Japan waives visa requirements for short-term tourism and business stays (usually up to 90 days) for nationals of roughly 74 countries and territories, including most of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and much of East Asia and Latin America. The exact permitted length of stay varies by bilateral agreement — some are capped at 90 days, others shorter.
Being visa-exempt only covers short tourism and business visits. It doesn't extend to work, study, or long-term stays — those always require the relevant visa and Certificate of Eligibility regardless of your nationality's exemption status.
A change coming for visa-exempt travelers specifically: Japan approved a new pre-travel screening system, JESTA, in March 2026. Once fully rolled out (targeted for 2028), most visa-exempt nationals will need to register online before departure, provide travel details, and receive authorization before boarding — similar to the US ESTA or Europe's ETIAS. It doesn't change who's visa-exempt; it adds a screening step on top for people who don't need a visa.
If your nationality isn't on the exemption list, you'll need to apply for a visa through an embassy or, where available, Japan's eVisa system — see How to Apply for that process.
Because exemption agreements do change, always verify your specific nationality's current status directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Japanese embassy before booking travel.
Back to Eligibility & Requirements.