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.
Japan’s entry requirements depend on nationality.
Note: Final permission to enter and length of stay are determined by Japanese immigration authorities at the port of entry.
To qualify for a Japan Visit Visa (Short-Term Stay Visa), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicants for a Japan Visit Visa (Short-Term Stay Visa) must prepare the following documents:
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.
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:
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 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.
The validity and permitted length of stay for a Japan Visit Visa depend on the type of visa issued:
Choosing Y-Axis for your Japan Visit Visa application gives you expert support at every step:
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A Japan Visit Visa, officially called a Temporary Visitor Visa, allows foreigners to enter Japan for short stays such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending conferences, or other non-work purposes. It does not permit employment or income-generating activities. Canadian passport holders are visa-exempt for short stays of up to 90 days, meaning they do not need to apply for a visa in advance. However, non-Canadian residents in Canada, or those planning to stay longer or for purposes beyond tourism, will need to apply for a visa through the Japanese Embassy or Consulates in Canada.
The permitted length of stay on a Japan Visit Visa is generally up to 90 days. This applies both to travelers entering with a Temporary Visitor Visa and to Canadian citizens entering under visa exemption rules. The duration is granted at the discretion of Japanese immigration officials at the port of entry, based on the purpose of your visit and supporting documents. It is important to note that the 90 days cannot be extended under normal circumstances, and overstaying may result in penalties or restrictions on future travel. Travelers should plan their itinerary within this permitted timeframe.
To apply for a Japan Visit Visa, applicants must submit a set of mandatory documents that prove the purpose of their trip, financial stability, and travel arrangements. The key requirements include:
Note: Japanese embassies and consulates may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s purpose of visit, employment status, or personal circumstances.
To apply for a Japan Visit Visa from Canada, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine whether you need a visa. Canadian citizens are visa-exempt for short stays up to 90 days. If you are not a Canadian citizen, or your purpose of travel requires a visa, proceed with an application.
Step 2: Gather all required documents, including your valid passport, completed application form, recent photograph, detailed travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial documents showing sufficient funds.
Step 3: Submit your application to the Embassy of Japan or the Consulate-General responsible for your province of residence. Some applicants may also be eligible to apply online through Japan’s eVISA system.
Step 4: Pay the applicable visa fee at the time of submission. Fees vary by nationality, and Canadian citizens are usually exempt.
Step 5: Wait for processing, which typically takes 5–10 business days. Once approved, collect your visa from the embassy/consulate, or receive it electronically if you applied via eVISA.
Visa fees for a Japan Visit Visa vary depending on nationality and type of entry. Canadian citizens benefit from a reciprocal agreement that exempts them from paying fees for Temporary Visitor Visas, making travel more accessible. For other nationalities applying from Canada, the typical fees are modest compared to many countries. A single-entry visa is generally charged at a lower rate, while a multiple-entry visa costs slightly more. Payment must be made at the time of submission and is non-refundable. These affordable fees reflect Japan’s commitment to promoting tourism and cultural exchange with Canada and other nations.
The processing times for a Japan Visit Visa are relatively quick, provided the application is complete and accurate. Most temporary visitor visa applications are processed within five to ten working days. However, if the consular office requires additional documentation, or if the case needs to be referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo for further review, the processing period can extend to several weeks. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel dates. Canadian citizens traveling under visa exemption do not need to wait for processing, as they can enter Japan directly.
