Japan Tourist Visa Online

Japan Tourist Visa online application

Last updated: April 2023

NOTE: To apply for this visa you must be located in your country of residence.

Japan is an astonishing country to visit, known for its unique culture, innovative art, futuristic technology, delicious gastronomy, modern architecture, and interesting history. It has everything you can want in a country, with a perfect combination of tradition and modernity.

If you want to visit Japan as a tourist and discover all its wonders, you are in the right place. iVisa offers the easiest route to obtaining the Japan Tourist Visa and visiting Japan. Find out all about entry requirements and how to apply for the Japan Tourist Visa on this page.

What is the Japan Tourist Visa?

For certain foreign nationals wanting to visit the country for tourism purposes, a Japanese Tourist Visa is required.

You can apply for this Japan visa through iVisa. The visa application can be confusing if you do it alone without support. That is why we have created a simplified process to ensure you’ll have a stress-free trip.

Benefits of getting your Japan Tourist Visa with iVisa

• 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.

• Unlimited and prioritized support from an iVisa Expert: You’ll be assigned an iVisa expert to guide you through the application process from start to end, to help you avoid rejections from the government, and to answer any questions you may have about the process.

• Simplified form: We’ve shortened and simplified the Japan Tourist Visa application to be a short survey that you can complete in less than 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 will send you an exclusive manual guide with all the tips and tricks to getting your visa without problems.

It is important to note that the Japan Tourist Visa is subject to the following conditions:

• You can do tourist activities alone or with a registered tourist group, such as visiting the beautiful places and sights Japan offers.

• Cultural exchanges, municipal exchanges, and sports exchanges are not permitted.

• You cannot work in the country with this visa.

• You cannot perform business activities like liaisons, meetings, consultations, signing contracts, after-sales service, advertising, or market research.

• You cannot travel to visit or to stay with family and friends, including your spouse.

Which nationalities need the Japan Tourist Visa to enter Japan?

Over 68 countries are exempt from having to apply for a short-stay tourist visa (90 days or less), including the United States, many EU countries, and the United Kingdom.

Please use our convenient Visa Checker tool to find out if you’re eligible for visa-free travel to Japan.

If you are a national from a country that does not qualify for visa-free entry, you can apply for a single-entry tourist visa through iVisa.

How long is the Japan Tourist Visa valid for?

There are two types of Japan Tourist Visas available:

• The single-entry visa allows you to stay in Japan for 15 to 30 days. You can apply for this visa category through iVisa. The visa must be used within three months of obtaining it.

• The multiple-entry visa has a validity of 1 to 5 years, and allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit. If you need this visa, we recommend contacting your nearest Japanese consulate or embassy.

The exact permitted time of stay in Japan depends on your nationality. If you want to extend your stay, you will need to apply for a visa extension at the appropriate Japanese authorities before the expiry date of your visa.

Which documents and info do I need to apply for the Japan Tourist Visa?

To obtain this travel document through iVisa, foreign residents must submit the following documents to the Japanese government:

• Passport, valid for at least 6 months.

• Applicant’s photo.

Depending on your nationality, you may be asked for additional documents to prove the purpose of your stay in Japan:

• Financial documents to prove that you have enough funds to pay for your entire stays in Japan, such as bank deposits, statements, or other evidence.

• Travel itinerary, or any other evidence of planned tourism activities in Japan.

Travelers are no longer required to submit their applications in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS). The ERFS was a system that foreign travelers had to use to obtain an ERFS certificate to be eligible for a visa to visit Japan.

Transiting in Japan

If you will remain airside and do not enter Japan beyond the transit area, you do not need a visa or exemption to transit.

How to apply for the Japan Tourist Visa with iVisa

To apply with iVisa, simply follow the 5 steps below:

• Step 1: Fill out iVisa's simplified form with your personal and travel details. Receive support from your iVisa expert from start to end via WhatsApp, Calendly, email, or chat.

• Step 2: Pay the iVisa processing fee with a credit or debit card.

• Step 3: Collect the required documentation according to the instructions given and submit it at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

• Step 4: Pay the government fee of $42 USD at the Embassy or Consulate.

• Step 5: Wait for the Japanese government’s answer, receive your visa and get ready to travel!

You will receive a confirmation email with further instructions for your application process and your interview (if applicable), as well as a list of required documents.

If you have any questions during the application process, your iVisa expert will be happy to help!

Important things to note about your Japan Tourist Visa

Once you arrive in Japan, an immigration officer will check your visa and the reasons for your visit. After that, you’ll be given a Landing Permit.

This document will replace your Tourist Visa during your stay in Japan and your issued visa will become invalid. The Landing Permit will be placed in your passport upon entry, so always keep it on you and present it when asked for.

What are the costs and processing times for the Japan Tourist Visa?

Visa fees and processing times can vary based on your nationality.

Applying for this visa can take months if you do it alone, as it’s a confusing process that has different requirements for different nationalities.

The Japanese authorities can take about a week to examine visa applications, but this may be delayed if you need to submit extra documents. When applying through iVisa, you’ll save time, as our experts do all the hard work for you.

What about traveling to Japan with children?

All nationals who are not visa-exempt to enter Japan as a tourist must apply. This includes children and minors. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for applying for the Japan Tourist Visa on behalf of their child.

Children under 12 years old are not allowed to travel alone to Japan.

COVID-19 requirements and restrictions in Japan

Japan has removed all COVID-19 restrictions. Travelers no longer need to:

• Present a vaccination certificate
• Present a negative PCR test
• Take a test on-arrival

Where can I find more information about the Japan Tourist Visa?

If you have questions about the Japan Tourist Visa, other travel documents, or iVisa services, please get in touch with our customer service team via online chat or email at [email protected]. They are available 24/7 to answer any questions.