gobordaGlobal mobility intelligence
Work & skilled workersEffectiveMedium impactVerified

Japan expands JAPAN eVISA to additional nationalities

🇯🇵 JapaneVisa1 recorded versionLast change 17 Jul 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 90%

Current rules

Japan has expanded the countries and regions from which eligible residents can use JAPAN eVISA. As of 15 May 2026, direct online applications are available to eligible residents of: Australia Brazil Cambodia Canada Saudi Arabia South Africa Taiwan United Kingdom United States Additional applicants can apply through accredited agencies or according to procedures set by the Japanese overseas mission responsible for their place of residence, including eligible residents of China, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Singapore and the UAE.

Overview

Japan expanded its JAPAN eVISA platform to additional nationalities for single-entry tourism, removing the need for consular appointments in those markets.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Foreign nationals who need a Japanese short-term tourist visa
  • Eligible residents of countries and regions covered by JAPAN eVISA
  • Travellers who previously had to submit paper visa applications
  • Tourists travelling to Japan by international flight
  • Eligible travellers using international scheduled passenger ferries between Japan and Busan or Shanghai

What changed in the latest version

Before

Before this change, people from these new nationalities who wanted a single-entry tourist visa for Japan had to go to in-person consular appointments to apply for their visa.

After

Japan has increased the number of countries and regions where eligible residents can use the JAPAN eVISA system. As of 15 May 2026, eligible residents of these countries can apply directly online: Australia Brazil Cambodia Canada Saudi Arabia South Africa Taiwan United Kingdom United States Other applicants can apply through approved agencies or follow the rules set by the Japanese overseas mission, which is the Japanese embassy or consulate, responsible for where they live. This includes eligible residents of China, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Singapore, and the UAE.

This change makes the visa application process much easier for eligible travellers. It makes applying for a single-entry tourist visa to Japan more convenient. It reduces the time and effort needed for in-person appointments. This allows tourists to finish their applications from a distance. This change helps people in places without easy access to a consulate or who have busy schedules.

Explained simply

Imagine you're planning a trip to Japan, and in the past, getting your tourist visa might have meant making an appointment, travelling to a consulate or embassy, and waiting in line. Think of it like having to go to a specific store in person just to buy a concert ticket. Now, for people from certain countries, Japan has made it much easier. They've updated their online system, called JAPAN eVISA. If your country is one of the new ones on the list, you can now apply for your single-entry tourist visa completely online, from the comfort of your home. It's like being able to buy that concert ticket online, saving you time and hassle.

Version history

  1. v2Effective 15 May 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Japan expands JAPAN eVISA to additional nationalities

    Japan has made its JAPAN eVISA system available to more nationalities for single-entry tourism. This means people from these countries no longer need consular appointments in those places.

Other routes in this country

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