Japan Tourist Visa for Bhutanese citizens: Everything you need to know

Planning a trip to Japan is exciting for any travel enthusiast. Many Bhutanese citizens travel to Japan to explore the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels. However, to enjoy all that, Bhutanese travelers need a Japan Tourist Visa.

In this guide, we will guide you through the necessary steps on how to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa for Bhutanese citizens via our user-friendly platform or through our iVisa app for an even smoother experience.

What is the Japan Tourist Visa?

The Japan Tourist Visa is a travel document that allows citizens of Bhutan to visit Japan for tourism purposes. It is a temporary authorization granted by the Japanese government, allowing Bhutanese travelers to explore the country's vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

The Japan Visa opens the door to a wealth of unforgettable experiences!

Do Bhutanese citizens need a Tourist Visa for Japan?

Yes, Bhutanese citizens require a Tourist Visa to visit Japan. Japan has specific visa requirements for travelers from different countries, including Bhutan.

This visa allows Bhutanese citizens to travel to Japan for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, participating in cultural events, or engaging in recreational activities.

How long is the Japan Tourist Visa valid?

The Japanese government has the option of a single- and multiple-entry visa. However, only the Single Entry visa is currently available on our platform.

This Japan Visa is valid for up to 90 days after issued and allows you to stay in the country for 15 to 30 days Per Entry. It’s up to the immigration officer to decide the visa validity and stay duration. This should be enough time to explore all the highlights of Japan!

Types of Japan visas available for Bhutanese citizens

There are different types of visas available depending on the purpose of your visit. The most common types of Japanese visas include:

• Tourist Visa: This visa is the most common. It’s suitable for people who want to visit Japan for leisure purposes. It allows you to explore the country's attractions, immerse yourself in its rich culture, and experience its unique traditions. The tourist visa is typically granted for a duration of up to 90 days.

It’s important to note that this visa does not allow business activities.

Apply for this visa through our website or the user-friendly iVisa app.

• Business Visa: If you plan to engage in business activities in Japan, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiations, a business visa is your option. This visa allows for short-term business-related visits and may have specific requirements, such as invitation letters from Japanese business partners.

• Student Visa: If you’re pursuing education in Japan, you need a student visa. This visa allows you to enroll in Japanese educational institutions, such as universities or language schools, and pursue your academic goals.

• Work Visa: A work visa is necessary if you want to work in Japan. This visa category applies to individuals who have secured employment with a Japanese company or organization and have the required qualifications and skills to enter the country as an employer.

• Spouse or Dependent Visa: If you are married to a Japanese citizen or have a family member residing in Japan, you may be eligible for a spouse or dependent visa. This visa allows family members to enter the country and join their Japanese spouse or relative.

• Cultural Activities Visa: Those who wish to engage in cultural or artistic activities in Japan, such as traditional arts, music, or dance, may require a cultural activities visa. This visa permits participation in cultural programs, workshops, or performances.

Each visa type has specific visa requirements for the application process. In this guide, we’ll focus on the Japan Tourist Visa as it’s the most common for traveling to the country.

For more info on work, study, or residency permits, check the Japanese government website.

Benefits of a Japan Tourist Visa for Bhutanese Citizens

Obtaining a Japan Tourist Visa offers you many benefits. Here are some of them:

• Exploring Japan's rich cultural heritage: Japan is renowned for its fascinating cultural heritage, including ancient temples, shrines, and traditional arts. With a tourist visa, you can immerse yourself in this rich cultural tapestry, visit iconic landmarks like Kyoto's Golden Pavilion or Nara's Great Buddha, and witness traditional ceremonies and festivals.

• Experiencing modern marvels: Japan is famous for its technological advancements, futuristic cities, and innovative architecture. With a Japan Visa, you can explore modern marvels like Tokyo's bustling streets, Osaka's vibrant nightlife, or Yokohama's waterfront skyline, experiencing firsthand the blend of tradition and innovation that makes Japan unique.

• Enjoying natural beauty: From the serene cherry blossoms in spring to the colorful foliage in autumn, Japan's natural landscapes are breathtaking. With a Japan Visa, citizens of Bhutan can visit renowned sites like Mount Fuji, explore beautiful national parks, relax in hot springs, or take scenic walks in Japanese gardens, immersing themselves in the country's natural beauty.

