Japan, a top global destination, welcomes millions of visitors each year for tourism, business, and study. When planning a trip, choosing the right visa is crucial. With the introduction ofJapan’s eVisa, travelers now have a more streamlined option compared to the traditional visa process. The visa issued through the traditional way is termed as regular or sticker visa. This guide provides a detailed comparison between theJapan eVisa and the regular visa, helping you determine the best choice based on your travel needs.

Introduction: Understanding Japan’s Visa System

Understanding the distinction between the two based on their meaning is crucial.

What is a Japanese eVisa?

The Japan eVisa is a digital visa that allows eligible travellers to apply online and receive their visa electronically. Introduced to simplify the visa process, it is designed primarily for tourists and business travellers from specific countries.

Key Features of Japan eVisa

1. Entirely online application process
2. No need to visit a consulate or embassy
3. Faster processing times
4. Issued electronically and linked to the traveller’s passport
5. Currently available for select nationalities

What is a Traditional Japan Visa?

A traditional Japanese visa is a physical document that requires applicants to submit their applications and supporting documents in person at an embassy or consulate. It applies to various visa categories, including work, student, and long-term stay visas.

Key Features of Traditional Japan Visa

1. Requires a visit to the embassy or consulate
2. Paper-based application with physical documentation
3. Processing time varies depending on the selected visa type
4. Suitable for more extended stays and non-tourist purposes

Convenience

Japan eVisa

The eVisa technology makes it easy for candidates to finish the process online. No embassy or consulate visit is required to apply. This eliminates the hassle of scheduling appointments, travelling to an embassy or consulate office, and waiting in long queues.

Japan Regular Visa

Applying for a traditional visa requires visiting the Japanese embassy or consulate in person. This means scheduling an appointment, preparing physical copies of documents, and possibly attending an in-person interview. It can be inconvenient, especially for those who live far from the embassy or have a tight schedule.

Documents Required

When applying for a Japan visa, the documentation process varies based on the type of visa chosen:

eVisa: A Faster and Easier Process

The Japan eVisa requires fewer documents, making the process straightforward and hassle-free. With minimal paperwork, applicants can complete the process online without visiting an embassy.

Please refer to the Japan visa Document Required webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the Japan eVisa requirements.

Traditional/Regular Visa: More Documentation Required

A regular visa requires more supporting documents and a more detailed application process. Applicants may need to provide additional proof, submit physical copies, and sometimes attend an in-person appointment at an embassy or consulate.

Choosing an eVisa simplifies the process and reduces paperwork and processing time.

Fee Charged

Fee Charged for Japan eVisa

The Japan eVisa is a more cost-effective option as it involves a lower application fee. Since the entire process is online, applicants save money on travel expenses and do not need to pay for printing and submitting physical documents. This makes it a budget-friendly and convenient choice for travellers.

Fee Charged for Japan Regular Visa

A traditional visa is generally more expensive due to higher application fees. Additionally, applicants may have to spend extra money travelling to the embassy or consulate, submitting hard copies of documents, and fulfilling other administrative requirements. These additional costs make the traditional visa process both costlier and more time-consuming.

Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa, processing method, and country-specific regulations. eVisas are generally more affordable due to the online process, while regular visas tend to be costlier due to additional administrative and travel expenses. Travelers should check the latest fee structure before applying.

Travel Flexibility

Japan eVisa

After approval, travellers receive their eVisa digitally, allowing them to finalise their travel plans without a visa. This digital format prevents visa loss before departure. Additionally, since the process is short, last-minute passengers can receive their eVisa without minimal delays.

Japan Regular Visa

Traditional visas demand early trip planning due to their lengthy processing period. Unexpected approval delays can cause travel date uncertainty and rescheduling. The visa is stamped in the passport, so applicants must allow time to submit and retrieve their documents, adding logistical complications.

Processing Time: Which One Is Faster?

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The Japan eVisa application process is more straightforward and hassle-free than traditional visa methods, making it a convenient choice for travellers.

Japan eVisa Application Process

Applying for a Japan eVisa is simple and can be completed in just three steps:

Step 1: Apply Online

Go to the Japan eVisa website and register. Complete the Japan eVisa Application form with accurate personal details, travel plans, and other required information.

Step 2: Pay the Fee

Attach the necessary documents, such as a copy of your passport, a digital photo, and a travel itinerary. Then, pay the visa fee online using a secure payment gateway.

Step 3: Receive Your eVisa

Once all details are verified, submit the application form. You will receive a confirmation, and after approval, your eVisa will be sent electronically to your email. Make sure to carry a printed or digital copy when travelling to Japan.

Traditional Japan Visa Application Process

Here is a step-by-step guide for the Traditional Japan Visa Application Process:

Step 1: Visit the Japanese Embassy or Consulate: Go to your country's nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate to collect a visa application form.

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form: Carefully complete the Japan Visa Application Form with accurate details. Try to use black ink and ensure all information matches your supporting documents.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, bank statements, invitation letter (if applicable), and other supporting documents as required for your visa type.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment (if needed): Some embassies require applicants to book an appointment before submitting their application. Check with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your area to confirm.

Step 5: Submit Your Application at the Embassy or Consulate: Go to the embassy on the scheduled date and submit your visa application and all required documents.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Processing Fee: After submitting your application, pay the applicable visa processing fee. Fees vary based on the visa type and your nationality.

Step 7: Wait for Visa Processing: The processing usually takes one month to process the application. The embassy may contact you for additional documents or an interview if required.

Step 8: Collect Your Passport and Visa: Once your visa is approved, return to the embassy or consulate to collect your passport with the visa sticker. Double-check all details to ensure accuracy before your trip.

Interview Requirement

Here’s how the Japan eVisa and traditional visa differ in this aspect:

Japan eVisa

No interview is required, making the process quicker and easier.

Traditional Visa

In some cases, an in-person interview at the Japanese embassy or consulate may be required, especially for work or long-term visas.

Approval Process

Japan eVisa

The approval process is mostly automated and significantly faster. Applications are reviewed electronically, reducing processing time and minimizing the likelihood of unnecessary delays. Since all communication happens online, applicants receive their visa approval via email, eliminating the need for mailing documents or waiting for passport returns.

Japan Regular Visa

The approval process for a regular visa involves manual verification of documents, additional scrutiny, and sometimes further clarifications or interviews. Embassy staff review applications individually, which can lead to longer processing times. If any discrepancies are found, applicants may need to submit additional paperwork or revisit the consulate, further delaying the process.

Conclusion

The Japan eVisa offers a modern, efficient, and traveller-friendly solution for quick and easy visa applications. It streamlines travel planning by eliminating embassy visits, speeding up approval, and providing digital access.

Regular visas need in-person processing, manual processing, and lengthier wait times. Long-term stays or certain visa types may necessitate it, although it is inconvenient and takes more work from applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am not eligible for a Japan eVisa, may I get a regular visa? Can I switch from a Japan eVisa to a traditional visa while in Japan? Do I need a digital signature for an eVisa, or is my passport enough? Can a previous overstay in Japan affect my eVisa approval? Can I enter Japan with a copy of my eVisa instead of my passport? Does Japan's eVisa expire if unused?

Content Disclaimer: Even though this information was last refreshed in January 2025, we suggest checking with the relevant agencies, embassies, and airlines to confirm the accuracy of your travel arrangements.