Japan New e-Visa System for Tourists from 11 Countries 2024

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented a new electronic visa (e-Visa) system that simplifies the application process and allows for brief visits for travelers from 11 countries. The e-Visa permits visitors to enter for a single 90-day period, with special restrictions for citizens of China and Vietnam.

Qualified international visitors seeking a brief stay in Japan can now access the new electronic visa (e-Visa) system from the Japanese Ministry of International Affairs. To enhance accessibility to Japan and streamline the visa application process, this digital innovation will be implemented on July 23, 2024.

Countries Eligible for Japan e-Visa

Foreign nationals residing in the following countries are eligible to apply for a Japan e-Visa:

• Brazil
• Australia
• Canada
• Saudi Arabia
• Cambodia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• Taiwan
• The United States
• Singapore
• United Kingdom

These tourists can now apply for and acquire their visas online through the Japan e-Visa system. It is imperative to bear in mind that e-visas are currently only available for aviation travel, even though the system is accessible to individuals with standard passports.

Application Process and Requirements

The new process necessitates that applicants submit their visa applications online, and they are only eligible if they are traveling by aircraft with a standard passport. The majority of the application process can be completed online; however, in certain circumstances, candidates may be required to attend an interview at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in person.

Benefits of Japan New e-Visa

• Convenience and Efficiency: The e-Visa application procedure is entirely online, eliminating the necessity of visiting a Japanese consulate or embassy. This expedites the process and enhances its convenience.
• Decreased Processing Time: The e-Visa is generally processed more quickly than traditional visa applications, enabling travelers to obtain their visas more quickly.
• Cost-Effective: The e-Visa allows applicants to reduce the expenses associated with courier services and travel that are typically associated with submitting tangible documents. In many cases, the digital process is more efficient and less costly.
• Accessibility: The e-Visa system is accessible to travelers worldwide, thereby facilitating the application process for visas to Japan for individuals from a wider range of countries without the need to overcome logistical obstacles.
• 24/7 Application Access: The process is more easily integrated into the schedules of applicants, as they can submit their visa applications from any location and at any time.
• Environmental Benefits: The e-Visa system is more environmentally favorable, as it reduces the need for paper applications and physical submissions, resulting in less paper waste.
• Simplified Document Submission: The e-Visa system enables the effortless upload of essential documents, with explicit instructions on the documentation that is necessary, thereby minimizing the likelihood of errors or missing information.
• Security and Tracking: The online system enables applicants to monitor the status of their visa applications in real time and improves the security of personal information.
• Boosts Tourism: Japan’s e-Visa is expected to increase the number of tourists visiting the country by simplifying the visa procedure, thereby improving the country’s tourism sector.
• Flexibility in Travel Planning: Travelers can plan their travels to Japan with greater flexibility, knowing that visa approval can be obtained in a timely manner, as a result of a more efficient and quick visa process.

Comprehensive e-Visa Guidelines

For the majority of qualified nationals, the Japan e-Visa permits a single entry for visitors, subject to a maximum stay of 90 days. However, there are distinct regulations that apply to Vietnamese and Chinese nationals. Vietnamese nationals residing in Vietnam are eligible for stays of up to 15 days, while Chinese individuals residing in China can obtain e-Visas for stays of up to 15 or 30 days.

Upon their arrival in Japan, travelers who possess an electronic visa are obligated to present a digital “visa issuance notice” at the airport. Please be advised that PDF data, photographs, and printed copies will not be accepted.

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Authorization for Future Travel in the Event of a Visa Exemption

In addition to the e-visa system, Japan plans to establish an electronic travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers. The objective of this new regulation is to enhance security and prevent unauthorized stays.

Tourists who lack a visa are required to electronically submit their travel itinerary, which includes their personal information and the purpose of their visit, before entering Japan. This strategy is a part of Japan’s broader efforts to strengthen its entry protocols and is expected to be implemented in 2025.

Japan’s Visa Issuance in 2023

In 2023, Japan issued 4.1 million visas, a significant increase from the 1.4 million visas issued in 2022. Out of this total, 2.4 million visas—or 58%—were issued to Chinese citizens. Despite this increase, the number of visas issued is lower than it was in 2019, before the pandemic, when Japan issued 8.2 million.

Conclusion

The introduction of Japan’s new e-Visa system has marked a significant stride toward the modernization of its travel laws and the expansion of its accessibility to foreign visitors. In anticipation of the forthcoming implementation of electronic travel authorizations for visa-exempt passengers, Japan is making significant progress in enhancing security and expediting entry procedures. This will enhance the safety and efficiency of all visitors’ travel to the country.

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