South African travellers are set to benefit from improved international travel opportunities following confirmation that Japan’s electronic visa programme remains available to South African passport holders, while airlines continue expanding long-haul services connecting the country to Europe and beyond.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that South Africa remains the only African country whose citizens can apply for a Japanese tourist visa through the country’s electronic visa (eVisa) platform. The online application system simplifies the visa process for eligible travellers planning short-term visits to Japan.
The eVisa allows tourists to stay in Japan for up to 90 days on a single-entry basis. It applies to travellers arriving by air as well as passengers using designated international ferry services between Japan and Busan in South Korea or Shanghai in China.
According to the ministry, South Africa is among a limited group of countries and territories whose residents can use the online platform, alongside Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Growing ties strengthen travel between South Africa and Japan
The continued availability of Japan’s eVisa comes as diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries continue to deepen.
According to the South African Embassy in Tokyo, 2025 marked the 115th anniversary of official diplomatic relations between South Africa and Japan. Bilateral trade reached approximately R155.7 billion, while 273 Japanese companies currently operate in South Africa.
The embassy said these commercial links have also contributed to stronger airline partnerships through Middle Eastern and East African transit hubs, making travel increasingly convenient for both business and leisure travellers.
Japan has experienced a significant tourism boom in recent years. Figures released by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) show that the country welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors during 2025, exceeding the previous year’s total by 5.8 million arrivals and reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
International airline expansion boosts South Africa’s global connectivity
South Africans are also expected to enjoy improved access to overseas destinations as several international airlines introduce new routes or increase flight frequencies.
One of the latest developments is Air Europa’s direct Johannesburg-Madrid service, which officially launched on 25 June. The inaugural flight marked the Spanish carrier’s first operation into sub-Saharan Africa and established the first direct air connection between South Africa and Spain operated by the airline.
The new service operates three times a week, providing passengers with easier onward connections to destinations across Europe and Latin America through Madrid.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomed the route, saying it supports government’s broader Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan, which aims to expand direct international air access through coordinated route development, destination marketing and partnerships with provincial stakeholders.
European carriers are also strengthening their South African operations. Condor has extended its seasonal Frankfurt-Cape Town service, while Lufthansa Group has announced its largest-ever South African winter schedule for the 2026/27 season.
Beginning in late October 2026, Lufthansa will operate 38 weekly long-haul flights between South Africa and Europe, including additional services between Johannesburg and Munich. The airline will increase frequencies on the route from three to five flights per week while also converting the service to an overnight schedule in both directions.
Meanwhile, Edelweiss, another Lufthansa Group carrier, will continue operating up to five weekly nonstop flights between Cape Town and Zurich using Airbus A350 aircraft.
Lufthansa Group Airlines said the additional capacity reflects sustained demand for international travel and reinforces South Africa’s importance within the airline’s global network.
Source: BusinessTech