Located in eastern Asia, Japan is a nice place to stay, an attraction to visit if you are a tourist or want to integrate with their society. How do you categorize or rather, classify the Japanese passport?
The Japanese passport is known for its strength and also another amazing element, which is visa-free access to numerous countries around the world.
Therefore this visa opens the door to explore the bliss of an unforgettable global adventure.
This article seeks to provide a curtailed list of the countries that are free and accessible to Japanese visa holders without going through the stress of obtaining visas through the embassies of these respective countries.
Even if you are a seasoned traveler or you’re making your first international journey, see this list as a menu for planning your next gateway without stress.
From countries around various continents around the world, discover the final destinations that welcome Japanese travelers with open arms. Let’s get to it straight.
Where Can Japanese Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?
Japanese passport holders are eligible to travel visa freely to 151 countries and territories around the world, which would be stated below;
- Albania
- American Samoa
- Andorra
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Bolivia
- Caribbean Netherlands
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Chile
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Curaçao
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- French West Indies
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Montserrat
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- North Macedonia
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Réunion
- Romania
- Samoa
- San Marino
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Türkiye
- United States Virgin Islands
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Zambia
- Eswatini
How Can The Japanese Apply For a Visa?
It usually involves an easy way for Japanese travelers to apply for and secure a visa for traveling abroad. However, the general steps below are recommended to be followed to navigate the visa application process effectively.
#1 Know your Destination
Are you looking to visit any country of your choice? If yes, then you should start by identifying such a country since every country has varying visa requirements and procedures. Therefore, trust that you would be doing yourself a big favor if you already know your destination.
#2 Log On To The Embassy or Consulate Website
It is important to locate and access the webpage of your destination country’s embassy or consulate as they typically provide detailed and essential information you will need on application forms and processing times.
#3 Determine Visa Requirements
Since your Japanese passport offers free visa entry to the countries categorically mentioned above, there’s no need to go through the stress of checking your visa requirements which takes a long time and can also cause delays.
#4 Completing Application Form
Despite having a free entry Visa, some countries might still require that you complete certain application forms for your journey. When filling out this form, it’s important to do it correctly and accurately, and there should be no room for errors.
#5 Gather Supporting Documents
Required documents are considered important, japanese travelers must gather them according to the embassy’s or consulate’s guidelines. These documents should be up to date in the specified format.
#6 Schedule an Appointment
Some embassies might also require that Japanese citizens schedule an appointment for an interview since the visa entry is already free. This session is conducted to know who they are, as well as their purpose for arriving in their country. Japanese citizens are also required to answer all questions truthfully and confidently.
#7 Submit Your Application
Now Japanese citizens should approach the embassy or consulate to follow the specified submission method for their free entry application. Be sure to submit all required documents and fees.
#8 Processing Period
Given that there is a guaranteed entry without the usage of a visa, the processing period usually takes a very short time to complete. So get ready to have access to explore part of the world within days.
What Documents Do Japanese Citizens Need to Apply for a Visa in Other Countries?
For some of the countries not listed among others above as visa-free entry, Japanese citizens wanting to visit such countries must apply for a visa before submitting essential documents. Note that most countries will certainly require the following:
- A valid Japanese passport
- Travel health insurance
- Proof of booked accommodation
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Filled visa application form
- Proof of funds
- Civil status documents
- Letter of invitation
- Proof of booked return ticket for flight home
There is also a high tendency that your visa will be rejected if you have a previous criminal history.
FAQs
Which passport is strongest?
Singapore is the strongest because it has secured the top spot in the 2023 Henley Passport Index, granting its citizens the privilege of visa-free entry to 192 out of 227 global travel destinations.
How long can the Japanese stay in the US without a visa?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of specific countries to visit the United States for tourism or business purposes, with a maximum stay of 90 days, without the need to obtain a visa.
Is it good to be a Japanese citizen?
Yes, it is. Therefore, acquiring Japanese citizenship offers numerous advantages, as it affords individuals the same rights and privileges as those born in Japan.
How many countries are free on Japan’s passport?
Currently, Japan passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 151 destinations worldwide.
Do the Japanese need a visa for the USA?
Absolutely! This is because having a Japanese passport allows for convenient entry into the United States through the use of a US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Japanese citizens are typically only required to have an ESTA and do not need to apply for a regular US visa.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, Japanese passports are an incredible advantage with visa-free access to almost every country. Also, the citizens should ensure a smooth travel experience by following certain processes considered important.
While enjoying this extensive visa-free access, some destinations not listed may require some important documentation.
However, being a Japanese citizen grants access to a world of travel opportunities, reflecting the nation’s strong passport and global appeal.
It opens doors to the seamless exploration of diverse cultures and landscapes.
In a world where travel can be complex and long, the Japanese passport stands as a key to enriching experiences and unforgettable adventures, making it a highly valuable asset for its citizens.
