Japan is a land famous for its futuristic innovations and inventions. This is also a land where centuries old tradition has been carefully preserved and passed on from generation to generation. Japan also offers breathtaking scenic beauty, its mountain peaks and cherry trees creating a backdrop that mesmerizes you. Japan’s tradition comes alive in its wonderful temples that exude an old world charm. The warmth and courtesy of the Japanese people is sure to leave you deeply touched.
Our article shares with you the details of the procedure involved in acquiring a visa to Japan from the UAE. What decides whether you’ll be able to enter Japan with a visa on arrival or if you’ll need a pre-arrival visa is the passport that you hold.
Entry without a Visa
If you hold a passport of any of the countries mentioned below, you’re eligible to enter Dubai and stay there for 15 days. The countries are-
- Indonesia
- Brunei
- Thailand
Please note that citizens of North Korea are not allowed to enter Japan. They aren’t even issued a transit visa even if they don’t leave the aircraft.
Visa on Arrival
Visitors with passports of some countries are allowed to enter Japan with a visa on arrival. There are as many as 66 such countries. We give you the prominent ones.
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- Canada
- United States of America
- Mexico
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Israel
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- Germany
- Hungary
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
On arrival visa holders can stay in Japan for a maximum period of 90 days unless any other duration of stay is specifically mentioned.
Types of Pre-arrival Visas
The pre-arrival visas to enter into Japan have been separated into three categories for the convenience of the visitors. The categories are-
- Airport Transit Visa: A visitor looking to transit through any Japanese airport en route his final destination, he may do so with a transit visa.
- Business Visa: The business visa is meant for those looking to visit Japan for business reasons like making an investment or doing a business in Japan.
- Tourism Visa: Tourists looking to explore the wonderful land that Japan is should opt for this visa. This visa is also meant for those looking to visit Japan to be with their family or friends.
The price of a visa to Japan depends on the age of the applicant and the type of the visa applied for. Payment of the visa fee is mandatory and the same shall not be refunded under any circumstances whatsoever despite rejection of the application. The applicable fees are given below in the table.
Single Entry | 100 DHS |
Multiple Entry | 200 DHS |
Transit | 23 DHS |
- Pay the mandatory Japanese visa fee and the fee to the visa consultant
- The submitted documents are checked by the visa consultant and any doubts that the applicant may have are cleared. The most suitable visa type is also suggested by the consultant
- The visa application form shall have to be filled with all the necessary information and the documents are rechecked with utmost attention
- The Japanese embassy gives an appointment for the submission of the visa application and the supporting documents
- The applicant receives a notification when the visa is readyTo make sure that the visa is processed smoothly and with no delay, an applicant needs to submit the following supporting documents apart from the visa application form.
- The visa application form duly filled with all information asked for
- Original passport that’s valid for at least 6 months from the day of journey and not older than 10 years having at least 2 blank pages
- A copy of the passport with the UAE residency proof
- Two passport size photographs taken within 6 months of the date of journey having a white background
- A valid UAE identity proof
- For visitors from any company, an original NOC letter from the company with details of the designation of the visitor, the pay, the joining date and a no objection statement bearing the company’s stamp addressed to the embassy
- Bank statement covering transactions over the last 3 months, either a copy stamped by the bank or original
- Flight tickets showing the intention to return
- Travel insurance
- Proof of the current address like water and electricity bills, driving license, etc.
- Proof of hotel reservations made for the stay in Japan
The Procedure Involved in Applying for a Japanese Visa for an Applicant from the UAE
After submission of all the necessary documents, the procedure given below is followed for the issue of the visa.
- Pay the mandatory Japanese visa fee and the fee to the visa consultant
- The submitted documents are checked by the visa consultant and any doubts that the applicant may have are cleared. The most suitable visa type is also suggested by the consultant
- The visa application form shall have to be filled with all the necessary information and the documents are rechecked with utmost attention
- The Japanese embassy gives an appointment for the submission of the visa application and the supporting documents
- The applicant receives a notification when the visa is ready
- The passport with the Japanese visa stamped on it is to be collected
The time taken to process a Japanese visa is usually 4 to 7 working days unless the process is delayed by faulty submission of the application or there being any errors in the documents itself.
FAQ
Yes, a hotel booking is mandatory to have your visa application accepted. Insurance is also necessary to cover any injuries that may be caused by any accident or natural disaster.
When an applicant applies for a visa, a receipt is given by the embassy that has their contact number. The applicant may call the embassy on that number and ask about the reason for delay.
No, the visa is not refunded under any circumstances whatsoever.
Yes, a minor should be accompanied by either parent or a guardian unless both the parents submit an NOC letter specifying their consent to allow their child’s visit to Japan without them. The NOC needs to be submitted along with the supporting documents and passports of both the parents.