You do have a valid residence card in the UAE, but you don’t have a visa. Was it approved? Did they reject it? Don’t worry. Now you can apply for a Japan visa in Dubai. If you’re interested in studying, working or even living in Japan, you’ll need to get a Japan visa before going there. So what do you do next? The first step is to figure out which immigration office needs to know about your status in Dubai.

American citizens can visit Japan for a maximum period of 90 days without applying for a visa, but must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Japan. Moreover, you need to provide papers that prove sufficient funds and health insurance when entering Japan with a tourist visa on arrival . We will base our discussion today on – How To Get Japan Visa In Dubai. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: how to get japan visa from dubai for filipino and japan visa requirements for indian citizens in dubai

Japan is becoming one of the most visited country in the world and it has also become a dream destination for many people, not only because you can enjoy luxury hotels and luxurious spa but also because you get to enjoy the experience of japan’s culture, lifestyle and even food.

You’ve worked hard for several years, and finally you’ve got the luxury of picking where you want to spend your next vacation. You might be sitting at your desk wishing your boss had just told you to take the week off, or you might have some other plans in store, but either way you’re probably looking forward to a chance to stretch your legs and explore somewhere new – whether it’s a beach, city, country or simply another part of the world.

Are you planning to travel to Japan for a vacation? If you are keen to explore this fascinating Asian country that beautifully juxtaposes modern technology and traditional customs, you will be happy to know that it is not difficult to get a tourist visa for Japan from Dubai. All you need to do is to apply for a short-term tourist visa to Japan from Dubai and wait for the approval. If you are curious about the application process, take a look at our handy guide for details on how to get a visit visa to Japan from Dubai. Read on and plan a hassle-free trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

How To Get Japan Visa In Dubai

Japan Visa for UAE Residents 2022: Everything You Need to Know

Following the severity of COVID-19 cases being reduced over the year, the precautionary measures in Japan have now been eased. With the COVID-19 precautionary measures being eased, understandably, many travellers are looking to reacquaint themselves with Japan’s marvellous and unique culture.

If you’re a UAE resident looking to travel to Japan, here is a definitive breakdown of the Japan visa for UAE residents.

Do UAE residents need visas to Japan?

The UAE nationals with regular passports will be able to enter Japan without a visa from 1 November 2022. They will be able to enter the country without a visa as long as their stay does not exceed 30 days. Therefore, UAE residents are currently still obligated to obtain a visa to enter Japan.

Available Japan visa types for UAE residents

Tourist visa

If you would like to visit Japan for tourism, you can obtain a short-stay tourism visa with a validity of 90 days. However, Japan’s tourist visa is only available through the travel agency.

Required documents

1. Visa application form
2. Passport
3. Copy of passport
4. Copy of UAE visa (UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan)
5. Photo (with white background)
6. ERFS certificate (※From travel agents in Japan)
7. Documents prepared by a travel agent or others. For example, tour outline/list of participants/itinerary and contact details of the accepting Japanese travel agent/employment certificate and contact details of the tour operator.
8. Letter of guarantee (Only for Chinese nationals departing from China)

Visa for short-term business affair visa

A short-term visa is a visa that will grant tourists a stay in Japan for a stay up to 90 days. This visa has two types of entry, single and multiple entries. However, a multiple entry short-term visa is only available for travellers who are citizens of these certain countries that have a visa exemption agreement with Japan.

Required documents

1. Application form with pass photo
2. The original passport and a copy of the original passport
3. A copy of the UAE visa (the UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan)
4. A copy of the “Certificate for Completion of Registration to the ERFS system
5. A request letter for a multiple entry visa (if requesting for multiple entry visa). This letter is available in Japanese or English.

Working or long-term visa

A working or long-term visa is for applicants who wish to perform remunerative work in Japan, or who wish to stay over 90 days in Japan, is required to apply for a visa for a working or long-term stay.

