Visa-free entry to Japan: Which countries are eligible?

Exploring Japan is now more accessible thanks to visa-free travel for certain passport holders.

This convenient option removes the complex visa application process, making it easier for many travelers to experience Japan's unique culture and stunning landscapes.

In this blog, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the countries that enjoy visa-free entry to Japan. Our aim is to simplify your travel preparation, helping you focus on the excitement of your upcoming journey to this captivating country.

Which countries can enter Japan without a visa?

Here are the countries whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Japan. The general rule allows a visa-free stay of up to 90 days for most countries.

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

Asia
Brunei (14 days)	Republic of Korea	Hong Kong	Turkey
Indonesia (15 days)	Singapore	Macao	United Arab Emirates (30 days)
Malaysia	Thailand (15 days)	Taiwan	Qatar (30 days)

Latin America and the Caribbean
Argentina	Chile	El Salvador	Mexico
Bahamas	Costa Rica	Guatemala	Suriname
Barbados	Dominican Republic	Uruguay	Brazil
Honduras	-	-	-

North America	Oceania	Middle East	Africa
Canada	Australia	Israel	Mauritius
United States	New Zealand	Lesotho	Tunisia

• Citizens from these countries can enter Japan without a visa and are allowed an initial stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended for up to six months​.

• Citizens from these countries need to have ePassports that comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards to qualify for visa-free entry.

• Citizens from these countries must have a Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or an e-Passport in compliance with ICAO standards.

Hong Kong citizens must have a Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport issued by Hong Kong or a British National Overseas (BNO) passport with the right of residence in Hong Kong. Macao citizens must have a SAR passport issued by Macao. For Taiwanese citizens, the visa exemption is limited to passport holders with a personal ID number.

What to know before traveling visa-free to Japan

The primary requirement for nationals who can enter Japan without a visa is a valid passport.

Visa-free entry is typically granted for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives, not for employment or long-term stays. Visitors must stay only for the allowed duration and may need to provide evidence of return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay.

For longer stays, especially from countries allowed up to six months (like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland), an extension must be applied for within Japan before the initial 90-day period expires.

What if I need a visa to enter Japan?

If your country doesn’t have a visa exemption agreement with Japan, you’ll need to apply for a Japan eVisa, a Japan Tourist Visa or a sticker visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.

Learn more about the different types of visas offered by Japan.

Where to get support

For assistance while traveling in Japan, your country's embassy or consulate can provide support. Use our Embassies Finder to locate the nearest diplomatic mission.

If you want to apply for a Japanese visa and have questions, you can get in touch with our customer support team. Contact them any time via WhatsApp or through the iVisa chat.