Japan has stayed mostly closed to international visitors since March 2020, although Japanese citizens have been free to come and go.
Japan started to allow business and student visitors to apply for visas late last year and began a trial in June that required tourists to come on group tours on specific itineraries. All non-Japanese, however, required a visa, as all visa-waiver facilities have been suspended.
You can access the page for applying for Japan eVISA here.
The Japanese government will soon enable eVISA’s for citizens of the United States and Canada, but all previous requirements apply (no individual tourists).
This will help Japanese embassies and consulates that have been bombarded with applications.
The eVISA system is enabled on August 18, 2022, and those granted one need to show Visa Issuance Notice to be allowed board a flight to Japan.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announcement:
Online visa application (Nationals of Canada and the United States of America)
As visa exemption program has been suspended for the time being, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit.
From August 18, Canadian nationals and U.S nationals are able to apply for a short-term stay visa for the purpose of Business(Note), Visiting Relatives and Tourism(Note), on Japan eVISA web site.
(Note)The certificate for completion of registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) which receiving organization located in Japan applied for online is required.
Eligible Applicants
Canadian nationals residing in Canada, American nationals residing in the U.S.
(Applicant are required to log onto the Japan eVisa website and display “Visa issuance notice” at the airport. PDF data or screenshot of the page will not be accepted.)Types of visa
Short –Term Stay visa for the purpose of Business, Visiting Relatives (except Visiting Acquaintances) and Tourism (only guided tours organized by a travel agency which serves as the receiving organization of the entrants)
If you meet the criteria, please apply online for a visa on URL below.Japan eVISA web site
URL will be available from 7:00 am (EST) (8:00 pm (JST)) on August 18, 2022.
How to display “Visa issuance notice”
Please refer to How to display “
Visa Issuance Notice:
Application Process:
Conclusion
This new eVISA system streamlines the application process for those allowed to enter under the current entry requirements. You essentially need an invitation from a business or family member living in the country.
I decided to look at Japan’s current covid-number, and it appears that they have a significant wave right now. Would allowing visitors to enter change these numbers even marginally?
It is now almost two years since I exited Japan back in 2020 after spending six months in the country (I got in a couple of hours before the border was sealed), and I would love to return. However, hopes of this taking place in 2022 are grim unless I arrange a business invitation.
