6 July 2009
Declaration of Safe Travel to Japan
The Government of Japan has made the maximum effort to minimize the health impact to the Japanese citizens and people traveling in and out of Japan and assure the safety of everyone within the country ever since the global outbreak of the H1N1 virus. Consequently, most of the infected patients have recovered.
Therefore, this is to inform you that there is no health concern regarding trips to Japan, and that tourism in Japan is as safe and enjoyable. One needs only to take general preventive caution for ordinary influenza.
Summer travel season is just around the corner, and we hope as many people as possible enjoy this year’s vacation travel to Japan as usual.
Kazuyoshi Kaneko
Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan
27 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) – Update on cases in Japan as at 27 May 2009
1. On 27 May, the number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in Japan was 361 as at 12.00 noon on that date.
2. Including those discovered during onboard inspections at airports, cases of infection are distributed in 10 areas: the prefectures of Fukuoka, Hyogo, Osaka, Shiga, Kyoto, Wakayama, Shizuoka, Kanagawa and Saitama as well as the city of Tokyo.
Related links
Infectious Disease Surveillance Center (IDSC) : http://idsc.nih.go.jp/disease/swine_influenza_e/index.html
26 May 2009
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
Influenza A (H1N1): the Current Situation in Japan
1. Confirmed cases in Japan
Number of Confirmed Influenza A Cases in Japan (regularly updated) :
⇒Please visit the IDSC (Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan) website (Japanese / English)
More information may be obtained from :
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
Call Centre: +81-3-3501-9031(9am~9pm, Japanese language only)
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/influenza_a/index.html
2. Quarantine Procedure upon Entry into Japan (revised 22 May)
⇒Passengers arriving from the United States of America (mainland only), Canada and Mexico will undergo an on-board quarantine check upon arrival ONLY when a passenger with influenza-like symptoms has been reported in flight.
⇒Close contacts (passengers seated nearby) of a confirmed patient will be monitored at a designated healthcare facility. No detainment measures will be taken.
(1) Flights from affected countries and regions
⇒If a passenger with influenza-like symptoms has been reported in flight,
① an on-board quarantine check will be conducted in order to detect other passengers with influenza-like symptoms and to identify their close contacts (as above). All other passengers will disembark and proceed to a quarantine station to undergo a thermography test as well as to fill in a questionnaire.
② close contacts (as above) will remain seated until checked by a quarantine officer with a questionnaire. Close contacts (as above) will be monitored after entry.
③ Passengers with influenza-like symptoms will be isolated at a designated medical facility if tested positive.
⇒If no passengers with influenza-like symptoms are reported in flight,
① quarantine officers will board the aircraft and request all the passengers to complete a questionnaire.
② if no influenza-like symptoms are reported, the passengers will disembark and proceed to a quarantine station to undergo a thermography test and hand in the completed questionnaire.
(2) Flights from unaffected countries and regions
Passengers will disembark, proceed to a quarantine station to undergo a thermography test and hand in the completed questionnaire.
※ Health Monitoring: a local healthcare facility near your hotel or residence will monitor your health for a designated period after your entry into Japan.
25 May 2009
Resumption of visa exemption for Mexican nationals
1. The visa exemption for short-term stays for Mexican nationals has been resumed with effect from 22 May 2009.
2. Mexican nationals wishing to enter Japan for a short-term stay will now be exempt from the requirement to submit an application for a temporary visitor’s visa to Japan.
25 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) – Update on cases in Japan as at 25 May 2009
1. On 25 May, the number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in Japan was 343. These cases are distributed in 7 regions (Hyogo Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Tokyo City, Kanagawa Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture) and Narita airport, where a male passenger returning to Japan from Canada was confirmed to be infected during onboard inspections on 24 May. This brings to 5 the total number of cases of infection discovered during onboard inspections at Narita airport.
2. Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura announced at a press conference that the outbreak of influenza A had yet to reach a point at which the government could declare it to have settled or calmed down, but the situation was showing signs of coming under control. According to the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry, apart from those who have severe symptoms, the majority of patients are recovering or recuperating at home.
22 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) – Update on cases in Japan as at 22 May 2009
1. On 22 May, the number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in Japan was 292 as at 9.00 am on that date.
