Japan
* Please see visa section
Passports
Passport valid for
the duration of intended stay in Japan required by all.Note
Whether or not they hold a visa, visitors who do not possess visible means of support for their stay, onward or return tickets, or other documents for their next destination, may be refused entry.Visas
Required by all except the following for tourism, short-term business meetings or to attend a conference:
(a) 1. nationals of countries referred to in the chart for up to 90 days (except nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the UK who although initially granted a 90-day stay may apply, while in Japan, to the local Immigration Department for an extension of up to a further 90 days, making the visa-free stay up to six months;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Barbados, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep) (visa exemption extended to Feb 2006), Lesotho, Macau (SAR), Federated States of Macedonia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Surinam, Taiwan (Republic of China, Taiwan passports with ID number), Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay for up to three months;
(c) nationals of Brunei for stays of up to 14 days.Types of visa and cost
Temporary Visitor: US$26 (single-entry) and US$53 (multiple-entry) for all except nationals of the following countries; Britain (except for BNO): US$10 (Single and Multiple-entry); Iran: US$45 (single-entry) and US$88 (multiple-entry); India: US$7 (single and multiple-entry).
Transit: US$7 for all except nationals of the following countries; India: US$1 ; Iran: US$45 ; Britain: US$2 Visas are free of charge to some nationalities, charges also vary according to the exchange rate and nature of intended visit.Validity
Transit: 15 days. Temporary Visitor: 15, 30 or 90 days. College Student: One or two years.Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information. Applications for all visas must be made in person.Application requirements
Temporary Visitor/Transit: (a) Valid passport. (b) One or two completed application forms depending on nationality. (c) One or two passport-size photos depending on nationality. (d) Proof of sufficient funds for stay (eg recent bank statement). (e) Fee (cash only). (f) Return air/sea ticket or copy. (g) Original letter from employer or college. (h) Letter of invitation from Japan or hotel booking. (i) Personal itinerary or schedule for the proposed trip. College Student: (a)-(e) and, (f) Copy of certificate of admission to Japanese educational institution.
Note: All visas must be applied for in person by each applicant. Once a visa has been issued, passports may be returned via post if a pre-paid, self-addressed, special delivery envelope is submitted. Further documents maybe required from applicants of certain nationalities; please contact the Embassy visa section for further information.Working days required
Five working days for applications that do not need referral to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. Up to four weeks if referral is needed. For those nationals that possess a Certificate of Eligibility, the processing time will be reduced to three days. Some types of visa may take three months or longer. Contact the nearest Consulate (or Consular section of the Embassy) for more information.Temporary residence
Contact the nearest Consulate (or Consular section of the Embassy) for more information.
No Test Required
Depends on airport; ¥2040 from Narita Airport. Children under 12 are charged half price; children under two are exempt. Departure tax is usually paid when purchasing tickets and not at the airport.
Embassy of Japan in the UK
101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT, UK
Tel: (020) 7465 6500 or 6565 (visa section).
Website: www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1430-1730; 0930-1330 and 1430-1630 (consular section). Embassy of Japan in the USA
2520 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 238 6700.
Website: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Most visits to Japan are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Do not become involved with drugs. Possession of small amounts will lead to detention and prosecution. Possession of large amounts earns long sentences of rigorous imprisonment and very heavy fines.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
