Japan is one of the most amazing tourist destinations offering a unique experience that is not found in any other region. Japanese culture provides a blend of Western and Eastern traditions and modernity seen on every street of Japan. Japan has diverse tourist destinations ranging from scenic mountains to stunning and breathtaking buildings. However, you must have a Visa in order to visit Japan.

For the ease of tourists, the Japanese government has launched the service of an electronic visa. This process is far more efficient than the old traditional way of obtaining a Japan visa. A list of countries is given, which clearly mentions the citizens who can apply for it. Nationals of the mentioned countries must apply for electronic Visas for ease. It permits about 90 days of stay in japan with a single entry. Online visa service is for countries with a larger number of nationalities like the Canada, Taiwan, United States of America.

Note: All other nationalities not mentioned in the list must visit their nearest embassy or consulate to obtain a visa.

When did Japan Launch their eVisa service?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the Japanese government to postpone plans to implement the new eVisa policy in April 2020. However, since Japan eased entry rules for tourist travel, the eVisa was officially introduced on August 18, 2022.

What does the Japanese eVisa allow for?

The eVisa service offered by the Japanese government permits a single entry visa for a period of about 90 days which roughly makes three months. During your visit through eVisa, you can visit the country as a tourist, for business activities, visit relatives, and for various cultural exchanges. This Visa, however, cannot be used for remunerative activities.

Required Documents for Japan eVisa Application

Please ensure you submit all required documents in English for your Japan eVisa application. If any documents are missing, incomplete or require additional documents, we will contact you via email and request a re-upload.

It is your responsibility to provide the correct documents. Applications may be rejected if the submitted documents do not meet the requirements, and the fee is non-refundable.

Valid Passport Copy:

Ensure your passport image meets the following requirements:

• Clear and high-quality (not too small, blurry, or pixelated).
• Upload both:
• Bio-data page (the page with your photo, name, etc.).
• Page immediately above the bio-data page.
• If your passport includes additional details (e.g., expiration dates, name changes, etc.) on a separate page, upload that as well.

Facial Image:

Ensure your facial image meets the following requirements:

• Must be a recent photo (taken within the last 6 months).
• Face must be directly facing forward.
• Background should be plain, blank, or white.
• Do not use photo apps that alter your facial appearance.
• The image must be clear, properly sized, and not blurry, pixelated, or distorted.
• Do not upload a photo of an already printed photograph.

Proof of Your Immigration Status (e.g. Permanent Residence Card or Visa) Valid Until Return Date to Permanent Residence:

A valid Permanent Resident Card (both front and back images) Or Visa and any proof of extension if expired (e.g., Advance Parole document, passport stamp, etc.).

A valid residence permit or sticker visa from one of the following countries:

• Australia
• Brazil
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

📌 Important: If you are unable to provide the required documents, please explain the circumstances in the "Special Reasons for Visa Application" section. You may also upload a signed statement along with any supporting documents detailing your immigration status.

Proof Of Current Address:

Provide one of the following: State Driver License/ID, Utility Bill, Proof of Car Insurance, Vehicle Registration, Proof of Health Insurance, Renter’s insurance, Grant Deed, Lease Agreement, etc.

Flight Itinerary/Reservation Requirements:

Applicants must provide a flight reservation that includes the visa applicant’s name, travel dates, and complete flight details for all segments of the journey:

1️⃣ Departure from the Permanent Residence Country
2️⃣ Flight to Japan
3️⃣ Onward Travel from Japan (if applicable)

📌 Important:

• A confirmed reservation is required, but ticket purchase is NOT mandatory until the visa is approved.
• It is recommended to consider trip protection or travel insurance in case of cancellation.
• To secure a flight reservation without purchasing a ticket, please consult an airline or travel agency.

⚠️ Note: We are not responsible for any tickets that become unusable due to visa delays or denials.

If You Are Not Directly Going Back To Your Home Country After Japan (Including Any Layovers):

If you plan to travel to another country after Japan (other than your home country) and require a visa for that destination, you must obtain that visa first and provide a copy.

If a visa is not required, please indicate this in the "Special Reasons for Visa Application" section or upload a signed statement confirming that no visa is needed.

Daily Schedule & Hotel Information:

Applicants must provide a detailed daily itinerary, including accommodation details.

📌 Requirements:

• Use the provided itinerary template to organize your schedule. 
• Be as specific as possible—do not just write "sightseeing in Tokyo."
• List at least one specific place you plan to visit each day.

Latest One-Month Bank Statement Requirements:

Applicants must submit a bank statement issued by a Permanent Residence Country bank under their name and current address.

📌 Accepted Accounts:
✔️ Savings
✔️ Checking
✔️ Investment
✔️ Stocks
✔️ IRA / 401(k)

🚫 Not Accepted:
❌ Credit card statements
❌ Paycheck stubs
❌ Business accounts

📌 If your balance is low, you may also provide additional proof of your current financial standing.

If Using a Family Member’s Bank Statement:

• Spouse’s Account: Submit a Marriage Certificate and a copy of your spouse’s passport.
• Parent’s Account: Submit a Birth Certificate (with English translation) and a copy of your parent’s passport.

Parental consent form (In case of an application by a minor who is not accompanied by his/her guardian)

If the applicant is a minor traveling without a guardian, a signed parental consent form from the parents is required to authorize the application and travel.

ERFS certificate (for Business purposes Only)

If you are visiting for Business purposes, traveling, or educational exchange, you must obtain this certificate and attach the file to your online application form.

ERFS for Registering for An eVisa

Canadian, American, and Taiwanese citizens must first have an inviting organization in Japan in order to submit an online visa application for tourism or business. A travel operator or a Japanese corporation could invite them to Japan for commercial purposes.

The inviting group will thereafter provide a registration certificate for ERFS. After receiving this certificate, the visitor can start the Japan eVisa registration process. Those applying for visas to visit relatives or friends do not need an ERFS certificate. However, they are required to show their Invitation letter from family or relatives as proof of their kinship.

Application Submission Procedure:

The visa issuing portal is quite user-friendly for people who want to obtain their visas through the ease of staying at home. The applicant has to go through the following steps to get their hands on Visa:

• The applicant is first required to log on to their application portal. The applicant will be required to fill out the details mentioned on their passport. It is advised to write and fill out the form very carefully as any mistakes can lead to problems in issuing Visa. You will also be asked to attach the required documents depending on the purpose of your stay.
• You will be asked to give an email; please note that the email mentioned is in use and accessible.
• The second step required the applicant to pay the required fee. For ease, this portal is connected with an online payment system so that the applicant does not have to go through a difficult and lengthy procedure.
• After submission, the Visa will be sent to your mentioned email. Please download the copy and print it out. You will be required to show this copy to the border authorities on your visit.

Note: PDF forms and screenshots are not accepted while traveling. The original document form must be printed on behalf of the candidate to display on the border.

Application submitted on behalf of proxy:

Suppose a proxy submits the application on behalf of the applicant rather than the applicant themselves. In that case, a letter of authorization (optional format) indicating that the proxy is responsible for handling the visa application is required. Please be aware that applying using a proxy is only permissible if the applicant experiences difficulty submitting an e-VISA on their own, and the proxy can help the applicant present the "visa issuance notification" while checking in at the airport.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)