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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 added countries who wanted a single-entry tourist visa for Japan had to go to in-person appointments at a Japanese consulate or embassy to apply.
After
Japan has added more countries and regions whose 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 eligible applicants must apply through approved agencies or follow the rules set by the Japanese embassy or consulate in their area. 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. They can now apply for a single-entry tourist visa to Japan more conveniently. It cuts down on the time and effort needed for in-person appointments. Tourists can now apply from anywhere. This helps people in areas without a nearby Japanese consulate or embassy, or those with 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
- v2Effective 15 May 2026EffectiveMedium impactJapan expands JAPAN eVISA to additional nationalities
Japan added more countries to its JAPAN eVISA system. This system allows people from these countries to apply online for a single-entry tourist visa. They no longer need to go to a Japanese consulate or embassy for an appointment.
- v1Effective 23 Jan 2026PassedHigh impactJapan expands Specified Skilled Worker sectors
Japan has approved adding more industrial sectors to the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme. It has also raised the total number of people allowed into the programme over several years.
Timeline
Sector expansion approved
10 Jul 2026
Additional industrial sectors added and ceiling raised.
Status created
1 Apr 2019
Specified Skilled Worker introduced for mid-skilled roles.
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