Japan Launches e-Visa System for Tourists from 11 Countries: Check Step-by-Step Guide

Japan has introduced a new e-visa system, allowing eligible tourists to obtain a short-term visa for up to 90 days without the need to visit an embassy or consulate. This article provides all the necessary details for applying for the Japan e-visa, including eligibility criteria, required documents, the application process, and fees.
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Japan, known for its unique culture and tourist attractions, has made travel more convenient for visitors by implementing the eVisa system. The Japan e-Visa system allows eligible travellers to easily obtain a visa without the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Japan e-Visa

The Japan e-visa is an electronic visa that allows eligible applicants to stay in Japan for tourism purposes for a short-term stay of up to 90 days. The e-visa is a single-entry visa, and eligible applicants who enter Japan seven (7) days or later from the day of application can apply for the e-visa.

This means that travellers who plan their trip in advance can easily apply for the eVisa without any hassle.

Countries Eligible for Japan e-Visa

All foreign nationals who are not subject to the visa exemption measures implemented by the Government of Japan and are nationals from the following countries/region are eligible to apply for a Japan e-visa:

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  1. Brazil
  2. Cambodia
  3. Canada
  4. Mongolia
  5. Saudi Arabia
  6. Singapore
  7. South Africa
  8. Taiwan
  9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  10. United Kingdom (UK)
  11. United States of America (USA)

However, it is important to note that nationals or citizens from visa-free countries, including Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, are exempt from obtaining visas to Japan for short-term stay.

Indonesian nationals who reside in the above-mentioned countries may apply for the Japan e-visa, provided they do not possess a “visa waiver registration” (seal or in electronic form).

Eligibility for Japan e-Visa

The Japan e-visa is not available to applicants who have been convicted of a crime or offence, deported, or those with dual nationality (with Japan).

Furthermore, applicants who plan to apply for a multiple-entry visa or those who are not from one of the eligible countries/regions are not eligible to apply for the Japan e-visa.

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Applicants who meet all of the following criteria may apply for a visa online on this website. Applicants who do not fall under any of the following criteria are requested to apply for a visa at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the region.

Japan e-Visa Application Process

The process of applying for the Japan e-visa involves several steps. Before proceeding with your application, there are some prerequisites to take note of:

  1. Application Prerequisites
  • If the application is made by a proxy instead of the applicant, a letter of authorization stating that the visa application work is entrusted to the proxy should be submitted.
  • If the applicant is a minor and not travelling with their parents, a parental consent form should be submitted.
  • When uploading your facial photo, use photo data meeting the following conditions: the photo must be taken within 6 months, and do not use a photo retaken from a passport, driver’s license, group photograph, etc.
  1. Application Process
  • Verify the type of visa necessary to visit Japan and find out the documents required to submit on the website.
  • Visit the Japan e-visa website and register with your email address.
  • Select ‘New Registration from the “Visa application list.”
  • Fill out the application form with all the required details carefully.
  • Submit all the necessary documents.
  • The results of your visa application will be sent to your registered e-mail address.
  • Pay the visa fees if necessary. The e-visa fees will be notified to you via e-mail to Japanese overseas establishments where you are applying.
  • In case the email displays “payment required,” your e-visa will be issued after the payment. However, if your e-visa is free of charge, it will be issued automatically and will be sent to your registered e-mail address.

Important note: Applicants are required to log into the Japan e-visa website and display the “visa issuance notice” at the departure airport on the screen of their mobile devices, that is, smartphone, tablet, or other devices. A PDF format or screenshots of the page will not be accepted.

Processing Time & Fee

As a general rule, visas for the Japan e-visa are issued within five working days after all required documents are submitted appropriately, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan (MOFA).

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The visa issuance fee for a single-entry visa to Japan is typically equivalent to 3,000 yen, as stated by MOFA. However, visa fees may be mutually exempted or reduced depending on the applicant’s nationality and the country/region they are applying from.

For more information on specific fees and exemptions, please refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Japanese overseas establishment where you are applying.

Bottomline

In conclusion, the Japan e-visa makes travel to Japan much more convenient and accessible for tourists. Ensure that you meet all the requirements, submit all necessary documents, and follow the steps outlined above to apply successfully for your Japan e-visa.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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