2. On 21 May, Saitama Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture (Kyoto City) each reported one confirmed case of infection, both of which were the first influenza A cases in those areas. Including these two confirmed cases, the distribution of cases is as follows:
Hyogo Prefecture cases Osaka Prefecture cases Shiga Prefecture case Kyoto Prefecture case Tokyo City case Kanagawa Prefecture case Saitama Prefecture case Onboard inspections at Narita airport cases
21 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) – Update on cases in Japan as at 21 May 2009
1. On 20 May, the city of Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture confirmed that two high school students had contracted influenza A (H1N1). Including these two confirmed cases, cases of infection numbered 267 in total as at 5.00 pm on that date.
The distribution of cases is as follows:
Hyogo Prefecture cases Osaka Prefecture cases Shiga Prefecture case Tokyo City case Kanagawa Prefecture case Onboard inspections at Narita airport cases
2. The two students, who attend the same high school, are the first people in Japan to be infected with influenza A (H1N1) outside the Kansai region. They tested positive for the virus after returning to Japan from a study trip to the United States.
20 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) – Update on cases in Japan as at 20 May 2009
1. At 5.00 pm on 20 May, the number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in Japan was 196. Cases of infection have primarily been verified in the region of Kansai, while four cases have been discovered during onboard inspections at Narita airport. The distribution of cases is as follows:
Hyogo Prefecture approx. Osaka Prefecture approx. Shiga Prefecture approx.
2. On 19 May, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan announced that more than 2,900 people had had close contact with patients suffering from influenza A (H1N1).
19 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) — update on cases in Japan
On 18 May 2009, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan announced the number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection – commonly known as swine flu – as at 5.00 pm on that date.
Domestic infections verified in Osaka prefecture and the city of Kobe in Hyogo prefecture numbered 130 cases in total, including four cases discovered during onboard inspections at Narita airport.
Osaka prefecture announced that all municipal middle and high schools would be temporary closed until 24 May, while Hyogo prefecture was considering taking similar measures. Furthermore, a bank in the city confirmed that an employee of a local branch had contracted the disease.
The signs and symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) infection are similar to seasonal flu. A high fever has been observed in a few cases, but moderate symptoms appear in most cases of infection according to the ministry as well as reports from Osaka prefecture and Kobe city.
For information and updates concerning influenza A (H1N1) in Japan, please visit the homepage of the Infectious Disease Surveillance Centre (IDSC) at http://idsc.nih.go.jp/disease/swine_influenza_e/case-e-2009/090518case_e.html
April 2009
Note: Resumption of visa exemption for Mexican nationals
Visa Requirement for Mexican Nationals
Due to the spread of the new strain of influenza (swine flu) in Mexico and following the announcement by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that it has raised its international pandemic alert to Phase 4, the Government of Japan has decided to suspend the visa exemption for Mexican nationals wishing to visit Japan for short-term stays temporarily from 28 April 2009.
In line with this decision, Mexican nationals wishing to enter Japan for a short-term stay will now be required to submit an application for a temporary visitor’s visa to Japan.
(Note: holders of diplomatic and official passports continue to enjoy waiver of the visa requirements.)
Please refer to our homepage at http://www.hk.emb-japan.go.jp/eng/visa.html for details of the documents necessary for applying for a temporary visitor’s visa.
June 2008
Japanese visa examination duration on or after 10 July 2008
In relation to the Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit in July this year, the duration of visa examination has been extended to 5 working days (Note) from 1 March 2008 to 9 July 2008. However, for visa applications on or after 10 July 2008, this will be changed to 3 working days. (However, for PRC, Russia and NIS countries passport holders as well as for certain cases, it may take about 10 working days to 2 weeks).
It may cause inconvenience to some visa applicants, but please understand that due to the increase in the number of visa applications etc., the duration of visa examination will be changed from the original 2 working days to 3 working days.
(Note) Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays in Japan and main Public Holidays in Hong Kong.
April 2006
Criteria of Visa Issuance
In principle, Japanese visa will be issued to an applicant, when he/she fills all of the following requirements and the issuance is regarded as reasonable.
a) The applicant possesses a valid passport and is entitled for the re-entry to a country of which he/she is a national or citizen or a country of his/her residence.
b) All submitted documents shall be authentic, completed and satisfactory.
c) The activities to be engaged in while in Japan, or the civil status or the position of the applicant, and the period of stay shall meet the requirements for the status of residence and the period of stay stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. (Cabinet Order No.319 of 1951. hereinafter referred to as “the Act”)
d) The applicant shall not fall under any of the items of Article 5, Paragraph1 of the Act.
