Visa: FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions on Visas and General Entry to Japan:
2023/4/3
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FAQ - Frequently asked questions on visas and general entry to Japan
Visit MOFA FAQ page - Visa : Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ List )
Q1 : How do I obtain a visa application form?
A1 : Visa application forms may be obtained from our website ONLY. Please visit our Visa Application Form & Sample Forms page.
Q2 : Do I need to make an appointment to submit my visa application?
A2 : Yes. applicants will not accepted without an appointment. Appointments can be made by contacting the consular department either by telephone: +1-868-628-5991, ext. 214 or by E-mail : consular@po.mofa.go.jp at least 1 week in advance between.
Q3 : Do I still need to produce all of the documents listed above even though I have applied for a Japanese visa before?
A3 : Yes, even though you may have made an application for a Japanese visa in the past, you would still need to produce the documents that are outlined above at the time of your new application.
Q4 : What is the processing time? How long does it take to obtain a Japanese visa?
A4 : The normal processing time is approximately 5 working days, but it might be longer, up to 21 working days or more depending on the case. Full documentation must be submitted in order to be granted a visa within this time frame.
Q5 : How far in advance can I apply for the visa?
A5 : Japanese single-entry visas are only valid for a period of three months from the date of issue. Therefore, ideally, a visa application should be lodged at least two weeks before the intended travel date. For example; if the intended travel date to Japan is in January, the visa application should be lodged in December. If the visa application is lodged before November and a visa is issued at that time for a travel date in January, the visa would expire before departure to Japan.
Q6 : How much is the visa fee?
A6 : (1) Single Entry Visa : TT $150 Exact Cash Only
(2) Double Entry Visa : TT $300 Exact Cash Only
(3) Transit Visa : TT $35 Exact Cash Only
Q7 : For what period is a visa issued?
A7 : Single entry visas are normally issued for 15, 30 or 90 days, and issuance is based on your travel dates.
Q8 : What size photographs are acceptable for the visa application form?
A8 : Original and passport photos sized 2 inch x 2 inch are acceptable. Applicants should not wear any glasses or hats; ears must be visible in the photo. Photos must NOT be taken at an angle or in profile; the applicant must face forward. Photos should ideally be taken on the day of the application or taken at least within the last 6 months.
Q9 : Can I be issued a visa on the spot or within a day?
A9 : Emergency situations do occur and the Embassy of Japan attempts to make every effort to respond to these emergencies. It is advised, however, to call and enquire beforehand whether your visa application may be lodged under your extenuating circumstances.
Q10 : Can a Japanese visa be issued at the airport on arrival?
A10 : Japanese visas are not issued at the airport. Therefore, a visa must be obtained before arrival in Japan.
Q11 : Can a courier service or third party be used to lodge an application for a visa?
A11 : We do not accept visa application by courier. But we accept third party proxies with a letter of authorization. Please write clearly in the authorization letter the reason, the relationship and the signature of applicant(s).
Q12 : I'm living outside of Trinidad. Can I apply at Embassy of Japan in Trinidad?
A12 : Where an applicant is normally resident outside of Trinidad in a territory to which the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad is accredited, the applicant may fax or e-mail their completed application form and supporting documents for pre-approval after which he/she must present the original documentation in person or via a proxy at the Embassy for the processing of the visa at the scheduled date and time given by the Consular Officer.
Q13 : Are Transit visas required even if the national does not leave the airport?
A13 : If you don't leave the airport, a transit visa is not required. It is recommended however, that for applicants transiting to Japan on the way to their destination as well as on their return trip to apply for a transit visa due to the possibility of missing connection flights or flight cancellations which could leave no other option than to seek accommodation in Japan.
Q14 : If I am a permanent resident of the US or Canada, what documents do I need to apply for a visa?
A14 : Visas are issued based on nationality (i.e. the passport that you hold will be used for entry to Japan); therefore, a Japanese visa is required to enter Japan, even if the applicant has a green card or PR card from the US or Canada. If your nationality is not listed below, as requiring a visa, you would need to make a visa application to the Embassy of Japan.
Q15 : Which nationals do not require visas to visit Japan?
A15 : Please see the list of countries and regions that have visa exemption arrangements with Japan.
Visa Info | General Info | Criteria for Visa Issuance | Visa Categories | Temporary Visitor’s Visa | Transit Visa | Visa for Work & Long Term Stay | Cruise Travelers | Overseas Applicants | Visa Fees | Visa Application | How to obtain more info | FAQ | Certificate Info
FAQ - Frequently asked questions on visas and general entry to Japan
Visit MOFA FAQ page - Visa : Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ List )
Q1 : How do I obtain a visa application form?
