Japan to grant visa-free access to UAE citizens

On September 28, 2022 Japan announced that holders of ordinary UAE passports are exempt from entry visa requirements. The implementation date of the visa exemption will be announced at a later date.

This announcement took place during the signing of the UAE-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership agreement document. The signing of this agreement comes while the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their strong diplomatic ties, and serves as a means of strengthening those bonds for the future. 

The strategic partnership agreement was signed by the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy to Japan Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber and the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa. The agreement was recently launched by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office.

This UAE-Japan partnership agreement is intended to encourage further economic, political, diplomatic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries. The agreement focuses on areas such as diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and international development. It also emphasizes collaboration across a wide range of sectors including business, infrastructure development, technology, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, healthcare, SMEs, and much more.

According to Dr. Al Jaber, the exemption of UAE passport holders from Japanese visa requirements is a result of diplomatic efforts, led by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the UAE. He believes that this new policy will bolster cooperation and travel between the two countries, leading to an increase in travel for touristic, cultural, and academic purposes, as well as new opportunities for business endeavors and investments.