The Embassy of Japan in Thailand and Malaysia recently announced that Thai and Malaysian nationals can enter Japan visa free for trips of under 15 and 90 days, respectively. The policies are already in effect, and have been done to celebrate the 40th year of ASEAN-Japan cooperation.
The move – which is also intended to help spur Japan’s tourism industry – allows Thais a visa exemption for leisure and business trips to Japan lasting less than 15 days. Some documents may have to be produced to Japanese immigration authorities upon arrival, including a departure ticket from Japan; statement or documents that prove you are able to pay (by cash or credit card) for any expense that might occurr during your stay; a name, address, and phone number where you'll be staying; and your schedule.
Malaysians, meanwhile, can also enjoy visa exemption in Japan – for stays less than 90 days. It is however, only applicable to visitors holding biometric passport with an embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards. Documents similar to those listed above may have to be produced upon entering Japanese immigration.
China also launched a joint visa policy earlier this year allowing foreign guests visiting Hong Kong in a group of more than two to travel throughout Guangdong Province for six days without requiring an additional visa (see story here).
For more information, visit www.th.emb-japan.go.jp/ and www.my.emb-japan.go.jp/
Valerian Ho