Required documents

1. A copy of the “Certificate for Completion of Registration to the ERFS system”
2. Visa application form
3. Passport
4. Copy of passport
5. Copy of UAE visa (residence)（※UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan.）
6. Photo (white background)
7. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Ministry of Justice
   • a Declaration letter is required if you have a COE issued more than 3 months ago. (For business affairs) (For family/dependents)
   • The Declaration should be prepared by the inviting person/company/organization in Japan
8. Copy of COE
9. Confirmation letter (applicable to technical intern trainees or students only)

Temporary visitor visa for relatives or acquaintances

You can obtain this type of visa if you would like to visit your relatives or acquaintances who live in Japan. This visa will allow a stay of 90 days after the issuance of the visa.

Required documents 

1. Visa application form
2. Passport
3. Copy of passport
4. Copy of UAE visa (UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan)
5. Photo (with white background)
6. An invitation letter in English or Japanese, with a written pledge in English or Japanese.
7. A confirmed flight reservation record of a round-trip flight to/from Japan.
8. Documents showing the relationship between the applicant and his/her relatives or acquaintances.
   • A family register (Koseki) issued within the last 3 months, headed by the applicant’s Japanese spouse.
   • For those visiting acquaintances, documentation to support the purpose of the visit is also required.
9. A copy of the residence card of a relative or an acquaintance (if applicable).
10. A confirmed flight reservation record for accompanying family members (if applicable).

How to apply for a Japan visa for UAE residents?

You can follow these steps to apply for your Japan visa:

1. Contact the Japanese Embassy/Consulate to make an appointment for the submission of the application.
   • Some Japanese Embassies do not accept individual applications, however, so you have to apply through a travel agency. The agency will submit the application at the Embassy or Consulate on your behalf.
2. Gather the required documents for a Japan visa.
3. Submit the documents at the Embassy/Consulate or the travel agency.
4. Wait for the visa to be processed.
5. Collect your passport Embassy/Consulate/travel agency. If the application has been approved, your visa will be affixed and you can use it to travel to Japan within three months.

How long is the visa processing time?

The application for a Japan visa usually would take 5 working days or maybe even more, starting from the day the Japanese Representative Office receives your completed application.

What is the fee for a Japan visa for UAE residents?

The single entry visa would cost around 105 AED and 205 AED for a multiple entry visa. Fees must be paid in cash on collection day. They do not accept cheques or credit/debit cards.

When can I collect the Japan visa?

The visa collection is from Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 15:00. There is no visa collection on Friday.

DO YOU REQUIRE A VISA TO TRAVEL TO JAPAN?

Japan’s Foreign Policy exempts passport holder from 68 countries and regions from requiring a visa to enter Japan. Based on this, UAE residents with the following passports will not need to apply for a visa to travel to Japan. Travellers can visit family, attend business meetings or conferences and explore the country without a tourist visa if you have an exempted passport. UAE national applicants must have a valid registered e-Passport in compliance with ICAO to the diplomatic mission of Japan.

However, if visitors want to get employed or conduct commercial activities in Japan they will need to apply for the appropriate visa. The Japan embassy may also have other specifications for short-term visit permissions without a visa for the nationals of some other countries listed below. So it is better to contact them or visit their official website and inquire before finalising the trip.

LIST OF VISA EXEMPTED COUNTRIES IN MIDDLE EAST

• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates

LIST OF VISA EXEMPTED COUNTRIES IN OCEANIA

• Australia
• New Zealand

LIST OF VISA EXEMPTED COUNTRIES IN ASIA

• Brunei
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Republic of Korea
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Hong Kong
• Macao
• Taiwan

LIST OF VISA EXEMPTED COUNTRIES IN NORTH AMERICA

• Canada
• United States

LIST OF VISA EXEMPTED COUNTRIES IN EUROPE

• Austria
• Andorra
• Belgium
• Cyprus
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• North Macedonia
• France
• Greece
• Germany
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Iceland
• Italy
• Liechtenstein
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Poland
• Romania
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

LIST OF VISA EXEMPTED COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

• Lesotho
• Mauritius
• Tunisia

LIST OF VISA EXEMPTED COUNTRIES IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

• Argentina
• Barbados
• Bahamas
• Costa Rica
• Chile
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Mexico
• Surinam
• Uruguay

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN TOURIST VISA FROM DUBAI

Applicants must submit the following documents to get a Japanese visit visa from Dubai. You are not required to book an appointment, you can simply visit the consulate and submit the required documents. 

