World Country Guide

Passports
Passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Japan required by all.

Note
Whether or not they hold a visa, visitors who do not possess visible means of support for their stay, onward or return tickets, or other documents for their next destination, may be refused entry.

Visas
Required by all except the following for tourism, short-term business meetings or to attend a conference:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the UK for stays of up to six months*;
(b) 2. nationals of Argentina, The Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mauritius, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay for stays of up to three months;
(c) 3. nationals of Andorra, Australia, Barbados, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Hong Kong (SAR and British National Overseas), Latvia, Lithuania, Monaco, New Zealand, Poland, Slovak Republic and the USA for stays of up to 90 days;
(d) nationals of Brunei for stays of up to 14 days.

Note
*Nationals who are permitted to stay for six months will initially be granted a stay of up to 90 days and may then apply, while in Japan, to the local Immigration Department for an extension of up to a further 90 days. Such extensions are at the discretion of the Immigration authorities in Japan. For further information, contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.

Types of visa and cost
Temporary Visitor, Working, General/Student and Transit. Prices vary greatly according to nationality, the exchange rate and nature of intended visit. Visas for many nationals are issued free of charge. Contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for further details.

Validity
Varies greatly according to nationality and purpose of visit. Most single-entry visas are valid for three months (extensions for another three months granted at the discretion of Immigration Department in Japan); double-entry and multiple-entry visas for 12 months. Enquire at the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for further details.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Applications for all visas must be made in person.

Application requirements
Temporary Visitor: (a) Valid passport. (b) Two completed application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Return air/sea ticket or copy. (e) Fee (cash only). (f) Proof of sufficient funds for stay (eg recent bank statement). (g) Proof of accommodation or travel itinerary. Working and General/Student: (a)–(f) and, (g) A letter of invitation from person or company in Japan may also be requested. Various other requirements are specified depending on what type of job or educational activity will be undertaken in the country. (h) A Certificate of Eligibility (original and photocopy), endorsed by the Ministry of Justice prior to application for the visa itself, is highly recommended in order to speed up the visa processing time. For more information, check with the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). (i) Pre-paid self-addressed envelope for return of passport by post (see Note below).
Note: All visas must be applied for in person by each applicant. Once a visa has been issued, passports may be returned via post if a pre-paid, self-addressed, special delivery envelope is submitted.

Working days required
Five working days for applications that do not need referral to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. Up to four weeks if referral is needed. For those nationals that possess a Certificate of Eligibility, the processing time will be reduced to three days. Some types of visa may take three months or longer. Contact the nearest Consulate (or Consular section of the Embassy) for more information.

Temporary residence
Contact the nearest Consulate (or Consular section of the Embassy) for more information.