Japan | eVISA system eligibility expanded

Japanese authorities announced that more eligible foreign nationals who wish to travel to Japan for tourism for a short-term period can now apply for an electronic visa (eVISA).

Key Points:

• As BAL reported, the new eVISA system was introduced in July for eligible foreign nationals.
• Effective Nov. 11, the eVISA is now available for foreign nationals residing in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macao, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea (except jurisdiction over the Consulate General of Japan in Jeju).
• For Vietnam, the eVISA period of stay will be 15 days and applies to nationals who reside in Vietnam and participate in a packaged tour organized by designated travel agencies.
• For the United Arab Emirates, the eVISA applies to all nationals except those who are exempt from a short-term visa.
• Finally, Chinese nationals will receive eVISAs with a period of stay of either 15 or 30 days.
• For additional details, applicants are advised to check the website of the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over their place of residence.

Additional Information: Electronic visas will be issued through the eVISA website as a single-entry short-term stay visa for the purpose of tourism for a period of up to 90 days. It is only available to those who travel by plane, and travelers are required to display a visa issuance notice at the airport. The applicant must possess an ordinary passport and may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicant’s residence for an interview during the application process.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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