The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that its electronic visa system is now open for eligible foreigners who want to enter the country for short-term tourism purposes.

Effective July 23, Japan e-Visa will be issued to eligible foreign nationals/people living in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Under the new policy, applicants can apply for a visa online and obtain it through the Japan e-VISA system. However, as the Japanese authorities further noted, e-visas are only available to individuals who travel by plane and have an ordinary passport.

Additional Rules You Should Know About Japan E-Visa

As further revealed by the Japanese authorities, electronic visas issued through the Japan e-Visa system allow single entry for tourism for stays of up to 90 days.

However, for Chinese nationals living in China, such visas will be issued for stays up to 15 or 30 days, while for Vietnamese nationals living in Vietnam, e-visas will be granted for stays up to 15 days.

Meanwhile, travelers holding an electronic visa must present a “visa issuance notice” at the airport in the Internet environment.

Japan to Introduce Electronic Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers

Prior to the announcement of the electronic visa system, Japan revealed its plans to introduce a new online travel authorization requirement for visa-waiver travelers.

According to the Japanese authorities, such a measure aims to prevent illegal stays and increase security protocols.

If implemented, visa-exempt visitors will be required to submit their travel information online, including their personal information and the purpose of their visit, prior to entering Japan.

Although the authorities have yet to provide detailed information regarding when this requirement will be introduced, reportedly, the policy will be introduced along with some other changes planned to enter into force in 2025.

Japan Issued 4.1 Million Visas in 2023, Tripling Total from 2022

Japan issued 4.1 million visas in 2023, tripling the total number issued in 2022. Of those, 58 percent, or 2.4 million, were issued to Chinese nationals.

Although the number of issued visas surged in 2023, it is still lower compared to 2019, when Japan issued 8.2 million visas.