Applying for a Japan visa
Pinnacle of technology, centuries-old shrines, and seasonal natural beauty processed through designated visa application centers. This guide covers how applications to Japan are assessed, what to prepare beyond the basic checklist, and how the trip fits together once the visa is issued.
Choosing the right Japan visa category
Japan issues 4 main categories relevant to our clients: Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourism), Business Short-Term Visa, Transit Visa, Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. Applying in the wrong category is a common and entirely avoidable refusal, because the purpose stated on your form must match the evidence you file and the activity you intend to carry out.
If your trip mixes purposes — a conference plus a holiday, or study with part-time work — tell us upfront so the primary purpose is declared correctly and the supporting documents follow it.
Preparing your documents
The core set below is what the Japan mission expects from a standard applicant. We add case-specific evidence on top: invitation letters, sponsor documents, admission letters, medical appointments or company registration, depending on why you are travelling.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with min. 2 blank pages
- Recent passport-sized photographs (white background, 35x45mm)
- Accurately completed and signed visa application form
- Confirmed return/onward flight reservation & hotel booking
- Original bank statement of last 3-6 months (duly stamped)
- Employment letter / NOC / Business registration certificate
- National ID card copy & previous visa copies (if applicable)
Timeline and cost
Published processing for Japan runs to 5-10 working days, measured from a complete submission rather than from your first enquiry. Government fees are Standard government embassy fees — transparent quote provided before filing, payable in addition to any visa centre charge and our service fee.
Prices inside Japan are quoted in JPY, which is worth knowing when you budget for accommodation, transfers and daily expenses in Tokyo and beyond.
Arriving in Tokyo
Carry printed copies of your visa, hotel confirmation, return reservation and funds evidence in your hand luggage. Immigration officers at Tokyo can ask for any of them, and a visa grants permission to travel rather than a guaranteed right of entry.
Keep your accommodation and itinerary consistent with what you declared on the application; unexplained differences are the most common cause of secondary questioning at the border.
