1. The Government of Japan has decided that from July 1, Malaysian nationals who hold ordinary biometric passports with an embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO（International Civil Aviation Organization）standards (issued since February 2010) and wish to enter Japan for short-term stay will no longer need to obtain a visa for the entry.
2. The visa exemption arrangement between Japan and Malaysia, which had been existed since before 1993, provides that Malaysian nationals who meet the relevant conditions could enter Japan without obtaining a visa for a period of not exceeding three consecutive months (short-term stay). However, in 1993, the Government of Japan after taking into consideration the situation at the time and in consultation with the Government of Malaysia, began to advise Malaysian nationals to obtain a visa in advance to enter Japan. The new decision will in effect reinstate the treatment of the short-term stay under the visa exemption arrangement for the holders of an ordinary biometric passport, issued since February 2010. Malaysian nationals who do not hold an ordinary biometric passport with an embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO standards will remain advised to obtain a visa.
3. The Government of Japan introduces this measure as part of its celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. This development is expected to further enhance the exchange between Japan and Malaysia with increased visits of tourists from Malaysia to Japan and increased convenience in business between the two countries.
4. The Embassies and Consular Offices of Japan in your vicinity will welcome your inquries on this matter.
