1  Foreword

Japan has developed a reputation for being a relatively closed doors country, with strict entry requirements that make it challenging for foreigners wishing to travel there. This perception is somewhat unfounded - carried perhaps on the back of a harsh immigration policy - and in fact travelling to Japan may not be any harder than to any other country. This knol, part of the ChiHub Japan network, will explore the necessary requirements that must be fulfilled before taking a trip to Japan.

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2  Passports

Japanese passport requirements stipulate only that any person wishing to enter Japan must hold a valid passport, and that it must be valid for the duration of their stay in Japan. However, it is worth taking a number of precautions to ensure that no unforseen difficulties arise. If the passport is close to expiring then a new one should be acquired before departure. Many countries do not issue a visa if there is less then six months left on it. Also ensure that the passport has remaining a number of empty pages to allow for entry and exit stamps. This circumvents the hassle of having to have new pages added in if the current one runs out. Take one or two copies of the passport before departing to Japan in case it is lost during transit or during the stay. Also, note that it is a requirement for visitors to carry either their passport or an Alien Registration Card with them at all times. While it is rare to be asked for either of these, it is possible to end up in a police station in the case that they are not presented upon request.

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3  Visas

A visa is a passport endoresement that allows the bearer entry into the issuing country. While in principle all foreigners wishing to enter Japan are required to apply at an overseas Japanese diplomatic establishment for a visa, this does not hold true in practice. Currently, 62 countries have taken measures to ensure the waiver of visa requirements for their citizens[1]. Members of all other countries must follow the typical routine of applying for a visa before being permitted access to Japan.

3.1  Visa Exemptions

The waiver of visa requirements is valid only for those intending short-term stays for such purposes as sightseeing and business trips. Any trip intended for paid purposes are excluded, as are any whose intended duration exceeds that stipulated by the agreement. A list of the countries by region follows:

This table is valid as of 8th August 2008. For up to date information visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3.2  Types of Visa

Those intending stays in Japan which do not satify the requirements of a visa exemption, or those whose home country does not have a waiver agreement with Japan, must apply for a visa through the normal channels. There are seven different types of visa available depending on circumstances and purpose.

3.2.1  Short Term Stays

A stay is said to be short term if it satisfies the following conditions:

"Short-term stays refer to temporary visits of up to 90 days for such purposes as sightseeing; sports; convalescence; visits to relatives, friends, or acquaintances; amateur participation in athletic meetings or other contests; business trips (such as market surveys, business liaison, business talks, signing contracts, and after-sale service for machinery imported into Japan); and friendship visits."

- Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

If the stay falls under the criteria given above then either a transit visa or temporary visa are required. Visitors can either obtain a single entry, double entry or multiple entry visa. They are valid for 3 months, 6 months and 12 months respectively. Those intending to enter Japan for other purposes, i.e. students, workers, journalists, diplomats etc. must apply for a different type of visa.

3.2.2 Work and Long Term Stays

To enter Japan for any other purpose than given in section 3.2.1 will require either a diplomatic, official, working, general or specified visa. There are 14 categories of working visa, depending on the nature of the work. A full break down of these, and the other types of visa, can be found here.

It is advisable for anyone wishing to apply for a visa to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. This is issued before a visa application to by a regional immigration authority. It certifies that the holder satisfies the various conditions for becoming a temporary resident in Japan. The advantage of the certificate is that it significantly reduces the amount of time required for processing of the visa, normally by 2-4 weeks.

3.3  Obtaining a Visa

As stated previously, a visa must be obtained from a Japanese diplomatic establishment (either an embassy or consulate) and must be obtained before departure to Japan. The visa must be obtained before arrival into Japan. It is worth noting that a visa in itself does not guarantee entry into Japan, instead upon arrival a decision is made as to whether landing permission (the actualy legal basis for the stay) will be granted.

3.3.1  Document Requirements

The following documents must, in all circumstances, be supplied when applying for a visa:

• A valid passport
• Two 45mm x 45mm passport sized photos that have been taken within the previous 6 months (note that stateless persons must submit 3 such photos)
• Two official visa application forms which can be obtained from the nearest embassy or consulate
• Documents stating the purpose of the visit (document requirements can be found here)

3.3.2  Time Required to Issue Visa

There is a large amount of variability in the time taken to issue a visa, ranging from a few days to a couple of months. It very much depends on the content of the visa application itself and the situation at the embassy or consulate concerned. In those cases where the visa can be issued by the diplomatic establishment itself the process can take anything from 2-3 days to a week. However, it usually takes 2-3 months, or even longer, in situations where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo must intervene. The benefit of the Certificate of Eligibility is that it normally circumvents the need to contact the ministry.

3.3.3  Cost of a Visa

A visa free must be paid by those wishing to obtain a visa to Japan. Typically these fees are around 3,000 yen ($27 USD) for single-entry visas, 6,000 yen ($55 USD) for double-entry or multiple-entry visas and 700 yen ($6 USD) for a transit visa. Some countries have reciprocal arrangements with Japan relating to visa fees and in such cases the costs may be reduced or even exempted.

3.4  Duration of Visa Validity

A short term stay visa is valid for up to 90 days. For other types of visas the following is a general guide to the permitting length of stay:

1 or 3 years

Professor, Artist, Religious, Journality, Investor/Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer, Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Skilled Laborer.

1 or 2 years

College Student

1 year or 6 months

Pre-College Student, Trainee, Cultural Activities

1 year, 6 months or 3 months

Entertainer

Duration of mission

Diplomat, Official

For more detailed information about the activities that holders of the above visas are allowed to engage in visit Nakai Immigration Services.

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4  Closing Remarks

All the information in this article was correct at the time of writing. It is recommended that any traveller check with their nearest Japanese Embassy for check their eligibility for travelling before departure. Hopefully this article has helped to shed some light on the process and requirements for entry into Japan. If there are any further questions then leave a comment and the author will respond as soon as possible.

This article, part of ChiHub Japan, was brought to you by The Chishikiyoku Project.