Great news for UAE residents planning a trip to Japan! On August 1, 2024, VFS Global, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE and the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai, officially opened Japan Visa Application Centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This exciting development promises travellers a smoother and more convenient visa application process.
Convenient Visa Application Process
The new centres will facilitate both short-term and long-term visa applications to Japan. Applicants can schedule appointments online for free at VFS Global Japan Visa. This initiative aims to streamline the visa application process, making it more accessible and efficient for residents in the UAE.
Increased Tourist Traffic Fuels Centre Openings
The inauguration ceremony, held on August 1st, 2024, was officiated by Mr. IMANISHI Jun, Consul-General of Japan to Dubai and the Northern Emirates. This move comes in response to the surging interest in Japan as a tourist destination.
With the Japanese government aiming to welcome 60 million foreign visitors by 2030, and recent figures exceeding 3 million visitors per month, streamlining the visa process becomes crucial.
Benefits for Travellers
The new centres offer several advantages for UAE residents seeking Japanese visas:
Convenient Appointments: Appointments for visa applications, both short-term and long-term, can be easily booked online at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/jpn/ free of charge.
Enhanced Customer Experience: Travellers can expect a more streamlined and efficient visa application process thanks to VFS Global’s expertise.
Optional Services for Added Convenience: VFS Global offers a variety of optional services for a more personalised experience, including:
- Premium Lounge: End-to-end personalized assistance.
- Prime Time: Services outside business hours.
- Courier Return: Convenient document delivery.
- Form-filling Assistance: Help with application forms.
- SMS Alerts: Real-time application updates.
- Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD): Complete the visa application process from home or office.
E-Visa Applications
Starting September 1, 2024, eligible travellers can visit the VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centres to apply for tourist e-Visas to Japan, further simplifying the travel process.
Catering to Growing Demand
“The Middle East is a significant growth market for Japan, with a 15% increase in tourism since the pandemic,” said a spokesperson for the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). This trend underscores the need for a more efficient visa application system.
Building on a Strong Partnership
VFS Global has been a trusted partner for the Government of Japan since 2010, managing visa processing services across 11 countries through a network of 35 centres.
The company’s role is limited to administrative tasks such as collecting application forms and documentation. The final decision on granting or refusing visas remains solely with the Japanese Embassy and Consulate.
Centre Locations and Contact Information
- Dubai: WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE
- Abu Dhabi: Level B2 (Lower Ground), The Mall, World Trade Centre, Khalifa Bin Zayed The 1st Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
For more information and appointment booking, visit: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/jpn/
Final Words
This new development paves the way for a simpler and more accessible visa application process for UAE residents, making their dream Japan trip a step closer. So, pack your bags, start planning your itinerary, and get ready to experience the wonders of Japan!
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