Planning a trip to Japan? Whether you need a visa may depend entirely on the passport you carry. Japan currently has reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with 74 countries and regions, allowing eligible travelers to enter without obtaining a short-term visa before departure. Depending on nationality, visitors may be permitted to stay for 15 days, 30 days, 90 days, or even up to six months under specific agreements.
The official list has drawn renewed attention among travelers looking for easier ways to visit one of the world's most popular destinations. While many people assume all visa-free visitors receive the same privileges, Japan's entry rules vary by country. Some nationalities enjoy longer stays than others, while several visa exemptions apply only to holders of ICAO-compliant electronic passports or other qualifying travel documents.
Countries across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa are included in Japan's visa exemption program. Visitors covered by these arrangements can generally travel to Japan for tourism, business meetings, visiting family or friends, conferences, or other short-term activities, provided they do not engage in paid employment or exceed the permitted length of stay.
Not every traveler, however, qualifies for visa-free entry. Citizens of many countries—including the Philippines—must still obtain a visa before traveling to Japan, although application procedures have become more streamlined in recent years and electronic visa services are now available in selected locations.
Below is the official list of countries and regions that currently enjoy visa-free short-term entry to Japan, together with the maximum period of stay allowed for each nationality. If you're planning your next holiday, this table could save you a trip to the embassy.
74 Countries and Regions That Can Visit Japan Without a Short-Term Visa
Japan's visa exemption arrangements cover 74 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa. The permitted length of stay varies depending on nationality and, in some cases, the type of passport or other entry conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the maximum stay for most eligible travelers is 90 days.
The table below summarizes the countries and regions by continent together with their maximum permitted stay for short-term visits.
Asia
| Country / Region | Visa Required? | Maximum Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunei | No | 30 days | Ordinary passport |
| Hong Kong | No | 90 days | SAR or eligible BNO passport holders |
| Indonesia | No | 15 days | Registered ICAO-compliant ePassport required |
| Macao | No | 90 days | Eligible passport holders |
| Malaysia | No | 90 days | ICAO-compliant ePassport required |
| Republic of Korea | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Singapore | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Taiwan | No | 90 days | Passport must contain a personal ID number |
| Thailand | No | 15 days | ICAO-compliant ePassport required |
North America
| Country | Visa Required? | Maximum Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| United States | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
Oceania
| Country | Visa Required? | Maximum Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| New Zealand | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
Europe
| Country | Visa Required? | Maximum Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Austria | No | 6 months | Ordinary passport |
| Belgium | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Bulgaria | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Croatia | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Cyprus | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Czech Republic | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Denmark | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Estonia | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Finland | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| France | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Germany | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Greece | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Hungary | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Iceland | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Ireland | No | 6 months | Ordinary passport |
| Italy | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Latvia | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Liechtenstein | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Lithuania | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Luxembourg | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Malta | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Monaco | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Netherlands | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| North Macedonia | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Norway | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Poland | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Portugal | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Romania | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| San Marino | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Slovakia | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Slovenia | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Spain | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Sweden | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Switzerland | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| United Kingdom | No | 6 months | Ordinary passport |
Latin America and the Caribbean
| Country | Visa Required? | Maximum Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Bahamas | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Barbados | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Chile | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Costa Rica | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Dominican Republic | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| El Salvador | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Guatemala | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Honduras | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Mexico | No | 180 days | Ordinary passport |
| Suriname | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Uruguay | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
Middle East and Africa
| Country | Visa Required? | Maximum Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Mauritius | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Tunisia | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
| Lesotho | No | 90 days | Ordinary passport |
Before You Book Your Trip
Visa-free entry does not guarantee admission into Japan. Immigration officers may still ask visitors to present a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, evidence of sufficient funds, accommodation details, or documents supporting the purpose of their visit. Travelers must also comply with Japan's immigration laws and may not engage in paid employment under a visa-exempt short-term stay.
Visa policies can change through new bilateral agreements or government decisions. Before making travel arrangements, always check the latest entry requirements with the Embassy of Japan or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to confirm that the information remains current for your nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Japan if I enter visa-free?
No. Visa-free entry is intended for short-term visits such as tourism, business meetings, visiting family or friends, and similar non-paid activities.
Why do some countries receive a longer stay than others?
The permitted length of stay depends on reciprocal agreements between Japan and each country or region.
Can Japan change its visa exemption list?
Yes. Japan may revise visa exemption arrangements, permitted stay periods, or entry conditions as diplomatic agreements and immigration policies evolve.
