Written by TC Team
Japan’s eVISA system — the online route to a short-term tourist visa — covers a wide range of countries and regions. But the rules are strict, and one in particular could catch travellers off guard at the airport: you must display your visa live on your smartphone, which requires internet access.
Pro tip: Get an eSIM sorted before your trip. We’ve tested and reviewed some of the most popular Japan eSIMs to help you choose one.
Who can use the Japan eVISA?
As of May 2026, the JAPAN eVISA system is open to residents of a range of countries. Eligibility has broadened since it was launched in May 2025.
How you apply for the eVISA depends on where you live.
Who can apply directly through the JAPAN eVISA website?
Residents of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States can use the Japan eVISA website.
Who should apply through an accredited agency?
Residents of China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, Singapore, the UAE, and South Korea (excluding those under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Jeju) are also eligible for an eVISA — but must apply via an accredited travel agency rather than the portal directly.
Check the website of the Japanese diplomatic mission covering your area for details.
Important things to keep in mind
Note that the Japan eVISA is for tourism only, covers a single entry, and allows stays of up to 90 days (shorter for some nationalities — Vietnamese and Filipino nationals are limited to 15 days, and Chinese nationals to either 15 or 30 days).
Only holders of ordinary passports are eligible.
And if you’re from a country with a visa-exemption arrangement with Japan, the eVISA system doesn’t apply to you.
The rule that’s catching travellers out
Once your eVISA for Japan is approved, you’ll receive a “Visa Issuance Notice” digitally. This is the tricky part: you must be able to display this notice live on your smartphone at the airport — both at check-in at your departure airport and again at immigration in Japan. To do that, you’ll need internet.
The following will not be accepted under any circumstances:
- PDF downloads
- Screenshots (some social-media posts say that travellers have used screenshots in the past, but officially these are now not acceptable)
- Printed paper copies
You need to log into the eVISA portal in real time, which means you need a working internet connection right when you’re standing at the counter.
While there is airport Wi-Fi in Japan, there is no guarantee you will be able to connect — or connect smoothly.
In our opinion, this is not a step you want to leave to chance — we highly recommend organizing an eSIM before you arrive, or making sure you can do cellular roaming.
Remember that rental Wi-Fi is usually on the other side of Immigration, which is why we suggest an eSIM — you can download and get that activated on the go.
No second chances on incomplete applications
One more important change: if your Japan eVISA application has any errors or missing documents, it will be cancelled outright — not put on hold for corrections. You’ll need to start the entire application from scratch.
Be sure to double-check your passport scan, photo, and any supporting documents before you submit, and allow enough time before travel just in case anything does go wrong.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Always confirm visa information with the Immigration authorities.
