Which Countries are Visa-Free for Japan? Updated List

Japan, with its beauty combining traditional and modern culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. Japan's visa exemption policy allows citizens of certain countries to easily enter without needing to apply for a visa in advance. So which countries are exempt from Japan's visa? This article will provide a detailed list, applicable conditions, and related information to help you plan your trip. Let's explore with NVK Travel!

What is Japan's visa exemption policy?

Japan applies a short-term visa exemption policy for citizens of 71 countries and territories, allowing stays from 14 to 90 days depending on bilateral agreements. This policy aims to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.

Conditions for visa exemption

• Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and, in some countries, must be an electronic passport (ePassport) that meets ICAO standards.
• Purpose of entry: Tourism, visiting relatives, short-term work, or attending conferences. Engaging in income-generating activities is not allowed.
• Return ticket: A return flight ticket or a ticket to another country must be presented.
• Length of stay: Depending on the country, from 14 to 90 days, some countries may extend up to 6 months.

Note: Vietnamese citizens holding regular passports are not exempt from visas and need to apply for a visa before entering Japan, except for certain special cases (see section 4).

>>> See more: Japan Family Visit Visa Application Form - Detailed Guide and Tips

List of countries exempt from Japan's visa (updated)

Below is the list of 71 countries and territories exempt from Japan's visa, along with the maximum length of stay:

Asia (9 countries/territories)

• Brunei: 14 days.
• Indonesia: 15 days (requires an electronic passport and prior registration at a Japanese diplomatic agency).
• Malaysia: 90 days (electronic passport).
• South Korea: 90 days.
• Singapore: 90 days.
• Thailand: 15 days (electronic passport).
• Hong Kong: 90 days (HKSAR or British National Overseas passport).
• Macao: 90 days (MSAR passport).
• Taiwan: 90 days (passport with personal identification code).

Europe (36 countries)

• Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, United Kingdom: 90 days, can be extended up to 6 months at the Japanese Ministry of Justice.
• Other Schengen countries (such as France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, etc.): 90 days.
• Other European countries (such as Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, Serbia, etc.): 90 days.

Americas (8 countries)

• Canada, USA: 90 days.
• Argentina, Bahamas, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay: 90 days.
• Mexico: 90 days, can be extended up to 6 months.

>>> See more: Japan Travel Visa Services Comprehensive and Reliable

Oceania (2 countries)

• Australia, New Zealand: 90 days.

Middle East and Africa (6 countries)

• Israel, Qatar, United Arab Emirates: 90 days (Qatar and UAE require an electronic passport).
• Tunisia, Mauritius, Lesotho: 90 days.

Source: Based on information from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reputable sources such as Vietnam Booking, Visa5s.

Are Vietnamese citizens exempt from Japan's visa?

Currently, Vietnamese citizens holding regular passports are not on Japan's visa exemption list. You need to apply for a tourist, family visit, or business visa before entering. However, there are some exceptions that are exempt from visas:

• Diplomatic or official passports:
  • Vietnamese citizens holding diplomatic/official passports issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, entering for diplomatic purposes or government missions, are exempt from visas and can stay for a maximum of 90 days.
  • Family members living with the passport holder may also be exempt from the visa.
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders: ABTC holders are exempt from a visa when entering Japan for business purposes, with a maximum stay of 90 days.

If you do not fall into the above categories, you need to apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy or the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, or the Consulate General in Da Nang, depending on your place of residence.

Visa application documents for Japanese visa for Vietnamese citizens

If you are a Vietnamese citizen and need to apply for a Japanese visa, here are the basic documents required:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
• Visa application form: Download from the website of the Japanese Embassy, fill it out completely in English or Japanese.
• Passport photo: 4.5cm x 3.5cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
• Financial proof: Savings book (minimum 100,000,000 VND), bank statements for 3-6 months.
• Employment proof: Employment contract, work confirmation letter, or business license (if you are a business owner).
• Travel itinerary: List detailed locations and activities in Japan.
• Round-trip flight ticket (recommended): To prove you will leave Japan on time.
• Invitation letter (if visiting family): From relatives/friends in Japan, along with documents proving the relationship.

Visa application fees:

• Short-term visa (stay under 90 days): ~650,000 VND.
• VFS Global service fee: ~300,000 - 500,000 VND.
• Translation and notarization fees (if needed): ~500,000 - 1,000,000 VND.

Processing time: 5-10 working days, may take longer if additional documents are required.

Tips to increase visa approval rate:

• Submit your application early, at least 1-2 months before your travel date.
• Ensure your documents are transparent, especially financial proof.
• Contact NVK Travel for assistance in preparing accurate documents to increase your visa approval rate.

Highlight destinations when traveling to Japan

Whether you enter Japan visa-free or with a visa, this country has countless attractive destinations:

• Tokyo: Tokyo Tower, Shibuya area, Ueno Park filled with cherry blossoms in spring.
• Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, traditional cultural experiences.
• Osaka: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori food district, Universal Studios Japan.
• Hokkaido: View lavender flowers in Furano (summer) or Sapporo Snow Festival (winter).
• Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island with the Torii gate on the sea.

Ideal times:

• Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom viewing.
• Autumn (September-November): Enjoy the red leaves.
• Winter (December-February): Skiing in Niseko.

Tips for preparing for a trip to Japan

• Book your flight early: Use airlines like Vietnam Airlines, ANA, Japan Airlines, or Vietjet Air for good prices.
• Plan in detail: Japan has a very convenient public transportation system (Shinkansen trains, JR Pass), but you need to research in advance to save time.
• Learn a few basic Japanese phrases: "Arigatou" (thank you), "Sumimasen" (sorry) will help you communicate more easily.
• Purchase travel insurance: Ensure peace of mind in case of emergencies.
• Use a package tour: If you want to save time, choose a Japan tour from NVK Travel for A-Z support.

NVK Travel - Accompanying you to Japan

NVK Travel, a subsidiary of Eagle Asia Co., Ltd., with over 10 years of experience in international travel, is the top choice to assist you in obtaining a visa and exploring Japan. Benefits of choosing us:

• Professional visa application support: Detailed consultation, document checking, ensuring a visa approval rate of up to 95%.
• Diverse Japan tours: 5-7 day itineraries exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka starting from 29,900,000 VND.
• Comprehensive services: Flight booking, hotel reservations, car rentals, and travel insurance.
• 24/7 support: Our team of consultants is ready to answer all your questions.

Japan exempts visa for 71 countries and territories, but Vietnamese citizens with regular passports need to apply for a visa before entering, except for those holding diplomatic/service passports or ABTC cards. Thorough preparation of documents and compliance with regulations will help you easily obtain a visa to explore the land of the rising sun.

Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to Japan! Visit now https://nvktravel.com/ to receive free consultation, book a complete tour, or get quick visa assistance. With professional and dedicated service, we are committed to providing the best travel experience in Japan!