Visa Required
Nationals of countries like ๐ฎ๐ณ India, ๐จ๐ณ China, ๐ต๐ญ Philippines, ๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa, ๐ณ๐ฌ Nigeria, and many others must obtain a visa before travel.
Japanese Tourist Visa
Japanese Tourist Visa
Section titled โJapanese Tourist VisaโThe Japanese Tourist Visa is a short-term visa issued to travelers from countries that do not have visa exemption arrangements with Japan. It permits sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, attending short events or cultural exchanges, and may also be used for medical tourism in limited cases.
It does not allow any form of employment, paid activity, or formal study.
๐ Who Needs a Tourist Visa?
Section titled โ๐ Who Needs a Tourist Visa?โVisa Exempt
Nationals of countries such as ๐บ๐ธ USA, ๐ฉ๐ช Germany, ๐ซ๐ท France, ๐ฌ๐ง UK, ๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore can enter for up to 15โ90 days without a visa.
Transit Exceptions
If transiting through Japan with no overnight stay and remaining airside, a visa may not be required. Confirm with your airline and embassy.
โ Permitted Activities
Section titled โโ Permitted ActivitiesโAllowed
- Sightseeing and cultural activities - Visiting relatives or friends - Attending amateur cultural events - Short-term language or cooking courses (unpaid)
Not Allowed
- Any paid work, internships, journalism - Enrolling in long-term language schools - Political or religious proselytizing - Filming for commercial purposes
๐งพ Required Documents (Standard Case)
Section titled โ๐งพ Required Documents (Standard Case)โ1. Valid Passport
Must be valid for the entire duration of stay with at least 2 blank pages
2. Completed Visa Application Form
Use only the official format available on your local Japanese embassy website. Must be printed and signed.
3. Recent Photograph
45mm x 45mm, taken within 6 months, white background
4. Itinerary & Flight Plan
Include daily schedule and intended cities. Attach flight bookings if available (refundable preferred).
5. Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmations or residence details if staying with a host
6. Proof of Funds
Original bank statements, salary slips, tax returns โ sufficient to cover entire trip
๐ Application Procedure
Section titled โ๐ Application Procedureโ- ๐ Download the visa application form From the website of your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate 2. ๐ Collect all required documents Originals only, properly arranged. Use a checklist if provided. 3. ๐๏ธ Book an appointment (if required) Many embassies and visa centers now require online appointments 4. ๐จ Submit the application Either in person or through an authorized visa agency (country-dependent) 5. โณ Wait for processing Typically 2โ10 working days. No expedited processing is available.
โ Common Pitfalls
Section titled โโ Common PitfallsโIncomplete Forms
Leaving blanks or submitting a handwritten form can cause rejection.
Insufficient Proof of Funds
Your ability to support yourself in Japan must be well-documented.
Overly Vague Itinerary
โJust visiting Japanโ is not enough. Provide a day-by-day outline.