Visa Information
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Please note: This page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It is created solely for the benefit of SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 registrants. The information provided below is credited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Important Reminder: While the information provided here is valid as of 25th April 2024, visitors should verify its current status by checking the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
Do I need to apply for a Visa to enter Japan?
As of 8 April 2024, Japan has implemented visa exemption arrangements for 71 countries/regions (Click here to check if your country is included in this exemption list). Travelers from certain countries or regions, including China, Russia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), will need to apply for a visa to enter Japan.
The visa exemption is only applicable for short-term stays. The permitted period of stay upon arrival in Japan varies as follows:
- 15 days for Indonesia & Thailand
- 14 days for Brunei
- 30 days for the United Arab Emirates & Qatar
- 90 days for the remaining countries/regions that are eligible
The processing time for visa applications typically takes 5 working days from the day following the submission of the application. However, the processing time may be extended during periods of high visa applications. It is recommended to apply for your Visa at least 1 month prior to your travel to ensure sufficient time for processing and avoid any potential delays.
Click here for the updated list of visa exemption arrangements and to check on your passport eligibility and any pre-requisites.
Click here to check the visa application fee based on your visa type and nationality.
To Apply For Visa Online – JAPAN eVISA
The JAPAN eVISA (Electronic Visa) system allows applicants to apply for a visa online, issuing an electronic visa for short-term tourism purposes. Applicants must travel to Japan by plane. As of 1 April 2024, the JAPAN eVISA is eligible if you fulfil the following requirements:
- You are not a national/citizen of visa exemption countries/regions
- You reside legally in the following countries/regions: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, U.S.A.
- You are an ordinary passport holder
- You are traveling to Japan by air
- You are planning to stay in Japan for less than 90 days (short-term) for the purpose of tourism
- You are applying for a single-entry visa
When the eVISA is issued through JAPAN eVISA, you will not have a visa sticker in your passport. You will be requested to display “visa issuance notice” on your device (e.g. smartphone, tablet) when checking in at the airport. Other forms of displays (e.g. PDF, screenshots) will not be accepted.
- Click here for instructions on how to display your “visa issuance notice” upon arrival at the airport.
- Click here for more information on the flow of online visa application.
Other ways to apply for a Japan Visa
if you are ineligible to apply online, there are 3 other ways to apply for a visa to enter Japan:
- Japanese Embassy/Consulate General
- Authorize a Proxy to go to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General
- Use an accredited Travel Agent approved by the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General
However, depending on circumstances in your country or region, there may be cases where documents must be submitted by the applicant personally before making a trip to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General or through an accredited travel agent.
Before proceeding with your application, it is advisable to check with the embassy or consulate to which you intend to apply for further guidance. For more information on the JAPAN eVISA, please click here.
Need Help?
For more information on Visa to Japan, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan or contact the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan.
Should you require further assistance, please reach out to the SIGGRAPH Asia Registration Team here.
