Starting November 1, the Embassy of Japan in Hanoi and the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City will introduce a new e-visa system for Vietnamese tourists traveling in organized tour groups. The initiative aims to streamline the visa application process and boost tourism.

Eligibility Criteria

• Vietnamese citizens participating in tour packages organized by approved travel companies or authorized agents will be eligible for the newly introduced e-visas.
• This system is exclusive to Vietnamese passport holders residing in Vietnam and is designed for short-term stays with a single entry, allowing a 15-day visit.

Visa Issuance Process

Upon arrival at the airport, visa applicants must present the "Visa Issuance Notice" on their mobile screens. The expectation is that this process will simplify group visa applications, making it more convenient for tourists, particularly during the holiday season.

Impact on Tourism

Travel companies anticipate that the new e-visa policy will attract more tourists, facilitating a smoother entry process for organized tour groups. The move is expected to contribute to the growth of tourism between Vietnam and Japan.

Continued Traditional Visa Process

While the e-visa system targets organized tour groups, the traditional visa application process, typically administered by Japanese representative agencies, will continue to be operational for individual travelers.

Growth in Vietnamese Visitors to Japan

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization in Vietnam, the number of Vietnamese visitors to Japan saw a significant increase in September 2023. 

A total of 43,000 Vietnamese tourists entered Japan during this month, marking a 12.2% increase compared to the same period in 2019 and a substantial 39.3%increase from the previous year.

Expanded E-Visa System for Other Countries

• In addition to Vietnam, Japan has been expanding its e-visa system to include citizens from various countries.
• Earlier this year, citizens from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were granted entry using e-visas.
• The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the decision to extend the online tourist visa system to citizens of the UAE, Brazil, the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Cambodia, and more.

Post-COVID-19 Recovery and Increased Travel

Japanese representative Kobayashi highlighted the significant increase in travel to Japan from the GCC area, signaling a post-COVID-19 recovery. 

This region has surpassed pre-pandemic travel levels recorded in 2019, making it one of the few international markets experiencing such recovery.

Electronic Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabia

As of March 2023, citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia are eligible to apply for an electronic tourist visa to visit Japan. 

The online application process allows individuals in Saudi Arabia to obtain a Japanese tourist visa valid for three months from the date of issuance. This move further opens up opportunities for travel and strengthens diplomatic ties between the two countries.