Traveling to Japan has just become a lot simpler. As of May 23, 2025, Japan has formally introduced its new Japan e-Visa system, allowing short-term tourists to apply for visas entirely online.
This action highlights a significant adjustment in the way international travelers can enter the nation, mainly as Japan prepares for major foreign events, such as the 2025 Osaka Expo. Tourists no longer need to visit the Japanese embassies for short-term trips, at least in several cases.
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The Japan E-Visa
The Japan e-Visa is a single-entry electronic visa for short-term visits of up to 90 days, strictly for tourism purposes. Rather than obtaining a physical visa sticker in their passport, successful candidates receive a “Visa Issuance Note,” a digital verification required at airport check-in.
Key: Travelers are required to indicate this visa notice directly on a linked device. Printed copies, PDFs, or screenshots will not be approved at departure gates.
Who Can Make An Application Online?
Travelers living in the following nations or provinces are currently qualified to make an application online through the Japan e-Visa official webpage:
- United States of America
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Brazil
- Taiwan
- Cambodia
- South Africa
- Canada
- Singapore
- Saudi Arabia
If you are already excluded from short-term visas, you are not required to make an application.
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Special Laws For Specific Nations
Most travelers are required to follow nation-specific processes depending on their residence or citizenship:
1. China
- Chinese citizens settling in China are required to apply for a visa through their assigned travel agency.
- Visas provided will permit stays of 15 or 30 days.
2. Vietnam
- Vietnamese citizens are required to apply for part of a packaged tour through authorized travel agencies.
- The stay is restricted to 15 days.
4. Other nations
Residents in the following regions can apply online unless they are visa-excluded; however, they may still be required to undergo a process with Japanese-accredited agencies.
- United Arab Emirates
- Hong Kong
- South Korea (exempting Jeju jurisdiction)
- India
- Mongolia
- Indonesia
- Macau
Note: The Japan e-Visa is valid only for individuals arriving by air or through booked foreign ferries from Busan or Shanghai.
Qualification Conditions
- Intention: Tourism only.
- Type of passport: You are required to hold an ordinary passport.
- Request channel: Online through JAPAN e-VISA or via approved travel agencies (for some nations).
- Display conditions: You are required to indicate the Visa Issuance Notice on a live internet-linked device at airport check-in.
Planning A Longer Visit? Traditional Visa Still Needed
If you are traveling to Japan for reasons other than tourism, such as study, work, family reunification, or long-term residence, you will still be required to apply through the traditional visa procedure at a Japanese embassy or consulate. These visas are still provided as physical stickers affixed to your passport.
Reasons The E-Visa Launch Is Important
Japan’s introduction of e-visas is a significant step toward modernizing border processes and revamping inbound tourism post-pandemic. With events such as the Osaka Expo 2025 on the horizon and the world’s travel industry rebounding, the system offers a more comfortable, efficient, and safe way for visitors to experience the nation.
For tech-savvy travelers, this means fewer consulate visits, quicker processing, and an easier start to your Japanese experience.
How To Apply For A Japan E-Visa
Qualified travelers can make an application online through the official Jaoan e-Visa Portal:
1. Review Your Qualification
- Verify that you are settled in one of the qualified nations, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others.
- Ensure your visit is for tourism purposes and has a short duration, typically lasting no more than 90 days.
- You are required to hold an ordinary passport and go into Japan by air or foreign passenger ferry.
2. Visit The Official Japan E-Visa Website
- Visit the official Japan visa portal.
- Choose your nation or province of residence from the dropdown list.
3. Create An Account And Log In
- Enroll a new user account, making use of your email address
- Log in with your certificates to initiate the visa application process.
4. Complete The E-Visa Application Form
- Please complete your personal information precisely as it appears in your passport.
- Upload a digital passport picture and a scanned passport biodata page.
- Please provide your travel itinerary and housing details.
5. Present Needed Documents
- Documents typically consist of:
- Passport (authentic for the period of your stay)
- Picture (size of passport, digital)
- Evidence of travel intentions such as hotel booking, return flight
- Accompanying documents may be required based on your country’s regulations.
6. Reimburse The Visa Fee
- Make the reimbursement online (the amount may vary by country).
- Save the verification receipt for your records.
7. Wait For Processing And Authorization
- Processing duration often takes some business days.
- You may be required to visit the local Japanese embassy or consulate for an interview.
8. Get Your Visa Issuance Notice
- If endorsed, you will receive a Visa Issuance Notice through your account.
- Key: You are required to indicate this notice digitally on your device at the airport.
9. Travel To Japan
- Please indicate your digital visa issuance Notice at check-in and upon arrival.
- Enjoy your travels (you can remain in Japan for up to 90 days).
Japan To Introduce Jesta For Visa-Free Travelers
Furthermore, in addition to the newly introduced e-visa system, Japan is also preparing to launch a different travel approval forum, described as JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Ready to roll out by the end of fiscal year 2028, JESTA will require travelers from 71 visa-excluded nations to complete an online travel approval before entering Japan. Similar to the United States’ ESTA or Canada’s eTA, this structure aims to streamline access processes while enhancing border security.
