Japan Expands eVISA Access and Eligibility Rules

Key Point 

• Japan has introduced several updates to its visa system, with a focus on expanding digital access and refining eligibility criteria 

EVisa Eligibility  

Japan has updated its visa policy to broaden access to its electronic visa (eVISA) system and refine conditions for short-term entry. As of 1 September 2025, residents of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the U.S. are eligible to apply for short-term tourist visas online. 

Japan’s eVISA is valid only for travel by air or sea, including international passenger ferries from Busan and Shanghai. Applicants may be required to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over their residence. Only ordinary passport holders are eligible to apply via the JAPAN eVISA website. 

Special conditions apply to certain countries: 

• China: Only nationals residing in China may apply. 
• Vietnam: Eligible only for participants in designated package tours. 
• Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, UAE: May apply unless exempt from short-term visa requirements. 

Japan continues to emphasize that visa issuance does not guarantee entry, which remains at the discretion of immigration officers upon arrival. 

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