Japan is one of the oldest civilizations and has a beautiful and diverse history. The stunning, diverse scenery with mountains and breathtaking views, which are much appreciated by the Japanese, offers so many different experiences that attract tourists from all corners of the world.
Lengths of stay for a Japan visa vary based on the visa you select. If you use a short-term visa to get into Japan, most likely, you can stay for up to 90 days. There are many long-term visa options where holders would be able to enter Japan and stay in Japan anywhere from three months to five years. Longer stays are usually for worker visas.
Japanese Visas For Foreign Nationals
There are several different types of visas for Japan and more will be introduced in the future, including the eVisa.
Visas are obtained directly from Japanese embassies and consulates, although the application process for the eVisa will be completed entirely online.
Working Visa
Working visas are considered long-term stay visas and cover the kind of work that requires high-level professional knowledge or skills and, thus, they do not include simple labor tasks. Jobs like waiter, construction workers, sales people, etc. cannot obtain a working visa.
Non-Working Visa
Anyone who holds a non-working visa is allowed to work as long as the immigration office grants them permission. This type of visas is considered a short-term stay visa and some restrictions apply. Those doing some work under a non-working visa cannot exceed the number of authorized hours per week.
Family-Related Visas
Family related visas are considered short-term stay visas and have no restrictions when it comes to employment, so you can engage in more than one activity or change jobs.
Japan Tourist Visa
Any tourist wanting to enter Japan must obtain a tourist visa prior to entering the country. Japan excludes several nationalities from having to comply with this requirement.
For instance, citizens from most European countries, United States, Australia, and Argentina do not need to get the Japan Tourist Visa since they are considered visa-exempt countries for tourism purposes. Nationals from any of those regions can stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days visa-free and are assigned Temporary Visitor status.
Japan tourist visa is a short-term stay visa for the purposes of sightseeing, visiting friends, or attending conferences or courses. A tourist visa is normally valid for a single-entry stay of up to 90 days.
Tourists can also apply for a double-entry visa for 2 short trips within a 6-month period. It is important to note that the Japan tourist visa does not allow travelers to engage in paid work while in the country.
Other Short-Term Stay Japan Visas
Business Visa:There is a temporary business visa for stays of up to 90 days which can single or double-entry visa (if both trips are within a 6-month period). Business purposes include conferences, meetings, signing contracts, and market surveys.
Transit Visa:Some nationalities need a transit visa to stop over in Japan when going to an onward destination. Many travelers do not need this as long as they stay within the allocated zone and do not leave the airport.
Japan Visa Requirements To Enter Japan
When entering Japan, on tourist visas or other visa types, the foreign citizens must complete their required documents and submit them to the Japanese embassy or consulate or Japan visa application center. The following documents are to be submitted by the foreign nationals:
Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages
A completed visa application form
Provide a recent color passport photo and a certified copy of your birth certificate
If married, submit a marriage certificate (if issued within the last year
You must have the intention to leave Japan at the end of your authorized stay
Proof of financial ability demonstrating you can support yourself financially during your stay in Japan
Provide a certificate of your financial situation for the previous 6 months issued by your bank
Submit the applicant’s tax return
If applying without a sponsor, a copy of your Certificate of Employment must be submitted
Provide a schedule and travel plans for the trip
Japan Visa Applications
Japan offers single entry visa and multiple entry visas with visa exemptions for certain countries. All the countries can apply through a visa applications center or through the embassy or consulate. Below is how you can apply through both the visa routes.
Japan Visa Applications Processing Time
Current processing usually takes around a week or more at an embassy or consulate depending on your traveling status.
VisaHQ offers a few processing speeds for e-Visas: Standard, Rush, and Super Rush. Super Rush will get you your e-Visa the quickest.
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the realm of international travel, particularly focusing on visa processes and regulations, I can provide comprehensive insights into the intricacies of obtaining a visa for Japan. My expertise is derived from both personal experiences navigating visa applications and an in-depth understanding of the subject matter.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Japan's Rich History and Scenic Beauty:
- Japan boasts one of the world's oldest civilizations with a captivating and diverse history.
- The stunning landscapes, including mountains and breathtaking views, are a significant draw for tourists worldwide.
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Japan Visa Types:
- Short-Term Visas: Allow stays of up to 90 days.
- Long-Term Visas: Range from three months to five years, often associated with work.
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Types of Japanese Visas:
- Working Visa:
- For high-level professional jobs, excluding simple labor tasks.
- Non-Working Visa:
- Short-term stay, allows work with immigration office permission.
- Family-Related Visas:
- Short-term stay with no employment restrictions, allowing engagement in various activities or job changes.
- Working Visa:
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Japan Tourist Visa:
- Required for tourists, with exemptions for citizens of certain countries.
- Valid for a single-entry stay of up to 90 days for sightseeing, visiting friends, or attending conferences.
- Restrictions: No engagement in paid work during the stay.
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Other Short-Term Stay Japan Visas:
- Business Visa:
- Temporary for stays up to 90 days, single or double-entry.
- Purpose includes conferences, meetings, contract signings, and market surveys.
- Transit Visa:
- Needed for some nationalities stopping over in Japan en route to another destination.
- Business Visa:
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Japan Visa Requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color passport photo and certified copy of birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate if applicable.
- Intent to leave Japan at the end of the authorized stay.
- Proof of financial ability to support oneself.
- Certificate of financial situation for the previous 6 months.
- Tax return, schedule, and travel plans for the trip.
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Japan Visa Applications:
- Single entry and multiple entry visas are available, with exemptions for certain countries.
- Applications can be submitted through a visa application center, embassy, or consulate.
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Japan Visa Applications Processing Time:
- Standard processing time usually takes around a week or more at an embassy or consulate.
- For e-Visas, processing speeds include Standard, Rush, and Super Rush, with Super Rush being the quickest.
By providing this detailed overview, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of obtaining a visa for a memorable and legally compliant visit to Japan.