• Valid Emirates ID
• Visa Application Form (filled)
• Original Passport with more than 2 blank pages
• Copy of Passport with UAE residence visa
• 2 Recent Clear Photographs (with white background)
• Bank Statement (last three months)
• Flight Ticket Confirmation Copy
• Hotel Booking Confirmation Copy
• Travel Itinerary / Schedule of Stay
• Proof of Current Address (Utility Bills)
• Original Employment Certificate
• Original NOC letter from Employer

Note: These are the Japan visa requirements from Dubai for tourists. Applicants looking for a short-term business visa or a visit visa to see relatives or friends will need to submit additional documents to support their reason to visit, including documents from the host/sponsor/guarantor in Japan. 

HOW MUCH IS THE JAPAN VISIT VISA FEE IN DUBAI?

Generally, the Japan visa cost from Dubai for a single entry visa is 3,000 yen or AED 102 whereas the fees for multiple entry visa is 6,000 yen or AED 204. The price may differ for different nationalities in some cases.

WHERE TO SUBMIT THE VISA APPLICATION TO JAPAN FROM DUBAI?

Residents of Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain can submit their visa applications along with the required documents at the Consulate General of Japan. On the other hand, people living in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain can consult the Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi and submit their applications there.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE FOR JAPAN VISA PROCESSING IN DUBAI?

It takes a minimum of 4 to 5 working days and a maximum of 7 to 10 working days, in general, to get the visa after you submit all the documents to the Japanese Consulate General in Dubai or Japanese Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Please note that this is the expected turn around time provided there are no issues with the content of the submitted documents. In case of complications, the visa process can take more than a month. This is why travellers are recommended to apply well before the planned travel date.

CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAPAN LOCATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

• Consulate General of Japan Location: 28^th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre, P.O. Box 9336, Dubai.
• Consulate General of Japan Contact: +971-4-293-8888 | +971-35-501-8431
• Consulate General of Japan Working Hours: 09:00 am to 12:30 pm – 01:30 to 05:00 pm (Monday to Friday)

Do I need a Visa for Japan? Japan Visa Policy

To enter Japan you need a passport and a visa (unless you are from a country that is visa-exempt).

There are a number of different types of Japanese visas which are designed by the Japanese government for different purposes and lengths of time.

There are over 60 countries whose citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business. Other nationalities currently need to go to a Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.

Japan introduced an eVisa for citizens of the US and Canada in 2022 that simplified the application process to acquire a Japan visa during pandemic visa suspensions.

Canadians and Americans no longer need a visa for Japan for short stays, but the eVisa is expected to launch for other visa-required nationalities in the near future.

Japan visa types

There are several different types of visas for Japan and more will be introduced in the future, including the eVisa.

Visas are obtained directly from Japanese embassies and consulates, although the application process for the eVisa will be completed entirely online.

Japanes visas can be grouped in 3 main categories:

• Working visa
• Non-working visa
• Family Related Visas

Working visa

Working visas are considered long-term stay visas and cover the kind of work that requires high-level professional knowledge or skills and ‘thus, they do not include simple labor tasks. Jobs like waiter, construction workers, sales people, etc. cannot obtain a working visa. Typical working visas:

• Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, International Services Engineer. Engineers and Specialists in Humanities must have a university degree in their corresponding fields or 10 years of professional experience. International Services Engineers must have 3 years of professional experience in their field.
• Intra-company Transferee. This status applies to expats of foreign companies or the subsidiary companies of Japanese firms located overseas who have worked more than one year in the said office in overseas.
• Skilled Labor. Jobs involving foreign cooking, architecture, or civil engineering characteristic to foreign countries, training animals, instructing sports, sommeliers, processing precious stones will fall into this status. It’s mandatory to have at least 3 years of professional experience in the field.
• Business Manager. Those who are going to start a business or invest into a business in Japan. It also applies to those managing business on behalf of investors.
• Highly-Skilled Professional. This visa aims to attract workers who are likely to contribute to the Japanese economy.

