Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially updated its guidelines for short-term entry, confirming a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement covering 74 countries and regions. The policy removes the need for pre-departure visa applications for qualifying travelers engaging in tourism, commercial visits, or social exchanges.
Authorized Stay Durations Vary by Nationality
Under the current framework, the permitted length of stay depends on the traveler's nationality. Visitors from Indonesia and Thailand may remain for up to 15 days. Travelers from Brunei and Qatar are allowed a maximum of 30 days. For all other listed countries and regions, the authorized stay extends to 90 days.
Immigration authorities emphasize that specific technical criteria must be met. Travelers from several countries must hold an ICAO-compliant electronic passport (ePassport) or a machine-readable passport. Notably, the new version of the Uruguayan ordinary passport issued after April 16, 2025, is temporarily excluded from the exemption.
Full List of Eligible Countries and Regions
The 74 countries and regions whose citizens can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays include: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
China Also Expands Visa-Free Access
In a related development, China's National Immigration Administration, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released an updated list of nations covered under its unilateral visa exemption policies. This measure allows qualifying passport holders to enter mainland China without a visa for short-term stays, part of Beijing's broader effort to revitalize international tourism and ease global business travel.
Citizens from 50 designated countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania can travel to China seamlessly, provided they hold ordinary passports. Eligible travelers may stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or direct transit. The immigration administration specifies that the stay duration is calculated starting from 00:00 (midnight) on the day following the date of entry.
Canada Implements New Asylum Rules
Separately, Canada has introduced significant changes to its immigration and asylum framework affecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. The reforms follow the passage of Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, which received royal assent on March 26, 2026. The new rules impact those seeking protection, study, or work opportunities in Canada.
