Konnichiwa! How to get a Japan visa from Dubai
Are you planning to travel to Japan for a holiday? If you are keen to explore this fascinating Asian country, getting a tourist visa for Japan from Dubai is not too hard. UAE nationals can travel to Japan visa-free for up to 30 days, while UAE residents can apply for an eVisa.
If you are curious about the application process, this handy guide will take you through the latest procedure to get a Japan visa from Dubai, as it has changed recently. Read on and plan a hassle-free trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Disclaimer: Online services on the e-visa system in Japan are currently suspended at the Consulate-General of Dubai. You will have to make an appointment and visit the consulate.
Japan tourist visa requirements for UAE residents and nationals
Japan’s Foreign Policy exempts passport holders from 68 countries and regions from requiring a visa to enter Japan. This list includes the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, UAE nationals can travel to Japan without a prior visa for up to 30 days for work or tourism. Travellers can visit family, attend business meetings or conferences and explore the country without a visa. UAE national applicants must have a valid, registered ICAO-compliant ePassport for diplomatic missions in Japan.
However, UAE nationals must apply for the appropriate visa to get employed or conduct commercial activities in Japan.
Besides the UAE passport holders, residents from the following countries don’t require a prior Japan visa to travel.
List of Visa-Exempted Countries in the Middle East
- Israel
- Qatar
- 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
- Bulgaria
- 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
The Japanese embassy/consulate may also have additional specifications for short-term visit permissions for some countries listed above without a visa. So, it would be ideal to contact the embassy directly or visit the official website to make an inquiry before finalising the trip.
How to apply for a Japan visit visa from Dubai
Passport holders of countries not included in the list above must apply for a Japan eVisa. Mandatory documents needed for a Japanese visit visa from Dubai include the following:
- Visa application form (filled)
- Valid Emirates ID
- Original passport
- Travel itinerary/schedule of stay
- Hotel booking details
- 2 recent, clear passport-size photographs (with white background)
- Personal bank statement (last three months)
- Employment certificate
- Document to prove legal residency (residence permit, driving licence)
To apply for an eVisa, you should head to the official website, create an account, fill in the application, and submit the required documents. This will include basic personal information, work-related information, travel information and accommodation details. If you are a resident of Abu Dhabi, this is the procedure to follow.
However, if you are a Dubai resident, you must visit the Japanese consulate in person to apply for a Japan visa from Dubai. This is due to the high volume of applications, so prepare for longer processing times. So, let’s run through the latest methods to apply for a Japan visa in person, such as booking an appointment and visiting the consulate.
How to book an appointment at the Consulate of Japan in Dubai
Currently, applying for a Japan tourist visa from Dubai is slightly different.
You should book an appointment one day before going to the consulate.
- Send an email to additionaldocs@du.mofa.go.jp between 8:00 am and 10:00 am on weekdays (except for consulate holidays).
- The email’s subject should be “JPN VISA APPOINTMENT” (using other subject lines could lead to no appointment).
- In your email, you want to share the following five points:
- Name of the person coming to the consulate
- Nationality of the applicant(s)
- Purpose of visit to Japan – (Short-term Business, Tourism (single/ multiple entry), visiting relatives, COE holders, domestic helper, etc)
- Emirates ID or Passport number of the person who is coming to the Consulate (this ID will be shown at the security to enter the consulate)
- Number of applications (maximum 10)
- After you have sent the email, you will receive a reply by 4:00 pm once your appointment is confirmed. This reply will specify your appointment time. If you’ve not received a reply by 04:00 pm, send another email between 08:00 and 10:00 the next day.
- Print their email, as it has a confirmation number you should show at the entrance of the Japan consulate. Children between the ages of 18 are not allowed inside the consulate.
- You will then submit the documents mentioned above at the consulate, where you might be asked about your plans in Japan (for tourist visas, go through your itinerary beforehand to be able to answer any questions). You will only pay for your visa at the consulate with a card or digital means.
If approved, you will receive your confirmation via email. Currently, processing time for eVisa for Japan from Dubai takes 4 weeks to 6 weeks. You can expect longer processing times closer to public holidays.
Japan tourist visa from Dubai conditions
- At the departure airport (Dubai), previously you needed to log on to the official website and display the visa issuance notice on your mobile or tablet.
- However, currently, you should scan the QR code on your Visa issuance notice (which you receive with your visa).
- You must input your date of birth and passport number on this webpage – and show this visa issuance notice to the authorities before boarding the plane.
- PDFs and screenshots are not permitted, so we advise you to prepare this beforehand on your mobile browser.
- Minors travelling alone require a parental consent letter.
- If you applied with a proxy, carry a letter of authorisation, declaring that your visa application process was entrusted with a proxy.
- Also, the proxy should download the visa issuance notice and share it with you. Convicted criminals and people deported from any country are not eligible for a Japan tourist visa from Dubai.
Note: These are the Japan visa requirements from Dubai for tourists. Residents looking for a short-term business visa or a visit visa to see relatives or friends must submit additional documents to support their application, 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 AED 82 (equivalent to 3,000 Japanese Yen). The price may differ for different nationalities in some cases.
How much time does it take for Japan visa processing in Dubai?
The entire process takes a minimum of four weeks in general. Lately, it has been reported to take around six weeks due to the higher volume of applications.
Please note that this is the expected turnaround time, provided there are no issues with the submitted documents. In case of complications, the visa process can take over a month. This is why travellers must apply well before the planned travel date.
Consulate General of Japan Location and Information
If you have any queries, contact the Japanese Consulate General.
- Location: 28th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre
- Contact: +971-4-293-8888
- Working Hours: Visa application: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) and 08:00 am to 11:00 am on Fridays | Visa collection: 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm (Monday to Thursday)
FAQs – How to Apply for a Japan Visa in Dubai
Why do some visa applications for Japan get rejected?
Your visa application for Japan can be rejected for various reasons.
- The attached documents are invalid.
- The application form is incomplete or not filled out correctly.
- The documents submitted for the visa process are not complete.
- The applicant has a pending request for issuing a Certificate of Eligibility.
- Applicants already have a visit permit and are applying again.
- The visa is already being processed at some other Japanese embassy/ consulate.
An applicant wants to postpone the trip to Japan. How long will their visa stay valid?
The single-entry visa is valid for three months after its issuance. If you plan to postpone your visit for over three months, you must re-apply.
Why do some applicants need to submit additional documents?
Every application is different, so the general list of necessary documents is sometimes insufficient. The embassy or the consulate cannot inform you if they require additional documents before applying. For instance, Japan visit visa from Dubai requirements is not the same as that for a business or tourist visa.
How can I apply for a USA visa from Dubai?
Are you planning a trip to the land of the free? Here’s a look at the USA visa application process from Dubai.
I have a question regarding my Japan Visa application. Who should I contact?
UAE residents can use the dedicated 24-hour Japan Visa Information hotline, 800-032-1271, available throughout the week.
Where can I travel without having to apply for a visa?
Do you want to escape the hassle of applying for a visa? Visa-free countries for UAE residents, such as Sri Lanka and Maldives, offer many activities and adventures. These locations are perfect for a spontaneous trip without the dreaded visa application process.
Being one of the oldest civilisations and one of the most technologically advanced countries, Japan is a fantastic destination for tourists. Visitors can explore the rich culture, enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and observe exciting traditions.
If you are struck by wanderlust and would love to explore other destinations, you can consult with one of the well-known travel and tourism companies in Dubai to plan a perfect holiday. You can also apply for Italy visa from Dubai for a European adventure. Another excellent option is applying for a Türkiye visa from Dubai.
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Nice info