Japan Launches E-Visa for Several Countries

The government of Japan has introduced an electronic visa system for short-term tourism, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The new e-visa system, available to eligible foreign nationals starting July 23, includes countries such as Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Applicants can apply for a visa online through the Japan e-Visa platform, with the e-visas limited to those traveling by plane with an ordinary passport.

“During the application process, applicants may be required to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over their place of residence for an interview,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

The e-visas issued under this system allow single entry for tourism purposes, with stays of up to 90 days. For Chinese nationals residing in China, the visa duration is limited to 15 or 30 days, while Vietnamese nationals living in Vietnam can obtain e-visas for stays of up to 15 days.

Travelers with an electronic visa must present a “visa issuance notice” at the airport, which can be accessed online; however, PDF files, screenshots, and printed copies will not be accepted.

Japan has seen a significant increase in tourism, issuing 4.1 million visas in 2023, a threefold increase from the previous year, with 58 percent, or 2.4 million, issued to Chinese nationals.