Japan Visa

Japan — Visa Overview

About Japan

Japan is a nation of extraordinary contrasts — a place where ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity coexist in perfect harmony. It is a country that captivates every traveller from the moment they arrive, offering experiences that are deeply cultural, visually stunning, and unlike anything else in the world.

Tokyo — one of the world's greatest cities — pulses with energy, innovation, and world-class cuisine, from the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the serene temples of Asakusa and the imperial gardens of the East Palace. Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, is a living museum of traditional Japan — home to over a thousand temples, iconic geisha districts, and some of the most breathtaking seasonal landscapes on earth, including the famous cherry blossom corridors of Arashiyama and Philosopher's Path. Osaka captivates with its vibrant street food culture, historic Osaka Castle, and the warmth and humour of its people.

Beyond these iconic cities, Japan reveals a country of extraordinary natural beauty and regional diversity. Hokkaido in the north enchants with dramatic volcanic landscapes, world-class ski resorts, and lavender fields that rival Provence. Okinawa in the south offers pristine turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a unique Ryukyuan culture distinct from mainland Japan. Between them lie the spiritual grandeur of Mount Fuji, the deer-filled pathways of Nara, the historic atomic memorial sites of Hiroshima, and the geometric beauty of the Japanese Alps.

Japan is also a global leader in technology, automotive manufacturing, robotics, and pop culture — making it a destination of equal importance for business travellers and tourists alike. Safe, clean, punctual, and deeply hospitable, Japan remains one of the most rewarding destinations on earth for every kind of traveller.

What is a Japan Visa?

A Japan visa is an official travel authorisation issued by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, permitting foreign nationals to enter Japan for a specified purpose and duration. Japan offers two distinct visa pathways — the Japan eVisa and the regular visa with sticker — and the applicable route depends entirely on the passport held and the country of residence.

Important: Since 1 August 2024, the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai no longer accepts visa applications directly. All ordinary passport visa applications — including eVisa — are routed exclusively through VFS Global, the official partner of both the Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai.

Do You Need a Japan Visa? — UAE, India & KSA

UAE — Nationals: UAE nationals holding an ICAO-compliant ePassport are visa exempt and may enter Japan for up to 90 days without any visa. This exemption has been in place since 1 November 2022. The ePassport is identified by the ePassport symbol on the front cover of the passport. UAE nationals who do not hold an ICAO-compliant ePassport are required to obtain a visa before travelling.

UAE — Residents: All residents of the UAE — regardless of their own nationality — who require a visa for Japan must submit their application through VFS Global. Residents of the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah submit applications at the Japan Visa Application Centre in Dubai. Residents of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain submit at the Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi through VFS Global. Applications can be submitted only within 90 days of the planned travel date to Japan.

KSA — Nationals & Residents: Saudi Arabian nationals and residents are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Japan. Both KSA nationals and residents — regardless of their own nationality — are eligible to apply for the Japan eVisa directly through the official JAPAN eVISA website — evisa.mofa.go.jp.

India — Nationals: Indian nationals require a visa to enter Japan and are eligible for the Japan eVisa. However, Indian nationals cannot apply independently — the application must be submitted through an accredited agency. Rayna Tours is an accredited agency and can process this application on behalf of Indian applicants.

Two Visa Options — eVisa & Regular Sticker Visa

Option 1 — Japan eVisa Tourism only · Single entry · Up to 90 days

The Japan eVisa is a fully digital tourism visa applied for online through the official JAPAN eVISA website — evisa.mofa.go.jp. No physical sticker is placed in the passport — upon approval, applicants receive a digital Visa Issuance Notice which must be displayed on a smartphone or tablet with a live internet connection at the airport when boarding and upon arrival at the Japanese border. PDF downloads, offline screenshots, and printed copies are strictly not accepted.

Important: Applications submitted with incomplete or incorrect documents will be cancelled without processing. The applicant must reapply — cancelled applications are non-refundable.

