Japan Opens Travel e-Visa for UAE and Saudi Arabia Residents
Expat residents from the UAE and Saudi Arabia can now apply for a 90-day electronic travel visa to Japan
18 April 2023
Next destination: Japan!
Dreaming of authentic Japanese food? Do you want to watch a live sumo wrestling match? Maybe stroll among the lush pink cherry blossom trees? A fan of Japanese media and culture?
We've got great news for those looking to travel to Japan this year! The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a new online tourist visa system for foreign residents of select countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The new online e-visa system makes applying for a Japan travel visa somewhat easier, as it was made to "ease the process to visit Japan for touristic purposes", said Daisuke Kobayashi, Executive Director at JNTO’s Dubai.
Who is eligible to apply for the Japan e-visa?
Foreign nationals whose passports do not have visa exemptions to Japan, but are a valid resident in the following countries are eligible to apply for the online visa:
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Mongolia
- Singapore
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Taiwan
For the full list of foreign nationals who are visa-exempt and do not need to apply for the e-visa, click here.
Who are not eligible to apply for the online visa?
The following applicants are not eligible to apply for the e-visa.
- Applicants who have a criminal/offence record, have been deported, etc. in any country
- Applicants who have a Japanese dual-citizenship with another country
- Applicants who wish to apply for a multiple entry visa. You must instead apply for a visa in-person at the Consulate-General of Japan/Embassy of Japan in your region
How to apply for your travel e-visa to Japan
Residents interested in applying for a Japan e-visa from the UAE or Saudi Arabia will need to apply no less than seven days before the date of your intended trip.
To apply for the e-visa, please visit the official JAPAN eVISA system from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Once you log onto the JAPAN eVISA website, please follow the application instructions. If your application is successful, you will receive a digital confirmation visa.
Travellers going to Japan must present this e-visa at immigration by logging onto the website and present the visa to officials.
"PDF data or screenshot of the page will not be accepted," stated the official website.
How long is the Japan e-visa valid for?
The online tourist visit visa to Japan grants up to 90 days of stay in the country.
Are there Covid-19 restrictions in Japan?
Covid-19 entry requirements, such as providing proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test, will no longer be applied from May 8th, 2023.
The Japanese government has classified Covid-19 as a common disease, leading to looser travel restrictions.