• Trying authentic Japanese cuisine: Japan is a food lover's paradise, renowned for its sushi, ramen, tempura, and a wide variety of delicious dishes. The Japan Visa allows you to indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine, from street food to fine dining, discovering new flavors and culinary experiences.

It's important to note that while the Japan Tourist Visa provides these benefits, it is crucial to respect Japanese laws, customs, and regulations during the stay.

Japan Tourist Visa fees and processing time for Bhutan citizens

The application process consists of two stages:

• iVisa service fee and processing time: Takes 30 days for a processing fee of USD $155.99. This can be paid online on our secure platform, and includes all benefits and professional guidance from our experts.

• Japan government visa fee: It takes one to four weeks for the Japanese government to process your application and the visa costs US$42.

You must pay the visa fee at the Japanese Embassy, after which the government will process your visa request.

Benefits of getting your Japan Tourist Visa with us!

• 100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa experts will review each answer on your application form and make sure they are 100% compliant with government requirements.

• Support from our iVisa Experts: Our iVisa experts will guide you through the application process from start to end, to help you avoid rejections from the government and answer any questions about the process.

• Simplified form: We’ve simplified the Japan Tourist Visa application to be a short survey that you can complete in 15 minutes.

• Fill out the form at your own pace: Make changes whenever you want, and save your progress if you want to return to it later.

• Step-by-step guide: Once you apply, we’ll send you an exclusive manual guide with all the tips and tricks to getting your visa without problems.

Enjoy all these benefits when applying with us, for a stress-free process.

Japan Tourist Visa requirements

Understanding and meeting the Japan Visa requirements is crucial to ensure a seamless visa application process.

To help you in this process, we have developed a user-friendly platform that provides comprehensive information on the required documents for entering Japan.

Japan Tourist Visa: Eligibility criteria for Bhutanese citizens

Make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria before gathering the documents required and applying for the Japan Visa:

• Valid passport: Applicants must possess a valid passport issued by the Bhutanese government to enter Japan. The passport should have a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of intended entry into Japan, and two blank pages.

• Intended purpose: The Japan Visa is granted to people who plan to visit Japan for tourism purposes only. It’s essential to demonstrate that the primary purpose of the visit is for leisure.

• Financial stability: Applicants need to provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover their expenses during their stay in Japan. This includes proof of bank statements, financial assets, or other supporting documents indicating the ability to fund their travel.

It is important to note that meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee the approval of the Japan Visa. The final decision lies with the embassy or consulate general of Japan handling the visa application.

Japan Visa: Documents requirements for Bhutanese citizens

Here’s a list of the required documentation for the Japan Tourist Visa application:

• Valid passport: This is the most important document for your trip. Ensure that your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Japan, and two blank pages for stamps/stickers.

• Visa application form: You’ll receive this during the application process.

• Passport-sized photograph: Attach a recent passport-sized photograph to your visa application form. The photograph should meet the specified requirements, such as size, background color, and appearance. You can use our digital photo service to get your photos easily and affordably.

• Detailed itinerary: Depending on your case, you might need to provide a detailed travel itinerary. It’s not a mandatory document, but we still suggest you have it.

• Financial documents: Submit proof of your financial stability to cover your expenses during your stay in Japan.

• Round-trip flight reservations: Present confirmed round-trip flight reservations indicating your intention to return to Bhutan after traveling to Japan. This demonstrates that you have planned your trip and have no intention of overstaying your visa.

• Additional supporting documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional supporting documents. This can include a letter of introduction or sponsorship, proof of ties to Bhutan (such as property ownership or employment), or any other documents that strengthen your visa application.

Remember, these are general document requirements, and specific situations may warrant additional documents or variations in requirements. The Japanese embassy or consulate might ask you for other documents to enter Japan.

Financial Requirements for Bhutanese citizens

It’s recommended to meet certain financial requirements to demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially during your stay in Japan. While specific figures may vary, here are some documents required for the Japan Visa application:

• Sufficient funds: You should provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Japan.

• Bank statements: Submit your bank statements for the past six months to showcase a consistent and stable financial history.

• Income and employment verification: Provide documents that verify your employment status and income. This can include a letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and duration of employment. If you are self-employed, you can provide business registration documents, tax returns, and financial statements.

