UAE residents seeking a Japan e-visa: Costs, documents, eligibility explained
Japan experienced a surge in tourism, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with over 2.4 million international visitors in 2023.
To further facilitate travel, Japan introduced an e-visa for tourism purposes in 2023, simplifying entry procedures for nationalities requiring a visa.
As of November 2022, nationals of the United Arab Emirates no longer require entrance permits for travel to Japan. However, citizens of other Emirates can apply for the e-visa online. The list of countries requiring a visa for entry into Japan can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
The Japan e-visa is a new system aimed at streamlining tourism to the country. It allows international visitors to submit applications and documents online, covering the entire process from application and payment to issuance.
Travelers from certain countries can apply for the e-visa online. These countries include the US, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the UAE, the UK, and the SA.
The Japan short-term e-visa is a single-entry visa valid for 90 days. It has a validity period of three months from the day of issuance.
The processing time for the e-visa is approximately four weeks, according to the official website of the Japanese embassy in Dubai.
The visa fee varies by nationality, with most nationalities requiring Dh80, while Indians pay Dh20. Some nationalities are exempt from the visa fee, and details are available on the Japan Embassy website.
A passport, photo, Emirates ID, flight details, personal bank statement from a UAE bank for the last three months, a certificate of employment with position and monthly salary, details about your stay and hotel, and a document proving your legal residency are all necessary for the e-visa application.
Application Process:
- Go to the Japan e-visa website and review the paperwork.
- Make a password and user ID.
- Include all relevant personal and travel information while filling out the application.
- Send in your application; "Temporarily received" will be the status when you do so.
- We will review your application and may ask for more papers from you.
- Get confirmation after paying the visa cost, if applicable.
- To access your Japan e-visa, download the app and show it to immigration officials when you arrive.
The entire process, from application to issuance, can be conveniently completed online, providing ease for travelers planning a trip to Japan.