A1 : Visa application forms may be obtained from our website ONLY. Please visit our Visa Application Form & Sample Forms page.
Q2 : Do I need to make an appointment to submit my visa application?
A2 : Yes. applicants will not accepted without an appointment. Appointments can be made by contacting the consular department either by telephone: +1-868-628-5991, ext. 214 or by E-mail : consular@po.mofa.go.jp at least 1 week in advance between.
Q3 : Do I still need to produce all of the documents listed above even though I have applied for a Japanese visa before?
A3 : Yes, even though you may have made an application for a Japanese visa in the past, you would still need to produce the documents that are outlined above at the time of your new application.
Q4 : What is the processing time? How long does it take to obtain a Japanese visa?
A4 : The normal processing time is approximately 5 working days, but it might be longer, up to 21 working days or more depending on the case. Full documentation must be submitted in order to be granted a visa within this time frame.
Q5 : How far in advance can I apply for the visa?
A5 : Japanese single-entry visas are only valid for a period of three months from the date of issue. Therefore, ideally, a visa application should be lodged at least two weeks before the intended travel date. For example; if the intended travel date to Japan is in January, the visa application should be lodged in December. If the visa application is lodged before November and a visa is issued at that time for a travel date in January, the visa would expire before departure to Japan.
Q6 : How much is the visa fee?
A6 : (1) Single Entry Visa : TT $150 Exact Cash Only
(2) Double Entry Visa : TT $300 Exact Cash Only
(3) Transit Visa : TT $35 Exact Cash Only
Q7 : For what period is a visa issued?
A7 : Single entry visas are normally issued for 15, 30 or 90 days, and issuance is based on your travel dates.
Q8 : What size photographs are acceptable for the visa application form?
A8 : Original and passport photos sized 2 inch x 2 inch are acceptable. Applicants should not wear any glasses or hats; ears must be visible in the photo. Photos must NOT be taken at an angle or in profile; the applicant must face forward. Photos should ideally be taken on the day of the application or taken at least within the last 6 months.
Q9 : Can I be issued a visa on the spot or within a day?
A9 : Emergency situations do occur and the Embassy of Japan attempts to make every effort to respond to these emergencies. It is advised, however, to call and enquire beforehand whether your visa application may be lodged under your extenuating circumstances.
Q10 : Can a Japanese visa be issued at the airport on arrival?
A10 : Japanese visas are not issued at the airport. Therefore, a visa must be obtained before arrival in Japan.
Q11 : Can a courier service or third party be used to lodge an application for a visa?
A11 : We do not accept visa application by courier. But we accept third party proxies with a letter of authorization. Please write clearly in the authorization letter the reason, the relationship and the signature of applicant(s).
Q12 : I'm living outside of Trinidad. Can I apply at Embassy of Japan in Trinidad?
A12 : Where an applicant is normally resident outside of Trinidad in a territory to which the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad is accredited, the applicant may fax or e-mail their completed application form and supporting documents for pre-approval after which he/she must present the original documentation in person or via a proxy at the Embassy for the processing of the visa at the scheduled date and time given by the Consular Officer.
Q13 : Are Transit visas required even if the national does not leave the airport?
A13 : If you don't leave the airport, a transit visa is not required. It is recommended however, that for applicants transiting to Japan on the way to their destination as well as on their return trip to apply for a transit visa due to the possibility of missing connection flights or flight cancellations which could leave no other option than to seek accommodation in Japan.
Q14 : If I am a permanent resident of the US or Canada, what documents do I need to apply for a visa?
A14 : Visas are issued based on nationality (i.e. the passport that you hold will be used for entry to Japan); therefore, a Japanese visa is required to enter Japan, even if the applicant has a green card or PR card from the US or Canada. If your nationality is not listed below, as requiring a visa, you would need to make a visa application to the Embassy of Japan.
Q15 : Which nationals do not require visas to visit Japan?
A15 : Please see the list of countries and regions that have visa exemption arrangements with Japan.
Visa Info | General Info | Criteria for Visa Issuance | Visa Categories | Temporary Visitor’s Visa | Transit Visa | Visa for Work & Long Term Stay | Cruise Travelers | Overseas Applicants | Visa Fees | Visa Application | How to obtain more info | FAQ | Certificate Info