Is It Easy To Get A Visa In Japan?

Many countries require visas to travel the world and visit other countries.

However, does Japan? If they do, how long does it take for them to get a visa, and is it easy? What if you need to get your visa extended when you are in Japan? 

These questions are important if you are planning on visiting Japan. Especially if you are planning on having a mid to long term visa. 

Luckily, for EU, US, and UK citizens, visas are not needed to visit Japan unless they stay for more than 90 days. This means that visas will not always be necessary for many people.

So, if you would like to find out about getting a visa in Japan, keep reading! We will cover everything you need to know.

Is It Easy To Get A Visa In Japan?

According to the Henley Report, Japan has the most powerful visa in the world.

This means that Japanese citizens can travel visa free to most countries around the globe, or Japanese citizens only need a visa on arrival or even an eVisa.

This will vary from country to country, however, and some countries such as Australia still require a visa. 

Getting a visa in Japan is much like getting a visa anywhere else in the world. The application process can be done online, and costs a small fee.

All relevant information must be submitted before a visa can be granted. 

Do Japanese Citizens Need A Visa To Visit Other Countries?

Japanese citizens do not require a visa to visit many countries for up to 90 days. This includes many countries in Europe, the United States, and Canada.

However, they will require a visa if they wish to stay in the country for longer than 90 days. 

Many other countries still require Japan to have a visa. This includes countries such as Australia, Brazil, Afghanistan, Algeria, Cuba, and many more. 

The longest that a Japanese national can stay in another country without a visa is one year in Georgia.

Countries such as Vietnam, Laos, China, and Tao Tome and Principe, on the other hand, only allow Japanese citizens to stay in your country without a visa for 15 days.

Brunei allows Japanese nationals to stay visa free for just 14 days before they are required to get a visa. 

Some countries require Japanese citizens to have an online visa, such as the Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Benin, Angola, Kenya, Myanmar, South Sudan, and Uganda. 

However, in many cases these citizens will simply require an eTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization.

This is linked electronically to their passport, and will be valid for up to five years, or if the passport expires before then. 

How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa In Japan?

Getting a visa in Japan should take as little as 5 days. However, this could vary depending on the type of visa an individual is looking to get, and their reason for travel.

Some countries may take longer to grant visas than others. 

Is It Easy To Get A Visa Extended In Japan?

Depending on the type of visa you have, you might not be able to extend your visa in Japan. It will also depend on whether your circumstances have changed since you applied for your previous visa.

Generally, visa extensions are offered to individuals who have mid or long term types of visas. These include student and working visas, and might also include a variety of other visas, like family-related visa types.  

Individuals with tourist visas, however, are not typically granted visa extensions. However, an extension might be granted under very specific circumstances.

With that being said, there are a number of countries, including the US and UK, that have visa exemption agreements with Japan.

This means that they may be able to stay for up to six months, but this will vary. 

What Information Is Needed To Get A Visa Extended In Japan?

To get a visa extension in Japan, you will need the following items:

• A completed application form
• Your passport photo (this is not necessary for those under the age of 16, people requesting an extension of under three months, or mid to long term residents)
• Your passport
• Your valid current residence card
• Any specific documents based on any activities undertaken while in Japan
• Visa type 

To extend your student visa, you will need to bring the following items as well as those mentioned above:

• Proof that you can cover your expenses (e.g. bank statements)
• Certificate of enrollment and a transcript from your educational institution
• Proof of residence for those age to 18 years old

Additional information will also be required to extend a work visa, and a spouse visa.

As long as you can provide all information needed, you should have no problems extending your visa if there is a good reason for it. 

How Long Does It Take To Get A Japanese Visa Extended?

Getting your visa extended in Japan will usually take anywhere between two weeks to one month. The processing time starts from the day that the local Immigration Service receives your application and starts working on it. 

Visa extension success will depend on whether you can provide all necessary information, and if you have a good reason to have your visa extended.

Individuals with tourism visas are very unlikely to have their request granted, but many others’ applications will be given the go ahead. 

Final Thoughts 

Getting a visa in Japan is a pretty easy process as long as you fit all requirements. However, Japanese citizens rarely need a visa to visit a country if they are only planning on staying for a short time.

Countries like the United States and United Kingdom allow Japanese nationals to stay in their country for up to 90 days without a visa. 

Other countries, like Cuba and Afghanistan, on the other hand, require Japanese visitors to have a valid visa. In other countries, all that’s needed is an eTA or even a visa on arrival.

Nonetheless, the visa application is typically an easy one, but is no different to that of many other countries.