Japan names South Africa as sole African nation eligible for eVisa in 2026

The updated list, published by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, identifies South Africa as the sole African country whose eligible residents can apply online for a short-term tourist visa through the Japan eVisa system. The electronic visa is available for single-entry tourism visits of up to 90 days.

South Africa joins a limited group of countries and territories whose residents can submit visa applications online without visiting a Japanese embassy or consulate, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

The development means that citizens of other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt and several others, are not eligible for direct access to the eVisa platform.

Instead, they must continue applying for Japanese visas through embassies, consulates or designated visa application centres in accordance with Japan’s existing immigration procedures.

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According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the eVisa system is designed primarily for short-term tourism and is available only to eligible applicants residing in approved countries and territories.

Travellers visiting Japan for business, employment, study or long-term stays must still follow the standard visa application process.

For Nigerian applicants, the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria has maintained that visas remain mandatory regardless of the purpose or duration of travel. Since March 2025, most visa applications in Nigeria have been processed through Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global in Abuja and Lagos.

The announcement has attracted attention across Africa, with many travellers noting South Africa’s unique position as the continent’s only country currently included in Japan’s direct eVisa programme. However, Japanese authorities have not indicated whether additional African countries will be added to the scheme in the future.