Key Takeaways
• Thailand allows 60-day visa-free stays for Japanese tourists since July 2024, reducing soon to 30 days.
• Laos doubled visa-free stay from 15 to 30 days for Japanese visitors starting June 1, 2025.
• Japanese travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival from May 1, 2025.
Japanese Tourists See Major Changes in Thailand and Southeast Asia Visa-Free Stay Rules
Japanese tourists planning trips to Southeast Asia in 2025 will find several important updates to visa-free stay policies, especially in Thailand 🇹🇭 and Laos 🇱🇦. These changes affect how long Japanese citizens can visit without a visa, what steps they need to take before traveling, and what options are available if they want to stay longer. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new, why these changes are happening, and what Japanese travelers should know before booking their next trip.
Who is affected?
Japanese tourists and business travelers visiting Thailand 🇹🇭, Laos 🇱🇦, Malaysia 🇲🇾, Singapore 🇸🇬, and other countries in the region.
What has changed?
Thailand 🇹🇭 and Laos 🇱🇦 have both updated their visa-free stay rules for Japanese tourists. Thailand currently allows a 60-day visa-free stay but plans to reduce this back to 30 days soon. Laos has doubled its visa-free period for Japanese visitors from 15 to 30 days. Malaysia 🇲🇾 and Singapore 🇸🇬 continue to offer 90-day visa-free stays, with no recent changes.
When did these changes happen?
Thailand expanded its visa-free period in July 2024, but a reduction is expected soon. Laos extended its visa-free period on June 1, 2025. Malaysia and Singapore have not changed their policies as of June 2025.
Where do these changes apply?
The main changes are in Thailand and Laos, but Japanese tourists should also be aware of the rules in neighboring countries.
Why are these changes happening?
Thailand’s longer visa-free stay was meant to boost tourism after the pandemic, but concerns about illegal business activities and overstays have led to plans to shorten the stay again. Laos extended its period to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties with Japan and to encourage more tourism and business visits.
How do these changes affect Japanese tourists?
Japanese travelers need to pay close attention to the latest rules, especially in Thailand, where the visa-free period could change at any time. They should also be aware of new entry requirements, such as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
Thailand: Visa-Free Stay for Japanese Tourists
Current Policy (as of June 2025)
Japanese tourists can now enter Thailand 🇹🇭 without a visa for up to 60 days. This rule has been in place since July 2024 and applies to travelers from 93 countries, including Japan. Before this, the visa-free stay was only 30 days and covered 57 countries.
Important: The Thai government has announced that it will soon reduce the visa-free stay period back to 30 days. The exact date for this change has not been set, but it is expected to happen soon. Travelers should check for updates before making plans.
If you want to stay longer:
You can apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office. This means you could stay for up to 60 days even after the new 30-day rule takes effect.
Why Is Thailand Changing Its Policy?
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Thai immigration authorities say that some foreign visitors have used the longer visa-free period to work illegally or run businesses without proper permits. This has led to concerns about security and economic fairness. As a result, the government wants to shorten the visa-free period to help control these problems.
Tourism operators in Thailand have pointed out that most tourists, including Japanese visitors, usually stay for only two to three weeks. Very few use the full 60 days.
New Entry Procedures: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors—including Japanese tourists—must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entering the country. This replaces the old paper arrival card and is meant to make entry faster and more secure.
- Where to fill out the TDAC: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
- What you need: Passport details, travel plans, and contact information in Thailand.
Other Visa Options for Japanese Tourists
- Thai e-Visa: If you need to stay longer or for a different purpose (like work or study), you can apply for a Thai e-Visa online. This system is now open to travelers from all countries. Apply for a Thai e-Visa
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): This new visa is for remote workers and digital nomads. It allows you to stay up to 180 days per visit and is valid for five years.
- Visa-on-Arrival: Citizens of 31 countries can now get a visa on arrival, up from 19 before. However, Japanese citizens do not need this, as they are already visa-exempt for tourism.
Step-by-Step: Entering Thailand as a Japanese Tourist
- Check Eligibility: Make sure Japan is still on the visa-exempt list. (It is, as of June 2025.)
- Prepare Documents: Have a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, and proof of where you’ll stay.
- Complete the TDAC: Fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before you travel.
- Arrival: At the airport, show your passport and TDAC confirmation. You’ll get a 60-day (soon to be 30-day) entry stamp.
- Extension (if needed): If you want to stay longer, visit a Thai immigration office before your stay ends. Pay the 1,900 baht fee and apply for a 30-day extension.
Official resource: Thailand Immigration Bureau
Laos: Longer Visa-Free Stay for Japanese Tourists
What’s New in Laos?
As of June 1, 2025, Japanese tourists can now stay in Laos 🇱🇦 without a visa for up to 30 days. This is double the previous limit of 15 days.
This change was announced by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith during his visit to Japan on May 29, 2025. The extension marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan.
For longer stays:
If you want to stay in Laos for more than 30 days, you must apply for a visa in advance.
Diplomatic and official passports:
Japanese citizens with these passports have enjoyed a 90-day visa-free stay since April 2015.
Why Did Laos Extend the Visa-Free Period?
The Lao government wants to make it easier for Japanese tourists and business people to visit. The extension is also a way to celebrate the long friendship between the two countries and encourage more travel and business exchanges.
