland, Italy, Luxembourg (189 destinations)
  • Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden (188 destinations)
Jan 10, 2023

What is the freest passport in the world? ›

In 2023, the most powerful passport in the world in terms of travel freedom is the Japanese passport, according to the HPI. A passport issued by Japan allows the holder to enter 193 different countries and territories without having to get a visa in advance. Singapore and South Korea are tied for 2nd place.

Do we need a visa to enter Japan? ›

A visitor who wish to enter Japan for short-term stay, must obtain a Temporary Visitor's visa prior to departing for Japan, except nationals and citizens of countries and regions with reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Japan for the purposes of tourism, visiting friends/relatives, business, attending a ...

Why are visas denied in Japan? ›

Previous Visa Violations. If you were granted a Visa in Japan but have not followed the rules like overstayed or worked under your tourist visa, then you may get denied on your next application. Related questions are asked in the Application Form, and you must answer them honestly.

Is Japan visa hard to get? ›

The Japan visa requirements for Indians have become pretty straightforward, with typically a processing period of 4 working days at VFS Japan – the official visa application centre for the Japan Embassy in India.

Is Japan visa expensive? ›

Japan Visa Cost

In general, a single-entry visa will be about 3,000 JPY (30 USD). A multiple-entry visa is 6,000 JPY (60 USD).

Why is Japan passport most powerful? ›

A key finding from the index is what they call the “direct link between passport strength and access to the global economy.” For example, the Japanese passport gives visa-free access to 193 destinations, which accounts for a whopping 98% of the global economy.

How fast can I get a Japanese visa? ›

The time required from visa application to visa issuance is 5 working days from the day following the date of receipt of the application, provided that there is no particular problem with the content of application.

How much bank balance is required for Japan visa? ›

Stayed in Japan for 8 days, at least 50,000 balance in bank certificate. Applied for 15 days max – at least Php 70,000 available balance.

How much is Japan visa in USA? ›

12/02/2023
Fee Amount (USD)Fee Amount (JPY)Visa Type
$16021600.00B
$16021600.00C-1
$16021600.00C-1/D
$16021600.00D
16 more rows

Does Japan allow dual citizenship? ›

A person who possesses Japanese and a foreign nationality (a person of dual nationality) shall choose one nationality before he or she reaches twenty two years of age (or within two years after the day when he or she acquired the second nationality if he or she acquired such nationality after the day when he or she ...

What is the easiest visa to get for Japan? ›

Tourist visa

For a first contact with the country it is an excellent option. If you are a freelancer or if you work from home, it is as easy as moving and continuing to work from here for your clients or your company.

Which is the No 1 passport in the world? ›

For the fifth year running, Japan has the world's most powerful passport. The country came out on top of the Henley Passport Index's 2023 rankings. Japanese citizens can now visit 193 countries visa-free, which amounts to 85 per cent of the world and 98 per cent of the global economy.

For which country passport is not required? ›

These countries include Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, Macao, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Kenya, Myanmar, Qatar, Cambodia, Uganda, Seychelles, Zimbabwe and Iran.

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