Check before you depart! What kind of visa is required for each country?

Many people may be wondering, "I know what a passport is, but what is a visa?" In fact, even popular tourist destinations sometimes require a visa for entry. In recent years, with the advancement of online processes and electronic applications, many people are confused by the procedures.

This time, we'll introduce some basic knowledge and the latest information about visas.

Simply put, a visa is a "permission to enter a destination country or region." While a passport is an identification document issued by the Japanese government, a visa is a document issued by the embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the destination country. When applying for a visa, the rules of the destination country, not Japanese rules, apply.
Incidentally, Japanese passports are said to be among the easiest to enter countries in the world, and as of 2026, Japanese passport holders can enter "approximately 190 countries and regions" without a visa.

However, even in popular tourist destinations like India, Cambodia, and Egypt, a visa may be required to travel. While a visa itself may not be required, some countries, such as the US with its "ESTA" or Sri Lanka with its "ETA," require electronic travel authorization (not a visa, but a necessary authorization before travel).

You can check whether a visa is required for your destination country on the website of the respective country's embassy or consulate. You can also check by phone, but it may be difficult to get through or the person in charge may be unavailable, so it is recommended to check the official website first.

In addition, the conditions for visa application vary from country to country, so it is essential to check in advance. The validity period and number of times a visa can be used vary from country to country. Some countries are valid for a single trip, while others allow you to use your visa as many times as you want within the validity period.

However, this condition will also change from time to time. It is also important to know that visa requirements change daily depending on world conditions and policies. Countries that did not require a visa until last year may be changed. Please be sure to check official information such as the embassies and consulates general of each country and the Overseas Security website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japanese) for the latest information.

While the decision is made by the government, Club Tourism always checks the information of local partners and embassies to keep customers up to date.

In fact, in recent years, visa applications have been digitized in many countries, and the form of "eVISA" that is completed online has become common.
For example, in India, online applications are the main focus. If you find it difficult to respond because you need to enter English, we recommend Club Tourism 's paid visa agency service.

The basics and precautions for visa application are summarized below.

●Pay attention to the expiration date of your passport
Regardless of whether you have a visa or not, many countries require a passport that is valid for at least a certain period at the time of entry. For example, the conditions vary depending on the country, such as "more than 6 months at the time of entry" or "return date + 3 months or more", and you may not be able to leave the country if you do not meet them. Once you've decided to travel, first check the expiration date of your passport.

In addition, some countries require a "remaining page" of the passport. In some cases, a spread of more than 2 pages is required for visa affixing, so it is necessary to check it as well.

●Information required at the time of application
When applying, you will need your passport information, the name of your Accommodation hotel, your entry date and flight number, etc. For Club Tourism tours, the Accommodation hotel may not yet be confirmed at the visa application stage, but please enter the "scheduled Hotel of Stay" listed on the guide.

●Notes on photos
A "face photo" is required to apply, but the rules vary in detail from country to country. For example, in India, there is a rule that "the background of the headshot is white". If the photo does not meet the conditions, it will be returned, and in the worst case, it may not be possible to leave in time.

In addition, you should pay attention to the size of the photo. The size of your ID photo varies from country to country. Sizes for Japanese passports
(4.5cm×3.5cm) is not stipulated in some countries, and some sizes cannot be handled by ID photo machines, so you can be sure to take pictures at a photo studio near you.
Please note that the regulations for face photos may change, so be sure to check the latest official website when applying.

●Beware of fake sites pretending to be visa application agents!
What you should be careful of is fake sites that pretend to be visa application agents. There are cases where people are guided by the idea that they can easily apply in Japanese, but in reality they are unofficial agents and are charged tens of thousands of yen. When applying, please be sure to go through the official website of the embassy of each country.

●Apply with plenty of time
In some countries, it only takes a few days to issue a visa, while in some countries, it can take several weeks to a month.
Club Tourism tours provide information on the countries that require a visa in a written form that will be sent to you after booking, so it is important to check the details early and allow enough time for the process. （※1）

●When issued, print it out and store it
Be sure to print out and bring your visa on paper in case of communication problems. If you put it together in your passport holder, you will be less worried about losing it.

●Be sure to double-check just before departure
Visa requirements, passport validity, and the need for an electronic travel authorization (eTA/eVisa, etc.) may change at the last minute of travel due to changes in the situation, policies, and immigration systems of each country.

For example, it is not uncommon for countries that did not require visas until now to suddenly require a visa, and a new "passport validity period of 6 months or more" is introduced.
Therefore, even after you have decided on your travel plans, we recommend that you always double-check the latest entry requirements on the official website just before departure.

Club Tourism has a "visa application agency service (*1)". To apply, please tell the telephone operator or check the "Participation Application Form" sent to you after your travel application and return it to you.

If you forget to check it, don't worry. All application forms from customers are read by specialized departments, and if they have not been checked, we will remind them to use the "Visa Application Agency Service (*1)".

In the "Visa Application Agency Service (*1)", we will send you a questionnaire summarizing the necessary matters for your application.
If there is even one blank space, you will not be able to apply, so please fill in it without omission.
Even if you are obtaining a visa yourself, please check the document we send you after your reservation with a brief guide to obtain it.

It's okay if you're worried about your first time traveling abroad or after a long time.
Club Tourism will help you prepare for your trip comfortably with a careful follow-up system.

(*1) There are some countries for which we cannot provide this service. Please note that customers who are not Japanese nationals are responsible for confirming their residence status and visa requirements themselves. In addition, there will be a charge for the English itinerary issued for visa acquisition and airfare.

*The information introduced in this article is based on information as of Jan. 2026. Please check the official website for the latest information.