Which countries can Japanese passport holders visit without a visa?

Japanese passport holders can visit 189 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. Major destinations include all EU countries, USA (with ESTA), Canada (with eTA), UK (with ETA from 2025), Australia (with ETA), China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, UAE, and most of Latin America and Europe. A full list is available on Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for the USA, UK, or Canada?

Japanese citizens do not need a traditional visa but require electronic travel authorization: USA requires ESTA (valid 2 years, $21 USD), Canada requires eTA (valid 5 years, CAD $7), and UK requires ETA starting 2025 (£10, valid 2 years). All must be obtained online before travel.

Can Japanese passport holders work abroad without restrictions?

Visa-free access for Japanese passport holders typically allows tourism only, not employment. To work abroad, Japanese citizens must obtain work visas or permits specific to each country. However, Japan has working holiday agreements with 29 countries including Australia, Canada, UK, France, and New Zealand, allowing young Japanese (18-30 years) to work temporarily.

Is military service mandatory for Japanese passport holders?

No, Japan does not have mandatory military service. The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are entirely volunteer-based. Japanese citizens are not required to perform military service to obtain or maintain their passport, unlike countries such as South Korea or Israel.

Which countries require Japanese citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Japanese passport holders must obtain visas in advance for 17 countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, Cuba, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, countries like Russia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and several African nations offer e-visas that must be applied for online before travel.

How long can Japanese passport holders stay in Europe and the Schengen Area?

Japanese passport holders can stay in the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business. From 2025, they must obtain ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization online before travel, costing €7 and valid for 3 years.

Can Japanese citizens travel to China visa-free in 2025?

Yes, Japanese passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism, business, or family visits as part of China's visa-free transit and bilateral agreements. For stays longer than 15 days, a visa is required. Regulations can change, so verify current requirements with the Chinese Embassy before travel.

What documents do Japanese citizens need for international travel?

Japanese citizens need a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates for most countries), return/onward tickets, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation details. For certain countries, electronic travel authorizations (ESTA, eTA, ETA, ETIAS) or visas are required. Travel insurance is highly recommended but not always mandatory.

How do I renew my Japanese passport and how long does it take?

Japanese passports can be renewed at local passport centers in Japan or Japanese embassies/consulates abroad. Required documents include the application form, current passport, one passport photo, and residence certificate (for renewals in Japan). Processing takes approximately 1 week domestically and 2-4 weeks abroad. 10-year passports cost ¥16,000 and 5-year passports cost ¥11,000.

Japan Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 189 Countries

The Japan passport currently ranks 3rd globally in 2025, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 destinations worldwide. This represents a slight decrease from its top position held consecutively from 2018-2024, when it provided access to up to 194 countries. Despite the recent change, the Japanese passport remains one of the world's most powerful travel documents, offering exceptional global mobility and significant advantages for international business and leisure travelers.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

189

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Japan passport

139

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Japanese Citizens

Popular destinations where Japan passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Singapore	Up to 90 days	SG
Thailand	Up to 15 days	TH
South Korea	Up to 90 days	KR
United States	Up to 90 days	US
United Kingdom	Up to 180 days	GB

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Japan passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

139 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

36 countries

🔐 ETA Required

14 countries

💻 E-Visa

20 countries

❌ Visa Required

17 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Japan's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Maintained stable ranking from 2006 to 2025

Official Japan Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Passport

🔗

Japan National Tourism Organization

🔗

Immigration Services Agency of Japan

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Travel Registration

Compare Japan Passport with Other Passports

See how Japan's passport compares with other ASIA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Japan (You are here)	#3	189	95/100	83/100
Singapore	#1	193	95/100	88/100
South Korea	#2	190	85/100	85/100
Malaysia	#12	180	73/100	92/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, the Japanese passport ranks 3rd globally with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 destinations. It held the #1 position from 2018-2024 with up to 194 destinations, making it one of the world's most powerful passports for international travel.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Japan's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Japan Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 189 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 15 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 180 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Japan's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Maintained stable ranking from 2006 to 2025

Compare Japan Passport with Other Passports

See how Japan's passport compares with other ASIA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Japan (You are here)	#3	189	95/100	83/100
Singapore	#1	193	95/100	88/100
South Korea	#2	190	85/100	85/100
Malaysia	#12	180	73/100	92/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Japan passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Japanese Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Japan's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Japan Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Japan Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the Japanese passport in 2025?

Which countries can Japanese passport holders visit without a visa?

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for the USA, UK, or Canada?

Can Japanese passport holders work abroad without restrictions?

Is military service mandatory for Japanese passport holders?

Which countries require Japanese citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

How long can Japanese passport holders stay in Europe and the Schengen Area?

Can Japanese citizens travel to China visa-free in 2025?

What documents do Japanese citizens need for international travel?

How do I renew my Japanese passport and how long does it take?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Japan passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Japanese Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Japan's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Japan Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Japan Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the Japanese passport in 2025?

Which countries can Japanese passport holders visit without a visa?

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for the USA, UK, or Canada?

Can Japanese passport holders work abroad without restrictions?

Is military service mandatory for Japanese passport holders?

Which countries require Japanese citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

How long can Japanese passport holders stay in Europe and the Schengen Area?

Can Japanese citizens travel to China visa-free in 2025?

What documents do Japanese citizens need for international travel?

How do I renew my Japanese passport and how long does it take?

Explore More Passport Rankings