February 2008
Application procedure for a temporary visitor visa
The following is the visa application procedure for temporary visits of up to 90 days for such purposes as sightseeing; visits to relatives, friends, or acquaintances; and short-term business trips. All of the above purposes of journey to Japan exclude engaging in any activity involving the management of business or remuneration.
○ ‘Short-term business’ activities include:
・ the exchange of people for culture, for inter-municipal relationships or for sport etc.
・ business contact, participating in conference, business meetings, contract signing, maintenance service, advertising, or market research conducted under a short term stay.
○‘Visits to relatives or acquaintances’:
・ ‘relatives’ in general denotes spouse, and relatives by blood or relatives by affinity within three degrees of relationship.
・‘acquaintances’ include friends.
<Common points to be noted>
- Hong Kong or Macau residents are eligible for visa applications. Temporary visitors are illegible for visa applications. Hong Kong or Macau residency visas as well as Hong Kong or Macau ID card need to be demonstrated. For those with residency visas expiring during their period of stay in Japan, please extend the residency visa before visa application.
- In principle, applicants must apply in person. Applying for family members are only permitted if legal relationship proofs such as marriage certificate or birth certificate are presented upon application. Even in the case of applying for family members, an application form must be signed by the applicant (for minors not in school yet, a parent may sign on his/her behalf).
- Original documents should be submitted within 3 months of their issuance. Please note that photocopied documents and documents without appropriate chops and signatures (in the case of companies, company chops and representative’s seal or signature; in the case of individuals, personal seal or signature is required) are not acceptable.
- Please note that an application will not be accepted unless all required documents are presented (including photocopied documents and documents where appropriate chops and signatures are required). Also, each category of the visa application form must be filled in properly (please fill in ‘nil’ or ‘N/A’ where appropriate).
- Please note that applicants may be requested to provide any other document deemed necessary.
- Upon visa issuance, a third party may collect an applicant’s visa on his or her behalf (except for HKDI or Macau Travel Permit holders, and those who are specially instructed to collect the visa in person). A visa application receipt must be presented.
- The visa application fee must be paid in Hong Kong dollars and in cash only. The visa fee may vary depending on the passport and visa type. Please reconfirm upon visa application.
- In general, the validity of the visa is 3 months, and there will be no extensions.
- Please note that all submitted documents will not be returned to the applicants with visa applications that are not approved or withdrawn.
General Passport holders (other than PRC / HKDI / Macau Travel Permit / Russia / NIS countries)
<Common Necessary Documents>
- Visa Application Form to Enter Japan (Must be signed by the applicant. Please see format)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Hong Kong or Macau identity card (original and copy)
- Valid Hong Kong or Macau residency visa (original and copy)
- One passport-size color photo taken within 6 months (45mm X 45mm, front-facing, without hat, without background)
- Documents listed below (original)
For short-term business
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ In the case where the applicant is responsible for the travel expenses, a past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy).
(Note) There are cases where documents from Japan such as invitation letter, business transactions proof, meeting details, itinerary, guarantee letter, corporate registration/ an explanation or outline of the company or organization, are required.
For visit to relative or acquaintances
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ Documents showing the relationship between the applicant and the relative or acquaintance
In the case of a relative, family register, birth certificates etc
In the case of an acquaintance, documents that show the relationship between applicant and inviting person (photographs or letters etc)・ Documents showing ability to support the travel expenses
A past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy).
[Necessary documents prepared by the guarantor in Japan]
・ Invitation letter (format attached)
・ Guarantee letter (format attached)
・ Guarantor’s certificate of employment (In the case of self-employment, a copy of the business license certificate or corporate registration)
・ Latest tax imposition (payment) slip issued by local government offices, tax payment slip issued by taxation offices or copy of income declaration endorsed by taxation office (each must show the total amount of income. Tax subtraction slip (gensen-chosyu-hyou) is not acceptable).
・ Guarantor’s authorized copy of residence registration (for household use). In the case of a foreigner, a certificate of alien registration (for household use). A foreigner is only eligible to be a guarantor if he/she is residing in Japan under a 3-year or above period of stay with employment status.
・ Guarantor’s passport copy (including bio-data page and pages with residency related visas and immigration stamps)
For sight-seeing
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ Documents showing ability to support the travel expenses
A past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy).
(Note) There are cases where flight or ship confirmation, schedule etc are required.
<Visa Issuance>
In principle (it is necessary to submit all required documents), a visa is issued after 3 working days from the date of visa application (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday). However, the duration of visa examination may vary depending on the passport type and purpose of journey etc.
