Japan has released an updated list of countries whose citizens or residents are eligible to apply for a tourist eVisa, with the new arrangements taking effect from 15 May 2026. The Japan eVisa system allows foreign nationals planning short-term tourism visits to apply online and receive an electronic visa without visiting a consulate in person.
Countries Eligible for Direct Online Application
Nationals and residents of nine countries or regions can apply directly through the Japan eVisa website. These are: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The only exception within this group covers those who are already exempt from short-term visa requirements.
Countries with Different Application Requirements
A separate category covers countries where applications must go through an accredited agency rather than directly through the online portal. Chinese nationals residing in China fall into this group and must apply via an accredited agency. Nationals of the Philippines and Vietnam who reside in their respective home countries are eligible only if they are travelling as part of a packaged tour organised by designated travel agencies.
Residents of Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates can also apply through the eVisa system, though they too must do so via the appropriate Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over their place of residence. An exception applies in South Korea for those under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Jeju.
Conditions All Applicants Must Know
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outlined several conditions that apply to all applicants regardless of their country. The eVisa is valid only for travellers arriving by air or by sea, with the sea route limited to international scheduled passenger ferries operating between Japan and either Busan or Shanghai. Applicants may, at any point during the process, be asked to appear in person at the relevant Japanese overseas establishment for an interview. Only holders of ordinary passports are eligible to use the Japan eVisa system.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the updated list is published on their official website. The eVisa system is designed to streamline the application process for short-term tourism, reducing the need for in-person consulate visits for eligible applicants.
