The Land of the Rising Sun has been a popular tourist destination for years because of its amazing culture, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. However, like most nations that attract many visitors, the country requires travelers to acquire Japan visas before they visit. Why? It's so they can properly manage the flow of foreigners entering their border.
Great news for UAE residents: Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has simplified this process by introducing the e-visa, now exclusively available through VFS. This single-entry visa allows for up to 15 days of travel and is valid for three months. In this article, we’ll guide you through the VFS application process and the necessary documents.
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What is the e-Visa?
Travel to Japan with this e-Visa! Credits: Porapak Apichodilok via Pexels
Before we get to the specifics of how you can obtain an e-visa from the Japanese embassy, let's first discuss what it is. This e-visa is a single-entry visa that allows travelers from eligible countries to visit Japan for up to 15 days for tourism purposes. It is valid for three months from the issued date, and the processing time usually takes five working days. This means you'll have ample time to plan the best Japan trip for you and your loved ones!
If you want to know the best places to go to in Japan, check out our list of the nine places we dream of going to:
How to apply for the Japan e-Visa
Take that first step towards the land of cherry blossoms! Credits: Bagus Pangestu via Pexels
So when we said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the visa application to Japan easier, we weren't kidding! Before, it was almost always required to go to the Japanese embassy in person to obtain a visa. But that's not the case anymore. Here, we'll discuss how you can get your visitor visa for Japan
Secure a passport
As obvious as it may seem, a valid passport is the most basic document you should have to gain eligibility for a Japan visa. This is true not only for tourist visas but also for when you apply for a work visa. If you don't have one yet, apply for one soon! The last thing you'd want is to encounter problems with the Japanese embassy or their immigration office.
Access the Japan e-Visa website
Regardless if you're trying to apply for your Japan visa from Dubai or any other country, you can do so seamlessly from the comfort of your home. That's right! All you need to do is visit the VFS.Global website (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/jpn) and apply online. The rest of the steps will be done on this platform, so make sure you have decent internet.
Fill out the online application form
If you love filling out forms, this step should be a breeze!
The online visa application form will ask for your personal information, so be accurate! It will ask about your nationality, job or employment status, income level, current residence, spouse (if applicable), family members, and contact information. If you're a student, it will also ask you for your school or the university you attend.
If you're anxious about sharing all these things, don't worry. This is just their way of learning what kind of person you are in advance before they consider granting you a visa.
Upload the required documents
For some of you, this is the part you've been waiting for. One of the first things that probably came to mind when you decided to visit Japan was visa requirements. So, without wasting any time, here are the eight documents you need to upload for your visa application:
- A passport copy
- A passport picture that was taken in the last six months
- A copy of both sides of your Emirates ID
- A travel itinerary showing your flight information
- A schedule of your intended stay with entry and departure dates
- Accommodation details in Japan
- Certificate of employment
- Bank statements for the last three months
Klook tip: Gather all these documents BEFORE starting the application process. The last thing you want is for your Japan visa to be delayed because the embassy asks you to submit additional documents. After you've gathered all the Japan tourist visa requirements, review everything and submit!
Pay the visa fees
Now that we've covered the visa requirements for Japan , let's talk cost!
Visa fees differ depending on your nationality. If you're a resident from the UAE, it costs 80 AED . However, it is important to note that certain nationalities only have to pay a lower amount or are exempted from paying said fees entirely. For more information, you may refer to the Consulate General of Japan on Dubai's website.
Wait for your Japan visa
As mentioned earlier, your Japan visa typically takes less than a week to process. Once you receive it, you only need to download and print your e-visa confirmation. Voila! You've just received a single-entry visa to Japan.
Additional facts about this Japan visa
Explore the streets of Japan as a tourist! Credits: Satoshi Hirayama via Pexels
Although this visa allows a single entry to Japan for a short duration, it is strictly only for tourism and is by no means a working visa. Therefore, if you plan to go to Japan to apply for work or do business, it would be best for you to get the appropriate travel document.
Apply for a Japan e-Visa today!
Caption: See Mount Fuji in person! Credits: Belle Co via Pexels
The Land of the Rising Sun awaits! With how simple it is to apply for this e-visa, you should contact your travel agent immediately and book a Japan trip. It won't be long till you find yourself in a ramen place in the heart of Tokyo, slurping noodles like one of the locals.
