On May 9, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it issued 7,196,373 visas to foreign visitors in 2024, up by 73% year-on-year, bringing the total back to about 90% of the historic peak set in 2019 before the pandemic.
Chinese nationals accounted for the largest share, with over 5.24 million visas issued—more than double the previous year’s figure and making up 70% of the total. This surge was the main driver behind the overall recovery in visa issuance.
The Philippines ranked second with 570,000 visas, followed by Vietnam with 320,000, making the top three countries together responsible for nearly 90% of all visas issued.
India moved up to fourth place with over 180,000 visas, a 40% increase, surpassing Indonesia, which held the fourth position in 2023.
