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Japan e-Visa & Traditional Japan Visa

Learn the difference between the Japan e-Visa and traditional Japan visa, who is eligible for each, and when a consulate application is required.

🧾 Overview: Two Ways to Apply for a Japan Visa

Japan offers two different visa processes depending on the traveler’s situation:

  1. Japan e-Visa (online application)

  2. Traditional Japan visa (consulate submission)

Not all travelers are eligible for the e-Visa.

US citizens are NOT required to obtain a visa for tourist and business trips to Japan that are under 90 days.

💻 Japan e-Visa

The Japan e-Visa is an online-only visa issued electronically.

Key features:

  • Single-entry visa

  • Valid for 90 days

  • Tourism only

  • No passport submission to a consulate

  • Visa is issued electronically and shown upon entry

  • Processing typically takes 5 business days

Who is eligible:

  • Foreign nationals residing in eligible countries or regions, including:

    • United States

    • Canada

    • United Kingdom

    • Australia

    • Brazil

    • Taiwan

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • Cambodia

Eligibility is determined by Japanese immigration authorities and may change.

🏛️ Traditional Japan Visa

A traditional Japan visa is issued by a Japanese consulate and placed inside your passport.

Key features:

  • Required for non-tourist travel

  • Required for travelers not eligible for the e-Visa

  • Passport submission is required

  • Processing typically takes about one week from consulate submission

When a traditional visa is required:

  • You are not eligible for the Japan e-Visa

  • You are applying for a visa type other than tourism

  • You are requesting visa conditions not supported by the e-Visa system

You may request multiple entry, but approval is not guaranteed.

🔁 Multiple Entry Considerations

  • Japan e-Visas are single-entry only

  • Traditional visas may allow multiple entry if approved

  • The Japanese consulate makes the final decision on:

    • Number of entries

    • Validity

    • Length of stay

Swift cannot influence these decisions.

💡 What Swift Can and Cannot Control

Swift can:

  • Help determine which visa process applies

  • Guide you through the correct application path

  • Submit traditional visa applications to the consulate

Swift cannot:

  • Override eligibility rules

  • Guarantee visa approval

  • Change a visa type after submission

  • Convert an e-Visa into a traditional visa (or vice versa)