HKDI / Macau Travel Permit holders
<Points to be noted>
・ The HKDI or Macau Travel Permit must have at least 6 months validity.
・ Applying for family members is possible according to the <Common points to be noted>. However, the applicant must come in person on the visa issuance day due to the necessity of his or her own signature.
<Common Necessary documents>
- Visa Application Form to Enter Japan (Must be signed by the applicant. Please see format)
- HKDI or Macau Travel Permit (original and copy)
- Hong Kong or Macau identity card (original and copy)
- Two passport-size color photos taken within 6 months (45mm X 45mm, front-facing, without hat, without background)
- Certificate of employment (for dependents, certificate of employment or related documents of spouse or parent and marriage or birth certificate) (Please see sample)
- Documents listed below (Original)
For short-term business
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ In the case where the applicant is responsible for the travel expenses, a past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy),
(Note) There are cases where documents from Japan such as invitation letter, business transactions proof, meeting details, itinerary, guarantee letter, corporate registration/ an explanation or outline of the company or organization, are required.
For visit to relative or acquaintances
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ Documents showing the relationship between the applicant and the relative or acquaintance
In the case of a relative, a copy of one’s family register, birth certificates etc
In the case of an acquaintance, documents that show the relationship between applicant and inviting person (photographs or letters etc)・ Documents showing ability to support the travel expenses
A past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy).
[Necessary documents prepared by the guarantor in Japan]
・ Invitation letter (Please see format)
・ Itinerary (Please see format)
・ Guarantee letter (Please see format)
・ Guarantor’s certificate of employment (In the case of self-employment, a copy of the business license certificate or corporate registration)
・ Latest tax imposition (payment) slip issued by local government offices, tax payment slip issued by taxation offices or copy of income declaration endorsed by taxation office (each must show the total amount of income. Tax subtraction slip (gensen-chosyu-hyou) is not acceptable).
・ Guarantor’s authorized copy of residence registration (for household use). In the case of a foreigner, a certificate of alien registration (for household use). A foreigner is only eligible to be a guarantor if he/she is residing in Japan under a 3-year or above period of stay with employment status.
・ Guarantor’s passport copy (including bio-data page and pages with residency related visas and immigration stamps)
For sight-seeing
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ Documents showing ability to support the travel expenses
A past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy).
(Note) There are cases where flight or ship confirmation, schedule etc are required.
<Visa Issuance>
In principle (it is necessary to submit all required documents), a visa is issued after 3 working days from the date of visa application (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday). However, the duration of visa examination may vary depending on the passport type and purpose of journey etc.
PRC passport holders
The purposes of group tours and sight-seeing tours are excluded
Please see ‘Guideline for PRC passport holders’ for required documents.
<Necessary documents>
- Visa Application Form to Enter Japan (Must be signed by the applicant. Please see format)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Hong Kong or Macau identity card (original and copy)
- Valid Hong Kong or Macau residency visa (original and copy)
- One passport-size color photo taken within 6 months (45mm X 45mm, front-facing, without hat, without background)
- Previous travel record to Japan, European/American countries, if any (old passports etc)
- Documents listed below (original)
For short-term business
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ In the case where the applicant is responsible for the travel expenses, a past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy)
[Necessary documents prepared by the guarantor in Japan]
・ Invitation letter (Please see format)
・ Itinerary (Please see format)
・ Guarantee letter (Please see format)
・ Authorised copy of corporate registration (for an unregistered organization, an explanation or outline of the company or organization is required)
For visit to relative or acquaintances
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ Documents showing the relationship between the applicant and the relative or acquaintance
In the case of a relative, family register, birth certificates etc
In the case of an acquaintance, documents that show the relationship between applicant and inviting person (photographs or letters etc)・ Documents showing ability to support the travel expenses
A past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy).
[Necessary documents prepared by the guarantor in Japan]
・ Invitation letter (Please see format)
・ Itinerary (Please see format)
・ Guarantee letter (Please see format)
・ Guarantor’s certificate of employment (In the case of self-employment, a copy of the business license certificate or corporate registration)
・ Latest tax imposition (payment) slip issued by local government offices, tax payment slip issued by taxation offices or copy of income declaration endorsed by taxation office (each must show the total amount of income. Tax subtraction slip (gensen-chosyu-hyou) is not acceptable).
・ Guarantor’s authorized copy of residence registration (for household use). In the case of a foreigner, a certificate of alien registration (for household use). A foreigner is only eligible to be a guarantor if he/she is residing in Japan under a 3-year or above period of stay with employment status.
