Visa Information
Below information is just for reference. Polies may subject to change. Please consult the embassy and local agency for most up-to-date visa application process.
Any foreign visitor who wishes to enter Japan must have a passport, which will remain valid during the period of stay. In order to enter Japan, visitors usually must comply with the conditions of their visas and authorizations of resident eligibility. However, visa exemptions can be made for citizens of sixty-six different countries provided that their stays are within ninety days such as with stays for sightseeing purposes and that they do not engage in activities where they earn compensation. This page provides information on short stays. Revisions in visa conditions are made periodically. Therefore, please check the “Visa” section in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website if the latest and detailed information on standard visas or visas other than for those for short stay programs is needed.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.htm
Processing Time and Fee
On Short Stays – Countries and regions that do not require visas
The following is a list of nationals of
countries that have “Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangements” with Japan:
For a period of 90 days or less
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria(*7), Bahamas, Barbados(*6), Belgium,
Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia, France, Germany(*7), Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong(*3),
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland(*7), Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho(*6),
Liechtenstein(*7), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao(*4), Malaysia(*1), Malta,
Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Serbia(*2), Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland(*7), Taiwan(*5), Tunisia,
Turkey(*6), United Kingdom(*7), United States and Uruguay
For a period of 15 days or less
Thailand(*2) and Brunei
(*1) For nationals of Malaysia (since July 1, 2013), visas are not required only
for holders of ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not
hold such ePassport are advised to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be
strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.
(*2) For nationals of Thailand (since July 1, 2013) and Serbia (since May 1,
2013), visas are not required only for holders of ePassport in compliance with
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
(*3) For citizens of Hong Kong, visas are not required only for holders of
Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport issued by the Hong Kong SAR of the
People’s Republic of China or British National Overseas (BNO) passports who have
the right of residence in Hong Kong.
(*4) For citizens of Macao, visas are not required only for holders of SAR
passport issued by the Macao SAR of the People’s Republic of China.
(*5) For citizens of Taiwan, visas are not required only for holders of Taiwan
passport which includes a personal identification number.
(*6) For nationals of Barbados (since April 1, 2010), Turkey (since April 1,
2011) and Lesotho (since April 1, 2010), visas are not required only for holders
of Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or ePassport in compliance with ICAO
standards. Those who do not hold an MRP or ePassport are advised to obtain a
visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to
Japan.
(*7) For nationals of those countries with visa exemptions permitting stays of
up to 6 months under the bilateral visa exemption arrangements, those who wish
to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of
the period of stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau)
before the period of permitted stay is to expire.
(*8) Nationals of Peru (since July 15, 1995) and Colombia (since February 1,
2004), are advised to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly
examined and may be refused entry to Japan.
A “Temporary Visitor’s Visa” is usually required as permission to stay in Japan
for a period of up to 90 days for non-remunerative activities such as
sightseeing, participating in amateur sports, visiting relatives, taking
inspection tours, participating in lectures or research, attending conferences,
making business contacts or other similar activities.
Needless to say, the “Temporary Visitor’s Visa” cannot be used for any
remunerative purposes, which involve profit making or payment acceptance within
Japan by the visitor.
Invitation Letter
For security purposes, the conference has the
following policies for issuing Invitation Letters:
● Visa Support Letters will only be issued after your successful registration.
● Visa Support Letters can only be issued to the person accepted to attend the
conference
Note: Obtaining a Visa Support Letter will not guarantee your visa application being approved. The letter merely explains your travel intention to Japan.