Why Apply for a Japan Visit Visa?

• Apply easily through Japan’s new eVISA system launched in 2025.
• Stay in Japan for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, or business.
• Available for nationals of countries including Canada, UK, USA, and Australia.
• Fast online processing without lengthy embassy procedures.
• One visa covers multiple purposes such as tourism, meetings, and conferences.

What is a Japan Visit Visa?

A Japan Visit Visa (Short-Term Stay Visa) is issued for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, or short cultural exchanges. It generally permits a stay of up to 90 days. Depending on eligibility, travelers may receive either a single-entry visa, which allows one entry during its validity period, or a multiple-entry visa, which permits several visits within a validity period that can range from one to five years. The type of visa granted is determined by the applicant’s nationality, travel purpose, and supporting documents, in line with the guidelines of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Who Needs a Japan Visit Visa?

Japan’s entry requirements depend on nationality.

• Visa-required countries: Nationals of countries not included in Japan’s visa waiver list must obtain a Japan Visit Visa before traveling. These applicants must apply either through a Japanese embassy/consulate or via the official eVISA system (where available).
• Visa-exempt countries: Citizens of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU member states can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days. This visa exemption covers tourism, business meetings, and family visits.
• Recent updates: Following post-COVID travel relaxations, Japan has fully reinstated its visa waiver agreements and, since 2025, expanded the official Japan eVISA system to allow online visa applications for eligible travelers.

Note: Final permission to enter and length of stay are determined by Japanese immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Eligibility Criteria for a Japan Visit Visa

To qualify for a Japan Visit Visa (Short-Term Stay Visa), applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid passport that will remain valid throughout the intended stay.
• Demonstrate a clear purpose of visit, such as tourism, visiting relatives or friends, business meetings, or short cultural exchanges.
• Provide a completed visa application form with a recent passport-size photograph.
• Show a detailed travel itinerary, including flight bookings and accommodation arrangements.
• Present proof of sufficient financial means to cover the cost of the trip and stay in Japan.
• Submit any required supporting documents (e.g., letter of invitation, guarantee letter, or business-related documents) depending on the purpose of travel.
• Not fall under any category of individuals restricted from entry under Japanese law.

Japan Visit Visa Requirements

Applicants for a Japan Visit Visa (Short-Term Stay Visa) must prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport with sufficient validity for the intended stay.
• Completed visa application form (available through Japanese embassies, consulates, or the official MOFA site).
• Recent passport-size photograph meeting official specifications.
• Flight itinerary and accommodation booking (hotel reservations or proof of stay with a host).
• Proof of sufficient funds such as recent bank statements or income certificates.
• Invitation letter or supporting documents if visiting relatives, friends, or attending business meetings.
• Letter of guarantee (when required by the specific type of visit, such as business or family support).

Japan Visit Visa Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm if your nationality requires a visa to enter Japan or if you are visa-exempt for short stays (e.g., Canadian citizens are exempt for up to 90 days).

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, recent photo, flight itinerary, accommodation details, proof of funds, and invitation or guarantee letters if applicable.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your application and documents at the nearest Japanese Embassy, Consulate, or an authorized Visa Application Center (such as VFS, if available in your region).

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable visa fee, which varies depending on nationality and visa type. Payment must be made at the time of application.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing generally takes around 5 working days, after which the visa is issued if approved.

Step 6: Register on Visit Japan Web

Before traveling, register your trip details on the Visit Japan Web system to streamline arrival procedures at Japanese airports.

Japan Visit Visa Fees

The visa fee for Japan depends on the type of visa and nationality of the applicant. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the standard fees are:

• Single-entry visa: 3,000 yen (approx. CAD 30)
• Double-entry or multiple-entry visa: 6,000 yen (approx. CAD 60)
• Transit visa: 700 yen (approx. CAD 7)

Note: Fees must be paid in the local currency at the Japanese Embassy, Consulate, or authorized Visa Application Center where the application is submitted. Some nationalities may be exempt from fees under reciprocal agreements.

Japan Visit Visa Processing Time

Japan Visit Visa applications are generally processed within five working days from the day after submission, provided that all required documents are complete. In certain cases, such as during busy travel seasons or when additional documents are requested, processing may take longer. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their planned travel dates to ensure timely approval.

For Canadian citizens, no visa is required for short-term stays of up to 90 days, so no processing time applies.

Japan Visit Visa Validity & Stay Duration

The validity and permitted length of stay for a Japan Visit Visa depend on the type of visa issued:

• Single-entry visa – Allows entry to Japan once within the visa validity period and permits a stay of up to 90 days.
• Multiple-entry visa – Grants permission to enter Japan several times during the validity period, which can range from 1 to 5 years, depending on nationality and purpose of travel. Each visit generally permits a stay of up to 90 days.

Important Updates for Japan Visit Visa

• Japan eVISA expansion – From September 1, 2025, Japan is expanding its official eVISA system to more countries, allowing eligible travelers to apply fully online without visiting an embassy or consulate.
• Mandatory Visit Japan Web registration – All foreign travelers must register on the Visit Japan Web platform before arrival. This digital service streamlines immigration, customs, and quarantine procedures at Japanese airports.
• Biometric requirements – Fingerprints and facial photographs are collected from most foreign nationals upon entry. Additional biometric requirements may apply for certain categories of applicants.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Choosing Y-Axis for your Japan Visit Visa application gives you expert support at every step:

• Professional assistance with embassy submissions to ensure your application is handled smoothly.
• Accurate documentation and form checks to reduce errors and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Regular updates on visa rules and policy changes, keeping you fully informed.
• Personalized travel and visa counselling to help you plan with confidence.

With Y-Axis, you benefit from guidance that increases your chances of a successful visa outcome while saving time and effort.