Those with a certain status, knowledge, or skills can get the following working visas:

• Diplomats or Officials, Personnel of the embassies and consular offices, Diplomatic missions, Government personnel and their families.
• Research and education at university or equivalent educational institutions.
• Instruction of foreign languages or other education at elementary schools, high schools, etc. Those instructors looking to work in private language schools must apply for the Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa.
• For those whose artistic activities provide enough income to support their living in Japan.
• Religious activities. Missionaries sent to Japan from foreign religious organizations.
• Those journalists who have signed contracts with foreign media organizations. It includes freelance journalists.
• Legal and Accounting services.
• Medical Services. Medical specialists with Japanese qualifications.
• For those researchers working under a contract with public or private organizations in Japan.
• All of those working in show business and sports.

Non-working visa

Anyone who holds a non-working visa is allowed to work as long as the immigration office grants them permission. This type of visas is considered a short-term stay visa and some restrictions apply. Those doing some work under a non-working visa cannot exceed the number of authorized hours per week.

Who can benefit:

• The visa application is submitted through the school.
• Those training to acquire technology, skills or knowledge. This status is granted only when the candidate will work in a job requiring that technology, skills or knowledge once he returns to his home country.
• Technical Internships. That covers internships after training under trainee visa.
• Spouses or children of people staying in Japan under the work visa and non-working visa (except for temporary visitors and trainees).
• Cultural Activities. Cultural or artistic activities with no income.
• Students or researchers of Japanese cultural or artistic activities.
• University students taking part in an internship without remuneration.
• Temporary Visitors (also known as Tourist visa). This status includes visitors on vacation, sports, family visits, participants in seminars and conferences, business meetings, market research, and those traveling to Japan to engage in PR activities.

There is also another epigraphe for non-working visas that is granted case by case: Designated Activities. Students on internship, working holidays, diplomats’ housekeepers are some of the people who can apply for this visa.

Family related visas

Family related visas are considered short-term stay visas and have no retrictions when it comes to employment, so you can engage in more than one activity or change jobs. Those who can apply to these visas are:

• Spouses and children of Japanese nationals
• Long Term Residents
• Permanent Residents
• Spouses and children of Permanent Resident

Japan tourist visa

Any tourist wanting to visit Japan must obtain a tourist visa prior to entering the country. Nonetheless, Japan excludes several nationalities from having to comply with this requirement.

For instance, citizens from most European countries, United States, Australia, and Argentina do not need to get the Japan Tourist Visa since they are considered visa-exempt countries for tourism purposes. Nationals from any of those regions can stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days visa-free and are assigned Temporary Visitor status.

Japan tourist visa is a short-term stay visa for the purposes of sightseeing, visiting friends, or attending conferences or courses. A tourist visa is normally valid for a single-entry stay of up to 90 days.

Tourists can also apply for a double-entry visa for 2 short trips within a 6-month period. It is important to note that the Japan tourist visa does not allow travelers to engage in paid work while in the country.

Other short-term stay visas

• Business visa: There is a temporary business visa for stays of up to 90 days which can single or double-entry visa (if both trips are within a 6-month period). Business purposes include conferences, meetings, signing contracts, and market surveys.
• Transit visa: Some nationalities need a transit visa to stop over in Japan when going to an onward destination. Many travelers do not need this as long as they stay within the allocated zone and do not leave the airport.

Which countries need a tourist visa?

All nationalities who are not visa-exempt need a visa to enter Japan. Citizens of certain countries can enter with Temporary Visitor status for limited periods of time (15 to 90 consecutive days) for tourism or business purposes.

