To apply for a Japan tourist visa, you generally need to follow these steps and provide the following documents:[1][3][4]
- Completed visa application form: Download, complete, and sign the form. Forms are available from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local consulates.[1][3]
- Valid passport: The passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity and at least 2 blank pages.[1][3][4]
- Recent passport photo: Photo size must be 35mm x 45mm or 4.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, taken in the last 6 months. Name and birthdate are sometimes required on the back.[1][3][4]
- Proof of financial capability: Recent bank statements (often 6 months), proof of funds to cover your stay, and sometimes recent tax returns or a certificate of employment.[1][4]
- Travel itinerary: Details of your trip, including planned activities, dates, and confirmation of hotel or other lodging reservations. Flight itinerary with arrival/departure dates is also required; tickets generally do not need to be purchased at the time of application.[1][3]
- Proof of onward/return travel: Return flight reservation or evidence of onward travel.[1]
- Invitation letter: Required if visiting friends or family, along with any documentation from the inviter.[1]
- Visa application fee: Fees vary by type and nationality, but are typically around $27 for single-entry and $55 for multiple-entry visas. Fees are paid in local currency.[1][4]
Additional requirements may apply depending on your country of application (such as a copy of your birth certificate or marriage certificate, if married), and procedures may vary depending on whether you apply through the embassy, a registered agency, or online.[2][4]
The application process generally includes:
- Gather all required documents.
- Submit the application at the Japanese Embassy, Consulate, an accredited agency, or online (where available). Applications cannot be submitted from within Japan.[1][2]
- Pay the required visa fee.[4]
- Wait for processing: Usually 5 business days after the mission/agency receives your complete application, though it could be longer if additional documents or checks are required.[1][2][3]
- Collect your visa once notified of approval.[1]
Single-entry tourist visas are valid for 3 months from the date of issue (typically allowing a stay of up to 90 days and are usually not extendable). Multiple-entry visas may be valid from 1 to 5 years, depending on nationality and individual circumstances, but each stay is limited (often 15 or 30 days per visit).[4]
Be sure to check for the most up-to-date requirements and fees with your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate before applying, as requirements and pricing can change.[4]
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