Easy Processing for Japan Visa 2023

Japan Visa

Irsa GulJune 25, 2023Last Updated: June 25, 2023

0 7 minutes read

If you’re planning a trip to Japan in 2023, obtaining a Japan Visa may be on your to-do list. Fortunately, the process for obtaining a Japan visa has become more streamlined and straightforward in recent years. With the introduction of new technologies and updated visa policies, applying for a Japan visa has never been easier. In this article, we will explore the steps you need to take to obtain a Japan visa in 2023 and the resources available to help you with the process. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned adventurer, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the visa application process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Who must have a Japan Visa to visit and stay in Japan?

The requirements for a Japan visa vary depending on the nationality of the traveler and the purpose and length of their stay in Japan.

Japan has a visa exemption policy that allows citizens of certain countries to enter Japan for short-term stays without a visa. The policy applies to nationals of around 68 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others. Citizens of these countries can enter Japan without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, and conferences.

Types of Japan Visas

Here are some of the most common types of Japan visas available for those who wish to visit or stay in Japan, presented in bullet points:

Short-term stay visa: This visa is for those who wish to stay in Japan for a period of up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family or friends. Citizens of certain countries are exempt from this requirement.
Working visa: This visa is for those who wish to work in Japan for some time. There are different types of working visas available depending on the type of work you’ll be doing, such as teaching, engineering, or entertainment.
Student visa: This visa is for those who wish to study in Japan for a period of time. To obtain a student visa, you’ll need to be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Japan and provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
Spouse or dependent visa: This visa is for the spouse or dependent of a Japanese citizen or resident who wishes to live in Japan with their family member.
Permanent resident visa: This visa is for those who wish to live in Japan permanently. To obtain this visa, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, such as having lived in Japan for a certain period of time and being able to support yourself financially.

Documents Required to apply for Japan Visa

Here are some of the documents that may be required when applying for a Japan visa:

Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Japan.
Visa application form: You’ll need to complete and submit a visa application form, which can typically be downloaded from the website of the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
Photo: You’ll need to provide one or two passport-sized photos that meet specific requirements, such as a neutral facial expression and a white background.
Proof of financial stability: You may be required to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Japan, such as bank statements or proof of income.
Travel itinerary: You may be required to provide a detailed itinerary of your planned trip to Japan, including your transportation arrangements and your intended activities.
Invitation letter: If you’re traveling to Japan for business or to visit family or friends, you may need to provide an invitation letter from your host in Japan.
Supporting documents: Depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, you may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as proof of enrollment in a Japanese educational institution for a student visa or a certificate of eligibility for a working visa.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for a Japan visa typically involves the following steps:

Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel and length of stay.
Gather the required documents, which may include a valid passport, visa application form, photo, proof of financial stability, travel itinerary, and any necessary supporting documents.
Submit your application and documents to the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
Wait for the processing of your application, which can take several days to several weeks, depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications being processed.
Collect your passport with the visa from the embassy or consulate, or have it delivered to you if a delivery service is available.
For more details you can visit the official website of the Foreign Ministry of the Government of Japan.

List of Diplomatic Missions by Japan

Here is a list of the diplomatic missions of Japan:

Afghanistan – Kabul
Albania – Tirana
Algeria – Algiers
Angola – Luanda
Argentina – Buenos Aires
Armenia – Yerevan
Australia – Canberra
Austria – Vienna
Azerbaijan – Baku
Bahamas – Nassau
Bahrain – Manama
Bangladesh – Dhaka
Barbados – Bridgetown
Belarus – Minsk
Belgium – Brussels
Belize – Belize City
Benin – Cotonou
Bhutan – Thimphu
Bolivia – La Paz
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sarajevo
Botswana – Gaborone
Brazil – Brasília
Brunei – Bandar Seri Begawan
Bulgaria – Sofia
Burkina Faso – Ouagadougou
Burundi – Bujumbura
Cambodia – Phnom Penh
Cameroon – Yaoundé
Canada – Ottawa
Cape Verde – Praia
Central African Republic – Bangui
Chad – N’Djamena
Chile – Santiago
China – Beijing
Colombia – Bogotá
Comoros – Moroni
Congo (Democratic Republic of the) – Kinshasa
Congo (Republic of the) – Brazzaville
Costa Rica – San José
Côte d’Ivoire – Abidjan
Croatia – Zagreb
Cuba – Havana
Cyprus – Nicosia
Czech Republic – Prague
Denmark – Copenhagen
Djibouti – Djibouti
Dominica – Roseau
Dominican Republic – Santo Domingo
East Timor – Dili
Ecuador – Quito
Egypt – Cairo
El Salvador – San Salvador
Equatorial Guinea – Malabo
Eritrea – Asmara
Estonia – Tallinn
Ethiopia – Addis Ababa
Fiji – Suva
Finland – Helsinki
France – Paris
Gabon – Libreville
Gambia – Banjul
Georgia – Tbilisi
Germany – Berlin
Ghana – Accra
Greece – Athens
Grenada – St. George’s
Guatemala – Guatemala City
Guinea – Conakry
Guinea-Bissau – Bissau
Guyana – Georgetown
Haiti – Port-au-Prince
Honduras – Tegucigalpa
Hungary – Budapest
Iceland – Reykjavik
India – New Delhi
Indonesia – Jakarta
Iran – Tehran
Iraq – Baghdad
Ireland – Dublin
Israel – Tel Aviv
Italy – Rome
Jamaica – Kingston
Jordan – Amman
Kazakhstan – Nur-Sultan
Kenya – Nairobi
Kiribati – Tarawa
Kuwait – Kuwait City
Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek
Laos – Vientiane
Latvia – Riga
Lebanon – Beirut
Lesotho – Maseru
Liberia – Monrovia
Libya – Tripoli
Liechtenstein – Vaduz

How to get a Japanese Certificate of Eligibility?

To obtain a Japanese Certificate of Eligibility (COE), you will need to follow these steps:

Have a sponsor in Japan: You must have a sponsor in Japan who will act as your guarantor, such as your employer, school, or family member.
Submit application documents to sponsor: Your sponsor in Japan will need to submit an application for a COE on your behalf to the nearest immigration office.
Required documents: The documents required for a COE application include a valid passport, visa application form, photo, and proof of eligibility, such as proof of employment, school enrollment, or relationship with a family member in Japan.
Wait for processing: The processing time for a COE application can take several weeks or even months.
Receive the COE: Once your COE application is approved, your sponsor will receive the COE and send it to you.
Apply for a visa: With the COE, you can apply for a Japanese visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Japan Visa Costs

The cost of a Japan visa depends on several factors, including the type of visa, the duration of stay, and the applicant’s nationality. Here is a general breakdown of the visa fees:

Single-entry visa: The fee for a single-entry visa is typically around 3,000 yen (approximately 27 USD).
Multiple-entry visa: The fee for a multiple-entry visa varies depending on the duration of stay and the applicant’s nationality, but it can range from 6,000 yen (approximately 55 USD) to 16,000 yen (approximately 145 USD).
Transit visa: The fee for a transit visa is typically around 700 yen (approximately 6 USD).

Japan Visa Eligibilities for US Citizens

Here are the eligibility requirements for US citizens applying for a Japan visa, in bullet points:

US citizens are generally required to obtain a visa before entering Japan, regardless of the purpose of their visit.
US citizens can apply for various types of visas, depending on the purpose of their visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work.
To be eligible for a Japan visa, US citizens must have a valid passport and meet the specific requirements for the type of visa they are applying for.
The application process may include submitting supporting documents, such as a Certificate of Eligibility, proof of financial stability, travel itinerary, and other requirements specific to the type of visa.
US citizens may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, as part of the application process.
The visa processing time may vary depending on the type of visa and other factors, and it is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of the planned travel date.
The final decision on visa issuance is made by the Japanese embassy or consulate in the US, and visa fees may apply.