Walking through the streets of Japan and taking in the captivating sights around Tokyo Tower would be an incredible experience during your first visit to Japan. However, before you embark on this journey, there are several steps you must take to obtain a Japan visa.
Explore the following information to ensure that you secure your visa, allowing you to visit all the attractions Japan has to offer in one seamless process.
How to Get a Japanese Visa?
Obtaining a Japan visa will bring you one step closer to experiencing the excitement of exploring Japan’s attractions. To do so, you must fulfill all the requirements necessary for the Japanese authorities to grant you a visa.
In addition to the document requirements, you must also consider factors such as your citizenship, the purpose of your visit, application fees, and more when applying for a visa.
If you require guidance regarding your Japan visa application, please contact the nearest embassy or the designated institution handling visa applications in your country.
Alternatively, click the link here to explore frequently asked questions regarding Japan visa requirements. You may find the information you’re seeking there.
What to Consider Before Getting a Japanese Visa?
Ensure you review the document’s eligibility criteria, visit purposes, application fees, and more, thoroughly before requesting a Japanese visa from the relevant authorities. Thus, please check the details below:
1. Make Sure Your Country is on the List
Ensuring your country is listed among those exempt from Japanese visa-exempt countries is an essential initial step before proceeding with the visa application. The list comprises sixty-eight countries, including the US, Australia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Moreover, individuals falling under specific categories, such as holders of ICAO-standard e-passports or those on diplomatic missions, enjoy visa-free access. Typically, the authorities only require more straightforward documentation, such as a valid passport and a few blank pages for authorization.
Discover the list of the 68 countries and other pertinent details here.
2. Decide Your Purpose of Visit
Tours to destinations such as Osaka and Tokyo are commonly cited by foreigners when applying for a Japanese visa. Meanwhile, Japanese authorities issue visas based on three objectives, each detailed below.
- For short-term stay: This category encompasses individuals intending to stay in Japan for a limited period of 90 days or less. Typically, their visit is for tourism, business, or visiting relatives in Japan.
- For long-term stay: Visas for long-term stays are granted to individuals intending to work, study, undergo training, and more. The duration of this visa exceeds 90 days, typically ranging from six months to 5 years.
- For medical-reason stay: Occasionally, individuals travel to Japan to receive medical services or treatments. This visa category applies to patients and their accompanying persons.
3. Visa Application Fees
Below is additional information regarding the application fees for a Japan visa according to the frequency of visits.
- Single-entry visa: The fee for a one-time visit is approximately JPY 3000 (USD 20.28).
- Multiple-entry visa: For this visa, the fee is JPY 6000 (USD 40.57) per individual.
Payment methods for these visas can be adjusted to your country’s currency. For example, Chinese citizens can pay their visa application fee in RMB. Please note whether visa application payments in your country accept cash only.
During the document verification process, consulates in certain countries may request additional documents, such as salary slips, bank statements, letters of employment, and letters of sponsorship (if financially supported).
Applying for a Japanese Visa
When submitting a request for a Japanese visa, ensure you adhere to the instructions provided for each application method to receive immediate authorization. Below are the details for each method of Japan visa application.
Applying Online
To apply for a visa online, follow these steps:
- Download the Japan visa application form and other necessary documents, which may include:
- Travel itinerary
- Evidence of financial solvency
- Letter of invitation
- Evidence of travel purposes
- And more.
- Fill in your information and gather your personal documents, such as a valid passport, photograph, and more.
- Apply online by visiting the Japan e-visa official site and following the instructions provided.
- Expect to receive an email notification regarding the e-visa and application fee. Typically, this process takes 4-10 days, starting from the day after your application.
- Pay the visa application fees using the available payment methods. However, if you are not notified to pay the application fee, you can skip this step.
- Once you receive your E-Visa via email, you are ready to proceed with your travel plans.
Applying via the Embassy or Consulate General
In addition to applying online, you have the option to apply via the embassy or consulate general. However, please note that in certain countries, the embassy does not process visa applications directly but designates an institution to handle them instead. Here are the steps to follow:
- Contact the Embassy/Consulate to initiate the application process. You can choose one of the following methods:
- Visit their office in person.
- Arrange for someone with a Letter of Proxy to represent you if you are unable to go yourself.
- Seek assistance from a travel agent who is authorized by the embassy to act on your behalf.
- Submit all required documents.
- Attend an interview if requested. Please note that this step may not be necessary for all applicants. If your application is approved, they may contact you to notify you of the decision.
- If your visa application is approved, you must enter Japan within three months. Otherwise, you will need to reapply for the visa.
To conclude, the application process for a Japan visa may prove complicated for some individuals. Nonetheless, by diligently adhering to the instructions provided by the official authorities, you can efficiently obtain a visa to visit this country. Additionally, explore the optimal flight and hotel deals exclusively on Airpaz!