・ Guarantor’s passport copy (including bio-data page and pages with residency related visas and immigration stamps)
<Visa Issuance>
In principle (it is necessary to submit all required documents), the duration of visa examination takes about 1 to 2 weeks. For certain cases, it may take about 2 to 3 months. Early submission of a visa application is recommended.
Russia / NIS countries passport holders
Please see ‘Guideline for Russia / NIS countries passport holders’ for required documents.
<Necessary documents>
- Visa Application Form to Enter Japan (Must be signed by the applicant. Please see format)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Hong Kong or Macau identity card (original and copy)
- Valid Hong Kong or Macau residency visa (original and copy)
- One passport-size color photo taken within 6 months (45mm X 45mm, front-facing, without hat, without background)
- Documents listed below (original)
For short-term business
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ In the case where the applicant is responsible for the travel expenses, a past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy),
[Necessary documents prepared by the guarantor in Japan]
・ Invitation letter (Please see format)
・ Itinerary (Please see format)
・ Guarantee letter (Please see format)
・ Authorised copy of corporate registration (for an unregistered organization, an explanation or outline of the company or organization is required)
For visit to relative or acquaintances / sight-seeing
[Necessary documents prepared by the applicant]
・ Documents showing the relationship between the applicant and the relative or acquaintance
In the case of a relative, family register, birth certificates etc
In the case of an acquaintance, documents that show the relationship between applicant and inviting person (photographs or letters etc)・ Documents showing ability to support the travel expenses
A past year’s salary proof from an official organization; or past 3 months’ bank book or bank statements in the name of the applicant (original and copy).
(Note) For sight-seeing purpose, there are cases where flight or ship confirmation, schedule etc are required.
[Necessary documents prepared by the guarantor in Japan]
・ Invitation letter (Please see format)
・ Itinerary (Please see format)
・ Guarantee letter (Please see format)
・ Guarantor’s certificate of employment (In the case of self-employment, a copy of the business license certificate)
・ Latest tax imposition (payment) slip issued by local government offices, tax payment slip issued by taxation offices or copy of income declaration endorsed by taxation office (each must show the total amount of income. Tax subtraction slip (gensen-chosyu-hyou) is not acceptable).
・ Guarantor’s authorized copy of residence registration (for household use). In the case of a foreigner, a certificate of alien registration (for household use). A foreigner is only eligible to be a guarantor if he/she is residing in Japan under a 3-year or above period of stay with employment status.
・ Guarantor’s passport copy (including bio-data page and pages with residency related visas and immigration stamps)
<Visa Issuance>
In principle (it is necessary to submit all required documents), the duration of visa examination takes about 1 to 2 weeks. For certain cases, it may take about 2 to 3 months. Early submission of a visa application is recommended.
Domestic Helpers
<Points to be noted>
・ It is unacceptable if the employment contract will be expired before departure or during his/her stay in Japan (It is necessary to guarantee that the domestic helper will return to Hong Kong or Macau).
・ The Japanese Government does not recognize foreign domestic helpers in general. Following that, it is possible for domestic helpers to accompany his/her employer to Japan for sightseeing purpose etc for a short period of time. However, for employers or other persons who have a residence in Japan, activities (such as nursing, baby-sitting, housework) performed by domestic helpers as personal helpers are not recognized.
・ It is necessary for the employer to travel together on the same flights with the domestic helper.
・ In the case where the employer cannot accompany the domestic helper, it is possible that a family member from the same residence (spouse etc. However, excluding minors) may travel together on the same flights with the domestic helper.
[Necessary Documents]
- Visa Application Form to Enter Japan (Must be signed by the applicant. Please see format)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Hong Kong or Macau identity card (original and copy)
- Valid Hong Kong or Macau residency visa (original and copy)
- One passport-size color photo taken within 6 months (45mm X 45mm, front-facing, without hat, without background)
- Employment contract (original and copy)
- Employer’s passport copy and Japanese visa copy (if required)
In the case where the employer cannot accompany the domestic helper, passport copy and Japanese visa copy (if required) of the family member from the same residence (spouse etc. However, excluding minors), and legal relationship proofs (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate) (Please provide originals and submit a copy)- Guarantee letter from the employer (including traveling member/s, period of stay, purpose of journey, who will be responsible for the travel expense)(sample attached)
- Confirmed round trip air-tickets of the employer and the domestic helper. In the case where the employer cannot accompany the domestic helper, confirmed round trip air-tickets of the family member from the same residence (coincide with above 7.)