• Sponsorship or financial support: If you have a sponsor in Japan who will support you financially during your visit, they should provide a letter of sponsorship stating their willingness to cover your expenses.

• Travel insurance: It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies during your stay in Japan. While not a strict financial requirement, it demonstrates your preparedness and financial responsibility.

The specific visa requirements for the visa process may vary depending on factors such as the purpose and duration of your visit, your planned activities, and the discretion of the Japanese embassy or consulate.

Japan Tourist Visa application process

It can be stressful to apply for a visa, but we’re is here to simplify the process and save you time. With our help, you can navigate through the application process smoothly.

Continue reading to find more information about the Japan Visa application process!

Step-by-Step guide to applying for the Japan Tourist Visa in Bhutan

You can apply for a Japan Visa with us at any time! Here’s the step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: Fill in the online application form with your basic details, including your name, contact information, and travel information.

• Step 2: Continue the process with the payment of the iVisa processing fee, using a credit or debit card, or PayPal, once you have completed and double-checked the form.

• Step 3: Gather the documents required, including your passport, and follow the instructions through our website. Submit the documents to the nearest embassy or consulate

Pay the government fee of $42 USD at the consulate or embassy of Japan in Bhutan. You'll receive an email from us to track the process. We’ll let you know once your visa is approved!

Tips for a successful Japan Tourist Visa application in Bhutan

We suggest reading the tips below if you're applying for a Japan Tourist Visa as a citizen of Bhutan, and you want to increase your chances of a successful application:

• Start early: Begin the visa application process well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any last-minute rush.

• Understand the visa requirements: Being well-informed about the process sets you up for a smoother application experience.

• Carefully fill out the application form: Double-check all the visa information (especially the passport number) before submitting it to avoid any errors or inconsistencies.

• Provide strong supporting documents: Include comprehensive supporting documents that strengthen your application.

• Demonstrate financial stability: Providing bank statements, income verification, or other financial documents helps validate your financial capability.

• Clearly explain your travel plans: Clearly outline your travel plans and itinerary, highlighting the purpose of your visit, the places you plan to explore, and the duration of your stay.

• Be honest and transparent: Always be honest and transparent throughout the application process. Honesty is crucial, as any misrepresentation or false information regarding your travel can lead to visa rejection and future complications.

Remember, these tips are meant to help navigate the Japan Visa applications more smoothly.

Common reasons for Japan Tourist Visa refusals in Bhutan

Denials are not common for citizens of Bhutan, and they usually occur due to avoidable reasons. Here’s a list of some of the common rejection reasons:

• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation: It is crucial to carefully review the document checklist and ensure that all required documents are included and up to date.

• Insufficient financial proof: If the submitted financial documents do not sufficiently prove that you can cover your expenses during your stay in Japan, your visa application may be refused.

• Lack of strong ties to Bhutan: To ensure that you have genuine intentions of returning to Bhutan after your trip to Japan, it's important to show strong ties to your home country, such as family, employment, study, or owning or renting a home.

• Inadequate travel itinerary: To support your intention for tourism, provide a complete itinerary of planned activities, including any reservations for tours, accommodation, and more.

• Previous visa violations or overstays: If you have a history of non-compliance with visa regulations, the authorities may question your credibility and intentions.

• Lack of travel insurance: If you fail to provide proof of travel insurance, especially one that covers medical emergencies, it may raise concerns about your preparedness and ability to handle unexpected situations during your stay in Japan.

What to expect after submitting the Japan Tourist Visa application in Bhutan?

Here's what you can generally expect after applying for the Japan Visa:

• Application receipt: Upon submission, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt or proof of submission.

• Processing time: The processing time for Japan Tourist Visas can vary. It typically takes several business days to a few weeks for the embassy or consulate to review and make a decision on your application.

• Communication from the embassy or consulate: If additional information or documents are required to complete your application, the consulate of Japan may contact you via email or phone.

• Visa decision: Once the embassy or consulate completes the assessment of your application, they will notify you of the visa decision. If your application is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa affixed to it. In the case of a visa refusal, they will provide reasons for the refusal.

• Collection of passport: If your visa application is approved, you will need to collect your passport from the embassy or consulate.

Contact us for more information about the Japan Tourist Visa

If you need more info about the Japan Visa application, feel free to contact our customer service team by online chat or by email at [email protected]. They are available any time to answer any questions you may have.