Visa‑Free Entry to Japan in 2025: Detailed Guide by Nationality & Conditions

Japan’s visa-free entry policy is among the most structured in Asia, with eligibility, stay duration, and procedural details that vary by country and travel purpose. In 2025, the list has expanded and the rules are being modernized, especially with the inclusion of new countries and the gradual implementation of electronic pre-authorization.

Eligibility Overview

In 2025, nationals from more than 70 countries and regions can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays, primarily for tourism, business meetings, visiting friends and relatives, or attending conferences. Each country’s agreement with Japan determines the permitted duration and specific requirements.

Major Groups Eligible

• Most European Union countries
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
• Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong
• Several Latin American countries (including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay)
• Several Middle Eastern countries (including Israel, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar)
• Some Southeast Asian countries (with unique restrictions, detailed below)

Recent Addition: Peru

A significant development in 2025 is the inclusion of Peru. Starting July 1, 2025, Peruvian citizens can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days, provided they hold an ICAO-compliant electronic passport. This marks a renewed diplomatic relationship and greater ease of travel for Peruvian tourists and business travelers.

Standard 90-Day Stay

Most visa-exempt travelers—including those from the US, Canada, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea—may stay in Japan for up to 90 days per visit without a visa. This period is non-extendable unless otherwise specified and is strictly enforced upon entry.

Shorter Stay Categories

Some countries have shorter permitted stays:

• Brunei: 14 days
• Indonesia and Thailand: 15 days (with e-passport registration upon arrival)
• Qatar and United Arab Emirates: 30 days (Qatari nationals must have a valid e-visa waiver registration; UAE citizens must register their e-passport in advance)

Extension for Special Countries

Citizens from Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom have a special arrangement. While they enter initially under the standard 90-day rule, they may apply for an extension from within Japan, allowing a total stay of up to six months. Approval is at the discretion of Japan’s immigration authorities and requires a formal application before the initial period expires.

Machine-Readable Passports

Visa-free travelers must carry a valid, machine-readable or electronic passport recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Travelers with non-compliant passports may be denied entry or required to apply for a visa in advance.

Purpose of Entry

Visa-free entry is limited to non-remunerative activities, such as:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending conferences, seminars, or short-term business meetings

It does not allow:

• Paid work or employment in Japan
• Long-term study or training
• Permanent relocation or residence
• Media/journalist activities (which may require a journalist visa)

New Opportunity for Peruvians

Peru’s new status as a visa-exempt country is a milestone, as Japan suspended visa-free entry for Peru in the mid-1990s. In 2025, with new security agreements and electronic passport standards, Peruvians can now enjoy up to 90 days in Japan for tourism or business, provided they meet passport requirements.

Travel and Tourism Impact

This inclusion is expected to increase tourism, business exchanges, and cultural ties between Japan and Peru. Peruvian travelers must ensure their passport is ICAO-compliant and plan for a short-term, non-extendable visit unless entering under other specific long-stay arrangements.

Introduction of JESTA

Japan is in the process of introducing an electronic travel authorization system, modeled on the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA, for visa-free nationalities. While not yet mandatory in 2025, this system—tentatively named JESTA—will eventually require travelers from visa-exempt countries to complete an online pre-arrival screening before boarding their flight to Japan.

Expected Rollout

JESTA is expected to become mandatory before 2030, with possible pilot programs starting as early as 2027–2028. Travelers should monitor official announcements and be prepared to provide personal details, travel plans, and potentially pay a nominal processing fee prior to their trip.

Purpose

The primary goal is to streamline border security, pre-screen travelers, and further reduce overstays or irregular entries by visa-free visitors.

1. Confirm Eligibility Before Booking

• Always verify your eligibility, especially if your country’s visa policy has changed recently.
• Check the permitted duration of stay, as overstaying is taken very seriously and can result in fines or re-entry bans.

2. Prepare for Entry Procedures

• Ensure your passport is valid for the intended period of stay and is ICAO-compliant.
• Prepare documentation showing the purpose of your visit (e.g., hotel reservations, itinerary, return or onward tickets).

3. Understand the Limitations

• Visa-free entry cannot be converted into work or student visas while in Japan; you must leave and apply from your home country.
• Extensions are only available for certain countries and must be applied for before your initial period expires.

4. Monitor for JESTA Updates

• Sign up for alerts from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or trusted travel advisories to keep informed about the JESTA rollout.
• Expect the need for pre-arrival online applications and allow extra planning time once this system is in effect.

5. Special Notes for Family and Business Travelers

• Those traveling with children should ensure all family members are eligible under the same visa-free rules.
• Business travelers attending meetings or short courses are usually covered, but activities like training or hands-on work may require a different visa.

Japan’s approach to visa-free travel is proactive but tightly controlled. Each eligible country has negotiated stay durations, reflecting diplomatic, economic, and security interests. The reintroduction of Peru to the visa-free list is both a diplomatic gesture and a practical move to enhance tourism and business.

Looking forward, the implementation of JESTA marks a shift towards digital, pre-screened border management. For travelers and industry professionals, this means greater convenience but also more responsibility to comply with pre-arrival procedures.

Travelers planning a visa-free trip to Japan in 2025 should carefully check the latest rules, ensure their documentation is in order, and anticipate evolving digital requirements for border entry in the near future.