The East-Asian island country of Japan offers numerous visa types, and each one has a different list of documents that need to be prepared. Thus, the Japan visa requirements will differ depending on which type should you select.
The main distinction when it comes to visas for Japan is regular entry permits and the electronic system. The Japan e-Visa has been recently introduced to ease foreign visitors’ all temporary tourism-related stays. When it comes to regular visas, these can be divided into short-term and long-term entry permits.
No matter which type of Japan visa do you want to apply for and what is the purpose of your visit, we are here to guide you through the requirements. Read on to be able to determine whether or not you are eligible and learn how to prepare for the application process.
The key to a successful visa application, despite the type or destination, is preparing beforehand and meeting the requirements!
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Japan e-Visa requirements
The Japan online visa is an electronic entry permit that has been introduced to make traveling to this island country easier. The approved e-Visa allows its holders to stay in Japan for up to 30 days for all tourism-related purposes.
You can travel to Japan to explore all of the attractions, learn more about the country’s culture and customs, meet new people, visit your friends and family, participate in the Japan Olympics, or simply go on vacation.
Now, the online Japan visa requirements are more than simple! All you need is:
- a passport that will stay valid for a minimum of 6 months from the planned date of arrival in Japan
- an active email address onto which the approved document will be delivered
- access to any online payment method to cover the fees
That’s it! You can now travel to Japan easily and get the necessary visa within a maximum of 72 hours!
Regular Japan visa requirements
Even though the electronic Japan visa system is in place and serves as a more accessible alternative to the regular visa, some foreign visitors need a long-term entry permit. In that case, the only option is to apply for a regular visa.
Getting a regular entry permit for Japan comes with a long list of documents to prepare and a few visits to the Embassy that need to be made. Thus, the requirements may be a bit difficult to meet.
The paperwork to attach to your application may differ depending on a selected Japan visa type. But almost all applications (despite the type) have to be matched with the following documents:
- a valid passport (that will not expire for at least 6 months from the planned date of arrival and has a minimum of 2 blank pages)
- a completed and signed visa application form (for regular entry permits, the form should be downloaded from an official government website)
- the applicant’s face photograph (that meets passport photo standards in sizes and other requirements)
- a trip’s itinerary, including a flight schedule
- evidence of having a sufficient amount of money to cover the expenses of the planned trip (these could be bank statements, proof of having a sponsor, or getting a scholarship)
- A COE (Certificate of Eligibility) – applicable to a few of the long-term visas, e.g., the student or work entry permit
Please note! The complete list of documents to attach to your Japan visa application when applying via an Embassy may differ depending on numerous factors. The paperwork can change due to the applicant’s nationality, circumstances, selected via type, and so on.
Thus, it’s best to contact your nearest Japanese Embassy or a Consulate to explain your situation and get further information on how to prepare for the application process correctly.
The COE – Certificate of Eligibility for the Japanese visa
The Certificate of Eligibility for the Japan visa is a document needed for the more serious purposes of stay, such as studying or working there for a longer time.
This document can take even up to 3 months to be issued, and the application cannot be made directly by the applicant. The COE application must be filed by your sponsor who lives in Japan. It can be your future employer, the university you plan on attending, or your Japanese spouse.
If the long-term visa type requires you to have the official Certificate of Eligibility, make sure to reach out to your Japanese sponsor appropriately in advance. Send over the required documents and ask them to submit the CEO application for you.
Once the certificate is issued, the sponsor will deliver it to you, and you’ll be able to attach it to the actual Japan visa application.
Applying for a regular visa vs. using the electronic visa system
How to apply for a regular visa for Japan?
Regular visa applications are much more time-consuming and troublesome than using the electronic system of entry permits. However, usually, the regular one will allow you to spend more time in Japan.
First, choose the preferred visa type depending on your needs. It could be a short-term permit or a long-term one. The Japanese government offers various types of entry permits, but all regular applications must be made at an Embassy.
Next, after selecting the preferred visa type, contact the nearest Embassy to check what documents you will need to prepare.
Collect the required documents and double-check if you have everything that’s needed. Once that’s done, submit the complete paperwork at the Embassy and wait for approval! With a regular entry permit, you may stay in Japan for even up to 5 years.
How to apply for an online Japanese visa?
Contrary to the regular Japan visa, applying for the electronic entry permit is effortless. All you need is a valid passport on hand and any working device, even your phone.
Spare a few minutes during any part of your day and apply online following these simple steps:
- Fill the e-Visa application form – put some basic personal and travel details in an online form. Provide essential information regarding your details, such as passport data, your email address, nationality, birth date, and so on.
- Cover the online visa fees – choose any preferred online payment method and cover the costs swiftly and securely. Once the payment registers, a confirmation number will reach your email box.
- Wait for the approved document to be delivered – once your application gets processed, you will receive your e-Visa at your email address. The electronic entry permit gets delivered in the form of a PDF file.
Please note! The online tourist visa to Japan is usually processed within 72 hours (3 business days). Not to elongate the whole process, make sure to double-check the e-Visa application form to ensure there are no errors in it. Any mistakes or missing information could potentially make the process longer.
Benefits of applying for an e-Visa to Japan
Even if you wish to study or work in Japan for a longer time, it is advised to take advantage of the electronic visa system first. Get to know this island country a bit better before moving there!
Moreover, applying for the online single-entry visa for Japan comes with numerous benefits, including:
- a quick and intuitive e-Visa application form
- elementary online visa requirements for Japan (the only document that’s needed is a valid passport)
- a 72-hour processing time
- a 30-day stay related to tourism (including the possibility to be the Japanese Olympics’ spectator)
- a 3-step application process that can be easily completed using a phone, laptop, or any other device with an internet connection
- complete assistance of an e-Visa support team
If you wish to travel to Japan, consider applying for an electronic visa first! As long as the current travel restrictions allow you to take on your trip, stay in Japan for 30 days!
The online single-entry visa for Japan can be yours in just 3 business days. Hesitate no more and apply anywhere at any time!