You need a visa for Japan if you have a South African passport

Japan eVisa

Government fees and our service are shown together — no charges added at the end.

Visa required

Japan eVisa

Price: $149.98
Processing: from 8 days
Entries: Single entry
Maximum stay: 15 days
Enter within: 90 days

$99.99 government fee $49.99 our service

What you need for the Japan eVisa

These are the documents this application asks for. You can upload them after checkout — nothing is needed to start.

Applicant's Photo
Passport Bio Page
Travel Itinerary & Schedule of Stay

Need the photo? Our free passport photo maker produces one in the official format.

Everything about the Japan eVisa — conditions, what the authorities check and how long it lasts.

How it works

1
Answer the questions
One form, written in plain language. We ask only what Japan actually requires for a South African passport.
2
We check and submit
Your application is reviewed for the mistakes that cause rejections before it goes to the authorities.
3
Approval by email
Approval usually arrives within 8 days. It comes by email, with everything you need to show on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

Do South African citizens need a visa for Japan?

Yes. South African citizens need a visa for Japan, and the Japan eVisa can be applied for online.

How much does the Japan eVisa cost for South African citizens?

$149.98. That is $99.99 in government fees and $49.99 for our service.

How long does it take to get the Japan eVisa?

From 8 days. Governments do not guarantee processing times, so apply as early as you can.

How long can South African citizens stay in Japan?

Up to 15 days.

How long is the Japan eVisa valid for?

You must enter Japan within 90 days of approval. That window is separate from how long you may stay.

Is the Japan eVisa single or multiple entry?

Single entry — once you leave Japan it is used up, even if time is left on it.

When should South African citizens apply?

Approval takes from 8 days, and you then have 90 days to enter Japan. Applying a few weeks before departure leaves room for both.

Still have a question?

Ask our assistant. It answers in the chat, and we hand it the route you are looking at — South African passport, travelling to Japan — so you do not have to repeat it.

What Japan may ask for

Not every traveller is asked for all of these. A valid passport is checked every time; the rest is a spot check at the border, and some items belong to a visa application rather than the crossing itself.

Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
Passport photo 45x45mm with white background
Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
Hotel booking or accommodation proof
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Completed visa application form

Entry requirements for South African travellers

These rules apply specifically to South African passport holders entering Japan as tourists. Each one links to the official source where available.

Required
Travelers require a passport valid for the duration of stay in Japan
Travelers need a valid passport to enter Japan. The traveler's passport must remain valid throughout the traveler's stay in Japan.
Japan Travel Last checked 2026-07-23
Recommended
Recommended Visit Japan Web application
Travelers are recommended to register via email on the Visit Japan Web for immigration and customs procedures before arriving in Japan. Please see more details regarding registration on Visit Japan Web.
Visit Japan Web Last checked 2026-07-23
Recommended
Recommended vaccinations for Japan
Travelers should consider: -Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines; -Routine vaccines including Measles; -Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for extended stays or rural activities (not recommended for short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese Encephalitis season). Additional vaccine recommendations may apply. Consult your healthcare provider and check the source for details.
CDC - Japan Last checked 2026-07-23
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Japan
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Japan.
Last checked 2026-07-23
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Japan.
Last checked 2026-07-23
May be required
Transit visa may be required
International travelers don’t need a visa to transit through Japan if they stay in the transit zone. Travelers who pass through immigration or passport control must obtain a transit visa. Visit the government website to check other entry requirements.
Last checked 2026-07-24
Recommended
Recommended travel health insurance
Travelers are recommended to have travel health insurance when traveling to Japan.
Government of Japan Last checked 2026-07-23