Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed visa-free stays of up to 90 days for passport holders from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania beginning August 1 2026. Applications for multiple-entry visas will also simplify for frequent business visitors from these nations. Officials project an additional 450000 arrivals by year-end.
The move reverses earlier restrictions imposed during the pandemic and aligns with Japan's goal of 40 million annual visitors by 2027. It follows successful pilot programs in Kyushu and Hokkaido that showed strong demand from Latin American and Eastern European markets.
Background context reveals Japan previously offered visa exemptions to 68 countries before tightening rules in 2020. Recent bilateral talks with the European Union and Mercosur bloc accelerated the latest expansion.
What this means for you
Book flights and regional rail passes now for August arrivals to secure lower summer fares. Apply for any needed onward tickets or hotel bookings in advance to meet immigration proof requirements at entry points.
Avoid peak Tokyo weekends by routing first arrivals through Fukuoka or Sapporo airports where new visa-free processing lanes open. Carry printed return tickets and sufficient funds documentation even though visas are waived.
Longer-term the policy signals easier repeat visits for multi-country Asian itineraries through 2027.