What is a Japan Tourist Visa
The Japan Tourist Visa, officially known as the Temporary Visitor Visa, is a document issued by the Japanese government for foreigners intending to enter the country for tourism purposes. This is the best visa for you if you wish to come to Japan for leisure or recreational purposes, such as sightseeing or visiting friends and family. This visa allows international travelers to explore the rich heritage of Japan along with its natural beauty and incredible attractions that the country has to offer.
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Who Needs a Japan Tourist Visa?
People from 70 countries are not required to obtain a Tourist Visa before arrival to Japan. If your country is not listed in the list below, you are required to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa to enter the country for tourism purposes. These countries are allowed entry into the country for a total of 90 days, unless otherwise stated. The visa exempt countries are as following: Brunei (14 days), Andorra, Indonesia, Austria, Malaysia, Belgium, South Korea, Bulgaria, Singapore, Croatia, Thailand (15 days), Cyprus, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Macao, Estonia, Denmark, Taiwan, Finland, Canada, North Macedonia, United States, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Suriname, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Qatar, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (30 days), Lesotho, Mauritius, and Tunisia.
Citizens of the following countries require a tourist visa to enter Japan, but are eligible to apply online for an e-visa: Cambodia, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
Japan Tourist Visa Application
The steps for applying for the Japan Tourist Visa may differ slightly based on your nationality and the embassy or consulate that you are applying with, but they are typically fairly simple. Please keep in mind that since the steps may differ based on your specific embassy or consulate, it is important to refer to the official website of the Japanese embassy or consulate you plan on using for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
It is incredibly important to gather information about the visa which you are applying for before you begin the application process. Check the requirements from the official website of the Japanese embassy or consulate where you will be applying. Make sure you know the specific documents and eligibility criteria based on your nationality.
Find the visa application form on the embassy or consulate’s website and download it. You should print it out and complete it accurately, providing all of the required information.
You should collect the necessary supporting documents needed to submit your visa application. Based on your nationality, these documents may include your valid passport, passport-size photos, a round-trip flight itinerary, accommodation reservations, proof of financial means, and any other documents specified by your Japanese embassy or consulate. When you submit your application, make sure these are neatly organized.
Check whether or not it is required to schedule an appointment in advance with your Japanese embassy or consulate. If appointments are necessary, follow the instructions for scheduling. Some offices do not require appointments but have designated days/hours for walk-in visa applications.
Check whether or not it is required to schedule an appointment in advance with your Japanese embassy or consulate. If appointments are necessary, follow the instructions for scheduling. Some offices do not require appointments but have designated days/hours for walk-in visa applications.
At the embassy or consulate, you will pay the applicable visa fee. Payment methods may vary, so you should check with your embassy or consulate for their accepted forms of payment. Make sure to obtain your receipt as proof of payment.
After you submit your application, you must wait for the visa to be processed. The processing time varies based on your embassy or consulate. Some offices will inform you of a date you can return to pick up your passport while others will send you a notification once your visa has been processed and your passport is ready for pickup.
Once your visa has been processed, return to the consulate or embassy to collect your passport with the affixed visa. You should review the visa for accuracy, verifying your name, passport number, and validity dates.
Now that you have your visa and passport in hand, it is time to travel to Japan! Make sure to carry all required documents with you to Japan, including your passport with your visa. Once you arrive, be sure to comply with any requirements given to you by Japanese immigration authorities.
Japan Tourist Visa Requirements
While the required documents for your Japanese Tourist Visa may vary based on your nationality, there are a few specific requirements that are typically needed for your application. It is important to double-check the required documents for your nationality at the Japanese embassy or consulate that you plan on applying for. Below are the standard required documents that you will need to apply for a Tourist Visa.
Valid Passport
You must have a valid passport that has been issued within the last ten years. It must hold validity for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the country and have at least two blank pages available.
Visa Application Form
You must complete the visa application form found on the Japanese embassy or consulate’s official website. It is important to sign it and ensure all fields are filled out completely and accurately.
Passport-Size Photos
There are specific specifications that your passport-size photos must follow. Photos should include a white background and provide clear visibility of your face. Do not wear a hat or excessive makeup in your photo.
Round-Trip Flight Itinerary
You will be required to submit a copy of your round-trip flight itinerary or airline tickets. This is to show that you have confirmed entry and exit dates from Japan.