Visitors receive a stamp in their passport which is a requirement for the Japan Rail Pass. The rules are very strict and it is not possible to get the pass without showing the stamp (tourists with other types of visas are not eligible for the Pass).

The following nationalities are eligible for Temporary Visitor status (all others need a visa to enter):

JAPAN VISA-EXEMPT COUNTRIES & REGIONS
EUROPE
Andorra	Finland	Latvia	Poland
Austria	FYR Macedonia	Liechtenstein	Serbia
Belgium	France	Lithuania	Slovakia
Croatia	Germany	Luxembourg	Slovenia
Cyprus	Greece	Malta	Spain
Czech Republic	Hungary	Monaco	Sweden
Denmark	Ireland	Netherlands	Switzerland
Estonia	Italy	Norway	United Kingdom
NORTH AMERICA
Canada	United States
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Argentina	Chile	El Salvador	Mexico
Bahamas	Costa Rica	Guatemala	Surinam
Barbados	Dominican Republic	Honduras	Uruguay
ASIA
Brunei (15 days)	Republic of Korea	Thailand (15 days)	Macao
Indonesia	Singapore	Hong Kong	Taiwan
Malaysia
OCEANIA
Australia	Oceania
MIDDLE EAST
Israel	United Arab Emirates (30 days)	Turkey
AFRICA
Lesotho	Tunisia	Mauritius

The nationalities listed above can enter for tourism, visiting relatives, and business purposes. However, visitors cannot be paid for work under Temporary Visitor status. In these cases, it is necessary to obtain a work visa.

Citizens of the following countries will need a Japan tourist visa in order to enter Japan:

• China
• Russia
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• CIS countries and Georgia

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Japan tourist visa requirements

To successfully apply for a tourist visa for Japan, applicants must meet the following visa requirements:

• Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages
• A completed visa application form
• Provide a recent color passport photo and a certified copy of your birth certificate
• If married, submit a marriage certificate (if issued within the last year
• You must have the intention to leave Japan at the end of your authorized stay
• Proof of financial ability demonstrating you can support yourself financially during your stay in Japan
• Provide a certificate of your financial situation for the previous 6 months issued by your bank
• Submit the applicant’s tax return
• If applying without a sponsor, a copy of your Certificate of Employment must be submitted
• Provide a schedule and travel plans for the trip

If you still have questions about what you need in order to obtain the Japan tourist visa, you can find out more by checking the Japan entry requirements FAQ.

Japan tourist visa validity

Single-entry visas are valid for 3 months upon issue and usually allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. It is not possible to extend its validity.

Double-entry visas have a validity of 6 months from the date of issue.

Multiple-entry visas are usually good for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the visitor’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, and the type of passport they hold. Multiple-entry visas allow you to visit Japan multiple times within this period of 1 to 5 years since the issuing date, but each stay cannot exceed the 15 or 30-day period.

Japan tourist visa fees

A fee must be paid in order to obtain your Japan tourist visa. These fees vary depending on whether you are applying for a single-entry visa, a double-entry or a multiple-entry visa, as well as on the nationality of the tourist.

It is a good idea to check with your Japanese embassy or consulate before submitting your application since fees are subject to change at any time. Also, please note fees are collected in the local currency where the embassy or consulate is located and must be paid at the time of submitting your application. Once that has been done, you will receive proof of payment.

Japan Tourist eVisa

A Japan Tourist eVisa launched in August 2022 as part of the government’s wider plan to reach 60 million foreign visitors a year by 2030.

The eVisa for Japan was available for Canadians and US citizens, but these nationalities are now once again able to enter Japan visa-free. However, it may it is expected to launch for other nationalities in the future.

The online application form will be straightforward to complete and means that tourists do not need to go to an embassy or consulate to complete the application. It has been designed to simplify the visa application process.

It will be necessary to make a payment by credit or debit card to submit the application. Once an application has been submitted and approved, the eVisa approval notice will be sent to applicants by email.