Japan has reaffirmed its visa-free entry policy for citizens of 74 countries and territories, allowing eligible travelers to visit the country for short-term stays without obtaining a visa in advance.

The policy is based on reciprocal visa exemption agreements and remains one of Japan’s key measures to encourage tourism and international travel.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, only three African countries are included on the visa-free list: Lesotho, Mauritius, and Tunisia. Citizens of these nations can enter Japan for short visits without a visa, subject to the conditions of the exemption.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Most eligible visitors are permitted to stay in Japan for up to 90 days, while travelers from a few countries have shorter permitted stays or additional passport requirements. The visa exemption applies mainly to tourism, business meetings, and other short-term activities, and does not allow employment.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

The updated list highlights Japan’s continued efforts to strengthen international travel while maintaining reciprocal agreements with partner countries. However, the absence of most African nations means citizens of those countries—including Nigeria—must still obtain a visa before traveling to Japan