Accommodation Reservations
You must include documentation of your accommodation reservations throughout your stay in Japan. You may also include a letter of invitation from a Japanese host that will be providing accommodation to you.
Proof of Financial Means
You should be able to demonstrate your ability to cover the cost of your stay in the country. This can include recent bank statements or an employment letter showcasing your income.
Letter of Explanation (if Required)
Depending on your nationality, it is possible that you will be required to submit a letter of explanation giving the purpose of your visit. You should include your planned itinerary and other relevant details about your trip in the letter. This is to provide context for the purpose of your trip and to support your visa application.
Any Additional Documents
You may be required to provide additional documents based on your nationality or any specific circumstances. You should check your embassy or consulate’s guidelines for any country-specific requirements.
Japan Tourist Visa Fees
The price for the Japan Tourist Visa may vary based on your nationality, and many nationalities are not required to pay a fee whatsoever. For nationalities that are required to pay the visa fee, the cost is typically 3,000 yen (around 20 USD) for a single-entry visa or 6,000 yen (around 41 USD) for a double-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. Fees are typically collected in the currency of the country where the Japanese embassy or consulate you are applying through is located.
Where to Apply
When applying for the Japan Tourist Visa, you can apply with the Japanese embassy or consulate nearest you in your country. Your embassy or consulate may or may not require appointments for visa application, so you should check the specific requirements when starting the application process. You will be required to submit a visa application form, which can be found on the official website of your embassy or consulate.
Japan Tourist Visa Processing Time
There are many factors which affect the processing time for the Japan Tourist Visa. Typically, the visa is processed within 5 to 7 business days. This may be affected by special circumstances such as requiring additional documents, needing to verify information, or a spike in demand or shortage of staff at your Japanese embassy or consulate. To ensure that you will get your visa prior to your travel date, it is recommended to submit your visa application at least 7 days before your trip.
Approved Visa Applications
Once your visa application has been approved, the next steps will depend on your specific embassy or consulate. You will be informed when you initially apply whether you will simply be given a date to return to receive your passport or you will be notified when your application has been processed. Either way, return to the embassy or consulate on the specified date to pick up your passport with the affixed Japan Tourist Visa.
Japan Tourist Visa Validity
The validity period and entry categories of Japanese tourist visas can vary based on the specific circumstances of the traveler, their nationality, and the discretion of the Japanese embassy or consulate processing the application. Japanese tourist visas typically have a validity period that ranges from 15 days to 90 days. Many nationalities are granted access into Japan for tourism purposes visa-free for a total of 15 to 30 days as well. Tourist visas are generally issued as either single-entry or multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa allows the traveler a one-time entry during the specified validity period. Once you exit the country, regardless of whether you still have time left in your visa, your visa will be invalid. A multiple-entry visa permits travelers to enter the country multiple times as long as it is within the visa’s timeframe. Travelers should carefully review the details specified on their specific visa to ensure they comply with their entry and exit requirements.
Japan Tourist Visa Extension
The general policy for Japanese tourist visas is that extensions are typically not granted for tourist purposes. Tourists are expected to exit the country by the expiration of their permitted stay. There are limited circumstances which you may be eligible to extend your visa for, including unforeseen circumstances such as serious illness or force majeure events. The length of stay permitted will vary based on your specific circumstances and is on a case-by-case basis.
Denied Visa Applications
While it can be disheartening to receive a notification that your Japan Tourist Visa has been denied, there are certain steps you can take to still be able to go on your trip to Japan. You should carefully review the denial notice and understand the specific reasons stated. In most cases, reapplying for the visa again after addressing the issue is your best option. You should provide supporting documents that support your case or explain the reason behind the denial of your application. Your application may be rejected if you do not provide complete or accurate information. Some embassies or consulates recommend or require waiting a certain period of time before submitting a new application. You should check with your specific embassy or consulate regarding any time restrictions before reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no specific age limit for the Japan Tourist Visa. All applicants, regardless of age must meet the visa requirements and follow the same visa application procedure.
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from a JApan Tourist Visa, but it is possible that it will affect your eligibility. It is advised to disclose any relevant information and to consult with the embassy or consultant beforehand to gain the most accurate information about what to include in your visa application.
A round-trip ticket is generally required to qualify for the Tourist Visa, but it is possible that a one-way ticket will be accepted. You will be required to provide proof that you have a confirmed departure from the country.