Japan has announced a new electronic visa system for citizens of Canada and the United States. The online application will be accessible for eligible travelers from August 18, 2022.
This new immigration policy is part of Japan’s reopening plan, following its strict response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country has maintained one of the harshest travel bans in the world, prohibiting all international tourists from entering for the last 2 years. In June 2022, Japan started to loosen its restrictions, however only guided package tours were permitted.
Japan’s visa exemption program also remains suspended, meaning citizens of visa waiver nations—including Canada and the U.S.—are unable to visit without a visa. The Japan eVisa has been introduced to facilitate travel for some of these nationalities.
Who Is Eligible for the New Japan eVisa?
Currently, only travelers from Canada and the U.S. can apply for the Japan eVisa.
Initially, the launch date for the electronic visa system was April 2020, and intended for a number of nationalities. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch date has been delayed.
Canada and the U.S. have been added to the list of eligible countries, due to the suspension of visa exemption services. More countries are expected to be added in the future, as travel restrictions relax further.
Canadian and American nationals can easily request a Japan electronic visa using the online system and if approved, the eVisa is sent by email.
The eVisa is a single-entry visa.
Those who are staying in Japan for business, various exchanges, visiting relatives, or tourism (*1) for 90 days or less and are not engaged in remunerative activities.
For those visiting Japan for business, various exchanges, and tourism, the receiving organization located in Japan (*2) should complete the prescribed application in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) and obtain a “Certificate for Completion of Registration issued by the ERFS.
(*1) For those visiting Japan for tourism, only foreign nationals/people from countries/regions that are allowed under the Japanese government’s border measures are eligible to visit Japan. In addition, it will be allowed only cases that a travel agency, etc. will be the party responsible as the receiving organization located in Japan.
(*2) The receiving organization located in Japan is the company or organization among others that employs the entrant or invites the entrant to do business or entertain.