Option 2 — Regular Visa with Sticker For business, family visits, multiple entry, and all purposes not covered by the eVisa

The regular Japan visa is a physical sticker affixed directly into the applicant's passport by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate. It covers all visa purposes — tourism, business, and family visits — and may be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry depending on the applicant's profile, nationality, and visa category. All regular visa applications are submitted through VFS Global.

Important: The Consulate General of Japan in Dubai reserves the right to issue a single-entry visa even when a multiple-entry visa has been requested. The duration of stay is also determined solely by the Consulate.

Visa Validity & Permitted Stay

UAE nationals (visa exempt): Up to 90 days per visit — no visa required, subject to the immigration officer's assessment at the port of entry.

eVisa: Single entry, up to 90 days, tourism only. Applications must be submitted no earlier than 90 days before the intended travel date.

Regular sticker visa: Validity, number of entries, and permitted stay are determined solely by the issuing Japanese Embassy or Consulate based on the applicant's nationality, profile, purpose of visit, and travel history.

Permitted Activities — Tourism & Business

Tourism: Sightseeing, leisure travel, visiting family or friends, and cultural experiences.

Business: Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, trade fairs, and business negotiations. It is not permitted to perform any revenue-generating business activities or receive any remuneration during the stay.

Processing Time

Processing of the Japan visa application takes a minimum of 8 to 10 working days from the date of submission — excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays announced by the Embassy of Japan. If documents are not submitted as per requirements, or due to any other factors, processing time may be extended to 3 to 4 weeks.

Please note: Applications can be submitted only within 90 days of the intended date of travel to Japan. Applications submitted beyond this window will not be accepted.

Group Applications

For school trips, corporate training, or group travel of 10 or more applicants, please contact the Rayna Tours team at least 2 weeks prior to the VFS appointment date with the following information: representative details, applicant information (name, passport number, nationality, UAE visa), travel dates, and purpose of visit.

Important Notices

• It is not permitted to stay in Japan for more than 90 days, or to perform any revenue-generating business operations or receive remuneration under a short-term visitor visa status.
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents that do not meet the requirements stated in the checklist or advised at the VFS counter will result in immediate rejection or termination of the application by the Consulate.
• A smartphone or tablet device with internet access is required to display the Visa Issuance Notice at Japan immigration for eVisa applicants.
• Applications cannot be accepted if the flight is scheduled within 2 weeks of the application date.

General Disclaimer

All visa decisions — including approval, refusal, validity, number of entries, and permitted duration of stay — rest solely with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the issuing Embassy or Consulate, and Japanese immigration authorities at the port of entry. Rayna Tours acts as a professional visa assistance provider only. Submission of a complete application does not guarantee visa approval or entry into Japan.

Terms & Conditions — Japan Visa Assistance

• Rayna Tours provides professional assistance with the Japan visa application process — including documentation guidance, application review, and appointment coordination through VFS Global or the authorised Visa Application Centre. Rayna Tours has no affiliation with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy, or Consulate.
• All visa applications are submitted through VFS Global or the authorised Visa Application Centre — not directly by Rayna Tours. Appointment availability is managed solely by the Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global and cannot be guaranteed.
• Rayna Tours acts only as a professional visa assistance facilitator. All decisions relating to document acceptance, interview requirements, visa processing, and final approval or refusal rest solely with the Japanese authorities.
• All fees — including government visa fees, VFS service charges, and Rayna Tours service fees — are strictly non-refundable once the application process has been initiated, regardless of the outcome.
• Applicants must attend their VFS appointment on the confirmed date and time with all required original documents. Failure to attend or submitting incomplete documentation may result in delays or requirement of a fresh appointment.
• Applications can only be submitted within 90 days of the intended travel date. Applications cannot be accepted if the flight is scheduled within 2 weeks of the application date.
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents that do not meet the requirements stated in the checklist will result in immediate rejection or termination of the application by the Consulate.
• Assistance with the visa application does not guarantee approval. Any changes in visa procedures, processing timelines, appointment availability, or additional document requests by the Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global are beyond Rayna Tours' control.