Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially launched an electronic visa (eVisa) system for short-term tourism visits on May 15, 2026, and only one African country made the list of eligible nations. South Africa is the sole African country whose citizens can apply directly for a Japanese tourist visa entirely online through the official Japan eVisa website.
South Africa Among Nine Countries Granted Direct eVisa Access
According to the official website of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Africa is included in Group 1 of eligible countries, which allows nationals to apply directly for the eVisa without visiting an embassy. This places South Africa in rare company globally, as one of only nine countries worldwide granted direct eVisa access to Japan for tourism. The other Group 1 countries are Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
For the rest of Africa, including nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt, no country is featured on either eligibility list. Travelers from these countries must continue applying through traditional visa channels at Japanese embassies or consulates.
How the Japan eVisa System Works
The eVisa system divides eligible countries into two groups. Group 1 nationals can apply directly through Japan's official online portal. Group 2 covers a separate set of countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Nationals from these countries must apply through an accredited travel agency rather than directly through the government portal.
Several conditions apply across both groups. Travel to Japan must be by air or sea, though ferry access is limited to routes connecting Japan with Busan in South Korea and Shanghai in China. Applicants must hold an ordinary passport to be eligible, and an in-person interview may still be required in certain cases.
Related Visa Updates
In a related development, Japan previously named only three African countries whose citizens can visit the country without a visa in 2026. Additionally, Malaysia released an official list of 15 African countries exempted from Visa With Reference in 2026, and Cyprus also published a list of countries that do not need a visa to enter in 2026.