<Visa Issuance>
In principle (it is necessary to submit all required documents), a visa is issued after 3 working days from the date of visa application (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday). However, the duration of visa examination may vary depending on the passport type and purpose of journey etc.
September 2009
Countries & Territories with Visa Exemption
The following ORDINARY passport holders DO NOT require a Japanese Visa, if they are staying for 90 days or less exclude engaging in any activity involving the management of business or remuneration.
* Notes: In the case of the waiver of visa requirements of up to three months or 90 days, foreigners are granted upon landing a temporary visitor status for a period of 90 days (15 days for Brunei).
* Nationals of countries and regions that have taken measures concerning the waiver of visa requirements with Japan for stays of up to six months in principle are granted permission to stay in Japan for 90 days at the time of landing. Nationals of these countries and regions who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days must apply at their nearest immigration authority in Japan for an extension of their period of stay.
Term of residence Singapore 3 months or less Brunei 14 days or less Republic of Korea（*1） 90 days or less Taiwan（*2） 90 days or less Hong Kong（* 3） 90 days or less Macau（* 3） 90 days or less
Term of residence U.S.A 90 days or less Canada 3 months or less
Term of residence Argentina 3 months or less Uruguay 3 months or less El Salvador 3 months or less Guatemala 3 months or less Costa Rica 3 months or less Suriname 3 months or less Chile 3 months or less Dominican Rep. 3 months or less Bahamas 3 months or less Barbados 90 days or less Honduras 3 months or less Mexico 6 months or less
Term of residence Australia 90 days or less New Zealand 90 days or less
Term of residence Israel 3 months or less Turkey 3 months or less
Term of residence Iceland 3 months or less Ireland 6 months or less Andorra 90 days or less Italy 3 months or less Estonia 90 days or less Austria 6 months or less Netherlands 3 months or less Cyprus 3 months or less Greece 3 months or less Croatia 3 months or less San Marino 3 months or less Switzerland 6 months or less Sweden 3 months or less Spain 3 months or less Slovakia 90 days or less Slovenia 3 months or less Czech Rep. 90 days or less Denmark 3 months or less Germany 6 months or less Norway 3 months or less Hungary 90 days or less Finland 3 months or less France 3 months or less Bulgaria 90 days or less Belgium 3 months or less Poland 90 days or less Portugal 3 months or less Macedonia （Former Yugoslavia） 3 months or less Malta 3 months or less Monaco 90 days or less Latvia 90 days or less Lithuania 90 days or less Liechtenstein 6 months or less Luxembourg 3 months or less Romania 90 days or less United Kingdom 6 months or less
Term of residence Tunisia 3 months or less Mauritius 3 months or less Lesotho 3 months or less
（*1） From 1March 2006, Korean nationals are exempt from the requirement to submit an application for a temporary visitor’s visa to Japan.
（*2） In the case of Taiwan, visas are not required for Taiwan-passport holders with their own personal ID numbers stipulated in their respective passports. （*3）
‐ Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Passport ／OR BN(O) passport （Hong Kong residents only） holders will be exempt from the requirement to submit an application for a temporary visitor’s visa to Japan.
‐ Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) Passport Holders will be exempt from the requirement to submit an application for a temporary visitor’s visa to Japan.
‐ In the case of China, visas are not required only for students of elementary, junior and senior high school in China for the purpose of school excursion staying in Japan less than 30 days.
Visa Application by Holders of Certificate of Eligibility
・ In principle, Hong Kong or Macau residents are eligible for visa applications.
・ Please apply in person with the following documents:
- Visa Application Form to Enter Japan (Must be signed by the applicant. Please see format)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Hong Kong or Macau identity card (original and copy)
- Valid Hong Kong or Macau residency visa
- One passport-size color photo taken within 6 months (45mm X 45mm, front-facing, without hat, without background)
- Certificate of Eligibility (original and copy)
<Visa Issuance>
In principle (it is necessary to submit all required documents), a visa is issued after 3 working days from the date of visa application (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday). However, the duration of visa examination may vary depending on the passport type and purpose of journey etc.
Visa applications letter format and related document samples
・ Visa application form to enter Japan
・ Certificate of employment / Certificate of enrollment (student registration)
・ Explanation or outline of the company or organization
・ Guarantee letter from employer (for domestic helpers)
Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong
在香港日本国総領事館
在香港日本国総領事館
