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These countries and regions are eligible for visa-free travel to Japan

Who's ready for October 11? Independent travellers from these 68 countries and regions can visit Japan without a visa

Kaila Imada
Written by
Kaila Imada
Associate Editor, Time Out Tokyo
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After last week’s major announcement that independent tourists can finally visit Japan visa-free from October 11, we’ve all been wondering which countries and regions would be included in the visa exemption list. In the latest border rules update released by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, foreign nationals from 68 countries and regions who wish to enter Japan for a short-term visit (up to 90 days) no longer need to apply for a visa. At the same time, tourists can visit Japan freely for tourism purposes without going through a travel agency.

Starting Tuesday October 11, the following 68 countries and regions no longer need to apply for a visa when travelling to Japan. Do note that the period of stay varies and there may be additional conditions. You’ll find more details here.

Asia

  • Brunei
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Republic of Korea
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Hong Kong 
  • Macao
  • Taiwan

North America

  • Canada
  • United States

Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Argentina
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Chile 
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Surinam
  • Uruguay

Oceania

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Middle East

  • Israel
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates

Africa

  • Lesotho
  • Mauritius 
  • Tunisia

Europe

  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • North Macedonia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom

Tourists from China, Russia, CIS countries (including Georgia), the Philippines and Vietnam must still apply for a visa before visiting Japan. For more information, visit here.

Note: these are the countries and regions listed on the MOFA page as of September 26 at 6pm.

Are you travelling to Japan on or after October 11? Read our guide on visa-free travel, valid vaccines, PCR tests and more here

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