Official resource: Lao Embassy in Japan
Malaysia and Singapore: No Changes for Japanese Tourists
Malaysia
Japanese citizens can visit Malaysia 🇲🇾 for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. There have been no recent changes to this policy as of June 2025.
Singapore
Japanese tourists can also stay in Singapore 🇸🇬 for up to 90 days visa-free. No new restrictions or changes have been announced.
Other Countries: Quick Overview
- Brunei: 30 days visa-free for Japanese citizens.
- Indonesia: 15 days visa-free for Japanese citizens.
- United Arab Emirates: 30 days visa-free for Japanese citizens.
Background: Why Are These Changes Happening Now?
Thailand’s Approach
For many years, Thailand allowed Japanese and other tourists to stay for 30 days without a visa. In July 2024, the country expanded the visa-free period to 60 days and added more countries to the list. This was done to help the tourism industry recover after the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the longer stay led to some problems. Thai officials noticed that some visitors were using the extra time to work illegally or run businesses without proper permission. This has led to the planned reduction back to 30 days.
Laos’ Approach
Laos has offered Japanese tourists a 15-day visa-free stay since 2007. The new 30-day period, announced in June 2025, is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with Japan and encourage more tourism and business.
What Do These Changes Mean for Japanese Tourists?
Thailand
- Current rule: Stay up to 60 days visa-free (as of June 2025).
- Expected change: Visa-free stay will soon be reduced to 30 days.
- Extension: You can still extend your stay by 30 days at a Thai immigration office, even after the new rule starts.
- New requirement: Complete the TDAC online before traveling.
Laos
- New rule: Stay up to 30 days visa-free (since June 1, 2025).
- Longer stays: Must apply for a visa in advance.
Malaysia and Singapore
- No changes: Japanese tourists can stay up to 90 days visa-free in both countries.
Practical Tips for Japanese Travelers
- Always check the latest rules before you travel. Visa policies can change quickly.
- Complete all required forms online before your trip, especially the TDAC for Thailand.
- Bring all necessary documents: Passport (valid for at least six months), proof of onward travel, and accommodation details.
- Know your extension options: In Thailand, you can extend your stay by 30 days at an immigration office. In Laos, extensions are not available for visa-free stays.
- Monitor official government websites for updates. For example, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides up-to-date information on visa requirements for Japanese citizens.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Tourism Industry
Tourism businesses in Thailand welcomed the 60-day visa-free stay, saying it would attract long-stay tourists and digital nomads. However, some raised concerns about people abusing the system for illegal work or business.
Government
Thai officials are trying to balance the need to attract tourists with the need to control illegal activities and protect the economy. The planned reduction to 30 days is part of this effort.
Travelers
Japanese tourists benefit from longer stays and easier entry, but they need to stay informed about changing rules. Missing a new requirement, like the TDAC, could cause problems at the border.
Future Outlook
Thailand
The reduction of the visa-free stay to 30 days is expected soon, but the exact date is not yet known. The government may continue to adjust its policies based on tourism trends and security needs.
Laos
The new 30-day visa-free period for Japanese tourists is likely to remain stable, as it is part of a larger diplomatic effort.
Malaysia and Singapore
No changes are expected in the near future.
Summary Table: Visa-Free Stay for Japanese Tourists (as of June 2025)
| Country | Visa-Free Stay (Days) | Recent Change/Status | Extension Possible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 60 (soon to be 30) | 60 days since July 2024, reduction to 30 days pending | Yes, +30 days |
| Laos | 30 | Increased from 15 to 30 days on June 1, 2025 | No |
| Malaysia | 90 | No recent change | No |
| Singapore | 90 | No recent change | No |
| Brunei | 30 | No recent change | No |
| Indonesia | 15 | No recent change | No |
| UAE | 30 | No recent change | No |
Actionable Takeaways
- Japanese tourists should check the latest visa-free stay rules for Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore before traveling.
- In Thailand, be ready for the visa-free period to drop from 60 to 30 days at short notice.
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before your trip to Thailand.
- If you want to stay longer in Thailand, plan to visit an immigration office for a 30-day extension.
- For Laos, enjoy the new 30-day visa-free period, but apply for a visa in advance if you need more time.
- Malaysia and Singapore remain easy options for longer stays, with 90 days visa-free for Japanese tourists.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a careful balance between encouraging tourism and protecting local economies. Japanese travelers are advised to stay informed and flexible, as visa policies in Southeast Asia can change quickly. For the most current information, always refer to official government sources like the Thailand Immigration Bureau.
By staying up to date and following the right steps, Japanese tourists can continue to enjoy the rich culture, food, and natural beauty of Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond—making the most of every visit.
Learn Today
Visa-Free Stay → An authorized period allowing tourists entry without requiring a visa before travel.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) → An online form required before entering Thailand, replacing the paper arrival card.
Extension → Additional authorized days a tourist may legally stay beyond the initial visa-free period.
e-Visa → An electronic visa applied for online to extend stay or permit different visit purposes.
Digital Nomad Visa → A special visa allowing remote workers to stay longer, usually with multiple-year validity.
This Article in a Nutshell
Japanese tourists face important Southeast Asia visa-free changes in 2025. Thailand’s stay reduces soon from 60 to 30 days. Laos doubles its visa-free period. Prepare online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Stay informed to enjoy longer visits and avoid travel issues in these countries.
— By VisaVerge.com
