As of 2025, Japanese passport holders enjoy one of the highest levels of travel freedom in the world. Actually the Japanese passport is ranked number 2 in the whole world. Owing to this, this passport opens the door to over 190 destinations without a traditional visa. But of course as usual that doesn’t mean you can just book a flight and go for every destination. Some countries still require extra steps like eVisas or visas on arrival. Here’s everything you need to know before you pack your bags to fly out of Japan.
Visa Not Required (With Stay Duration)
| Country | Duration Allowed |
|---|---|
| 🇦🇩 Andorra | 90 days |
| 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda | 180 days |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | 90 days |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 90 days |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 90 days |
| 🇧🇸 Bahamas | 90 days |
| 🇧🇧 Barbados | 180 days |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 90 days |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | 90 days |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 180 days |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | 90 days |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | 90 days |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | 90 days |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | 90 days |
| 🇫🇷 France | 90 days |
| 🇬🇪 Georgia | 360 days |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 90 days |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | 90 days |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | 90 days |
| 🇮🇸 Iceland | 90 days |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 30 days |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 90 days |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | 90 days |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 90 days |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | 90 days |
| 🇱🇻 Latvia | 90 days |
| 🇱🇹 Lithuania | 90 days |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | 90 days |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 90 days |
| 🇲🇹 Malta | 90 days |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | 180 days |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 90 days |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 90 days |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 90 days |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | 180 days |
| 🇵🇪 Peru | 183 days |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | 90 days |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 90 days |
| 🇸🇲 San Marino | 90 days |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 30 days |
| 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 90 days |
| 🇸🇮 Slovenia | 90 days |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 90 days |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 90 days |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | 90 days |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 90 days |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | 30 days |
| 🇹🇷 Türkiye | 90 days |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 180 days |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 90 days |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 45 days |
Visa on Arrival
No paperwork before you fly! As a Japanese passport holder, you can travel to these countries and get a visa right when you land. Just make sure to bring any required documents, and check the latest entry rules before you go.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇲🇻 Maldives
🇲🇷 Mauritania
🇳🇵 Nepal
🇵🇼 Palau
🇼🇸 Samoa
🇸🇨 Seychelles
🇸🇧 Solomon Islands
🇹🇱 Timor-Leste
🇹🇻 Tuvalu
eVisa
Apply online before you travel. These destinations allow Japanese citizens to apply for a visa electronically. This means no embassy visits are required. It’s quick and easy, but be sure to apply in advance.
🇮🇳 India
🇰🇪 Kenya
🇲🇲 Myanmar
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇷🇺 Russia
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
Visa Available Both on Arrival or Online
Pick what suits you best! As a Japanese traveler, you have the flexibility to either get a visa when you arrive or apply online in advance. This is great if you’re planning a spontaneous trip or prefer to be prepared.
🇦🇲 Armenia
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
🇧🇭 Bahrain
🇧🇯 Benin
🇰🇭 Cambodia
🇮🇷 Iran
🇱🇦 Laos
🇲🇬 Madagascar
🇷🇼 Rwanda
🇹🇯 Tajikistan
🇹🇿 Tanzania
🇹🇬 Togo
🇿🇲 Zambia
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
Visa Required
You’ll need to plan ahead. For these countries, Japanese citizens must apply for a visa before departure. It’s best to start the process early and check each country’s specific requirements and timelines.
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🇩🇿 Algeria
🇦🇴 Angola
🇧🇹 Bhutan
🇨🇲 Cameroon
🇨🇫 Central African Republic
🇹🇩 Chad
🇨🇳 China
🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea
🇪🇷 Eritrea
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇮🇶 Iraq
🇱🇷 Liberia
🇱🇾 Libya
🇲🇱 Mali
🇳🇪 Niger
🇰🇵 North Korea
🇸🇸 South Sudan
🇸🇩 Sudan
🇸🇾 Syria
🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
🇻🇪 Venezuela
🇾🇪 Yemen
FAQ for Japanese Passport Holders
1. How strong is the Japanese passport in 2025?
As of July 2025, the Japanese passport remains one of the top 5 strongest in the world. It offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries and territories. It is an extremely powerful document for global travel.
2. Which countries can Japanese citizens visit without a visa?
Japanese citizens can visit many countries in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania without a visa. Popular destinations include France, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil, usually allowing stays between 30 and 90 days.
3. Do I need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes, but it’s not a traditional visa. Japanese passport holders must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) before entering the United States. It’s valid for 2 years and allows visits of up to 90 days per trip.
4. Is Schengen visa required for Europe?
No, not for short stays. Japanese travelers can visit Schengen Area countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes countries like Germany, Spain, France, and Italy.
5. Can Japanese citizens get visas on arrival?
Yes, Japan has visa-on-arrival agreements with several countries including Nepal, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Seychelles. However, you may need to show return tickets or proof of accommodation, so check each country’s entry rules before you go.
6. What is an eVisa and how does it work?
An eVisa is a digital visa that you apply for online. Countries like India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia offer this option to Japanese citizens. The process usually takes a few days and you receive the visa via email.
7. Do any countries still require a full visa for Japanese citizens?
Yes, a few countries like China, Ghana, Nigeria, and North Korea require Japanese citizens to apply for a visa in advance from their embassies.
8. What documents should I carry when traveling visa-free?
Even when visa-free, you may be asked for:
- A valid return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Sufficient funds
- Travel insurance (especially in Europe)
9. Is travel insurance required for visa-free countries?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended. In the Schengen Area, for example, travel insurance is mandatory even if you don’t need a visa.
10. How can I check entry requirements for a specific country?
You can use Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, official embassy pages, or trusted travel sites like ours for the latest and most accurate visa information.