AbdullaiAre you considering a vacation destination other than the US, China, or the UK, where everyone is going? Why not apply for a visitor’s visa to Japan?
Applying for a visitor visa to Japan is simple compared to applying for a visa to other nations as long as you give the embassy the correct information needed.
Because the Japanese value their culture so highly, you should respect it if you wish to travel to Japan. Aside from that, they are respectful and welcoming.
Indeed, the Japanese are friendly, but what does the visa cover, how long will you be there, and how can you apply for it?
This article discusses everything you need to know about the Japanese Visitor Visa, along with simple application procedures.
Let’s get started!
What is the Japanese Visitor Visa all about?
The Japanese visitor visa is a short-term visa that can be obtained for travelers attending conferences and business meetings, visiting family and friends, or engaging in cultural exchange.
If you fulfill the requirements set by Japanese immigration, you can stay in Japan for up to three months, or ninety days, with a visitor’s visa.
Furthermore, the application process for this visa requires careful attention to detail, especially in terms of preparing the application.
The Japanese, in contrast to people in other countries, are very interested in your plans for your time there, your financial situation while you are there, and your plans to return home when your visa is up. If you can give a good reason, you’re good to go.
Eligible Criteria for a Japanese Visitor Visa
To prevent unforeseen delays of visa or denials, you must confirm your eligibility before applying for a Japanese visitor visa. The following list of documents is necessary to be eligible:
1. Completed Visa Application Form
There are various kinds of Japanese visiting visas. Short-term stays are available. Although you can stay for the standard ninety days with this type of visa, it is not financially worthwhile because you are there for a visit rather than for business. Nevertheless, you can attend business meetings, visit friends and family, and engage in tourism.
There are also other kinds, like long-term, work, or medical stays. For the work visa, also known as long-term, throughout staying in Japan for 90 days, the work/long-term is financially worthwhile, and you have the option to extend the visa.
If you wish to download the official visa application form from the Embassy of Japan’s website, you must comprehend the various types of visas. After downloading it, carefully and precisely fill it out. Avoid making mistakes when filling out, as inaccurate information may result in rejection.
2. Valid Passport
Second, your passport needs to be current. In addition to having at least two blank pages for visa stamping, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the length of time you plan to spend in Japan.
3. Passport-Sized Photograph
Next, you need to provide a recent passport-size photo that meets the Japanese visa specifications. The photo is expected to be 45mm long x 35mm wide with a plain white background, no frame, and no shadow. It must show your head-to-jaw height as 27±2mm, with a top margin of 7±2mm. The photo should be taken within six months, and you must face the camera directly. Additionally, write your name on the back. If you are wearing hats or covering your head, it should only be for religious reasons.
4. Flight Itinerary
Next, you must submit a copy of your confirmed round-trip flight reservation to be considered for the visa. Your flight itinerary is expected to show your intended entry and exit date from Japan. Note that the embassy did not recommend you purchase your airline tickets before your visa approval.
5. Accommodation Details
In addition to your travel schedule, the Japanese Embassy may request documentation of your lodging in Japan, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host in the nation if you plan to stay with family or friends.
Additionally, the person you are staying with is expected to sign the invitation letter. The latter should make it apparent why you are there and how you and the person you intend to stay with are related.
6. Proof of Financial Stability
Next, you will need to submit a recent bank statement (typically covering the last three to six months before your application) to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your trip expenses. However, if a sponsor is funding your trip, their financial documents, along with a sponsorship letter, will be required by the embassy.
7. Proof of Employment or Study
If you are employed, you will be asked to provide a letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and leave approval. If you are a student, you will need to submit a letter from your school confirming your enrollment, such as an admission letter. Conversely, if you are self-employed, you will be asked to provide a business registration certificate and recent tax returns.
8. Travel Itinerary
Next, you will be asked to prepare a detailed travel plan outlining the activities you intend to undertake when you reach Japan. This can include the date, location, and any appointments or events you plan to attend.
9. Civil Documentation
Finally, depending on your situation, you might be asked to include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of family ties to your home country. Additionally, if you are applying for a minor, you might need the following documents:
- A notarized consent letter from both parents or legal guardians.
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- And copies of the parent’s passports or any valid identifications.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, cross-check them carefully to make sure nothing is missing before moving to the next step, which is to schedule an appointment and submit your application to the Japanese Embassy.
Step-By-Step Process to Apply for the Japanese Visiting Visa
To successfully apply for the Japanese visiting visa, follow the steps below:
The first step in applying for the Japanese Visiting Visa is to gather all the needed documents, fill out the necessary forms, and book an appointment with the embassy. You can book your appointment via the embassy email, which is [email protected].
Note: You are expected to request an appointment at least 15 days before you intend to depart from your country.
Once your appointment date is fixed, you must submit your visa application together with your documents in person at the Japanese Embassy. The visa application can be done from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.
Then you wait for your visa to be processed, which on average takes between 5 to 15 working days, depending on the volume of applications. During the processing days, you can track the visa to see if it is approved.
If it is approved, you can collect your passport from Monday to Thursday from 13:00 to 16:00; however, entries into the embassy close at 15:00. In this case, no appointment is required.
After the whole process, you will be required to pay some amount of money in cash to the embassy when picking it up. However, if your visa is not approved, you won’t be asked to pay anything.
While picking it up, it is important you cross-check if the name on the visa, date of birth, and passport number are correct before leaving the embassy.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for a Japanese visitor visa online?
No, you can’t apply for the Japanese Visitor Visa online; however, you can only book an appointment with the embassy through their email. The Japanese Embassy currently requires applicants to submit their visa application in person through any nearby Japanese embassy.
2. Is Travel Insurance Required for a Japanese Visitor Visa?
No, travel insurance is not required while applying for a Japanese visitor visa; however, it is highly recommended you have one because it can protect you from unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, or other emergencies during your stay in Japan.
3. Can I Extend My Japanese Visitor Visa?
Generally, if you apply for a Japanese visitor visa (short-term visa), it cannot be extended, and you must return to your home country once it has expired. However, if you apply for work, medical, or long-term visas, they can be extended.
Final Thoughts on Applying for the Japanese Visitor Visa
In conclusion, obtaining the necessary paperwork, scheduling an appointment, and attending the appointment may seem like a tedious process when applying for a Japanese visitor visa.
However, the process can become simpler and much more straightforward if you follow the instructions in this article and make sure your documents are in order.
With the visitor visa in hand, your time in Japan will be unforgettable. Always visit the Japanese embassy’s official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the visa application procedure.
Abdullai
admin