If you plan to work, study or even travel in Japan, you may need a visa. Fortunately you can apply for one easily. The visa process should only take 5 working days. It may even be quicker depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Those who plan to work in Japan cannot do so without a working visa. If you plan to travel around the country for more than 90 days you will also need a visa.
Obtaining a visa will allow you to stay in the country longer. In this article we shall take a look at how long the visa process takes. Also why you might need a visa.
How Long Will It Take To Get A Visa For Japan?
Most visas take 5 working days to complete. This is if there are no hiccups along the way. If there are, expect the process to take longer.
This does not account for how long it takes for you to complete the process either. You will need to fill out an application form. You may also need to gather up all of the supporting documents too.
This might be needing documents from your workplace or where you study. You then may need to contact an attorney to notarise documents for you.
You will also need to have a medical to make sure that you are healthy enough to undertake your travel and stay in Japan. This means the process could take a few weeks. However, once you send off your full application form it should only take 5 days.
Do Americans Need A Visa To Have A Vacation In Japan?
October 11 2022 became a significant moment for Americans. After waiting for travel to return post-pandemic, Japan announced something exciting.
Tourists from America no longer need a visa for a short-term visit. This means that if you are planning a vacation, you can stay for up to three months without a visa.
If you do need to go to Japan for longer than 90 days, then you will need a visa. If you are planning to work or study in Japan, you will also need a specialized visa.
Should You Apply For A Visa In Advance?
It is always best to apply for a visa before traveling to Japan. Without the visa, you may be detained and sent back to your home country.
Having a visa ensures that the government has agreed the terms of your stay. You will also feel relaxed knowing that you have a visa to hand.
Having a visa also means that you are not in the country for illegal purposes. While studying may not seem like a crime, you do need to inform the official authorities.
Applying for a visa to Japan in good time means you make no mistakes. You will also have plenty of time to find the relevant documents to support your application.
Also, you will need to take a medical before you get accepted to ensure you are fit and healthy. There are some diseases which will be taken into account. These may cause your visas to be rejected.
What Is A Japanese Residence Card And Who Gets One?
For those who are staying over 90 days, you will need to obtain a residence card. Otherwise known as a Zairyu card, it is required as part of your long-term stay.
When you receive a visa, you will likely be pointed in the direction of where to get your card. Sometimes it is obtained at the airport. You can also get it from the regional immigration office.
It is a card that you need on your person’s everywhere. The police may stop to ask to look at your card. It is basically proof of your identity and that you are allowed to stay long-term.
You are breaking the local law if you do not have the card on you – so keep that in mind! If you move to a brand-new residence, you also need to inform the appropriate local authorities.
Final Thoughts
Having a visa in Japan is important for many reasons. There are also different types of visas available, depending on your situation. If you plan to work in Japan, you will need a visa.
Without one you will be deported back to your home country. You will also need a visa if you plan to stay in Japan for more than 90 days.
You may need a visa for other important reasons too. Being in Japan without the appropriate visa may get you into serious trouble.
Fortunately, the process for a visa should only take 5 days. If you are just planning a vacation for a couple of weeks, then you won’t need a visa at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans Need A Visa For Japan?
As of October 11 2022, Americans will not need to present a visa in Japan for a short-term vacation. A short-term vacation is classed as three months.
However, if you are planning to stay longer or plan to work or study, you will need a visa. You will not need to apply for a re-entry permit if you leave Japan temporarily.
Can A Visa For Japan Be Rejected?
Yes, the Japanese embassy may reject your visa application. If they see you are unemployed or have no connections to the country, they may reject your application.
One reason is because they might suspect you are looking for work in the country illegally. You may also be applying for the wrong visa. There are many reasons why an application for a visa may be rejected.
Do You Need To Have An Interview For A Visa?
You do not normally need to go through an interview process for a visa. However, this does not mean it will never happen. Most applications are done online.
You will need to send supporting documents, and sometimes the embassy may ask for more information. If the embassy does find it necessary, they will ask to interview you.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
