Japan Visa for UAE citizens: Do I need one?

If you’re a UAE citizen planning to visit Japan, you can enjoy visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days. However, if you plan to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a visa, such as a Temporary Visitor Visa.

This guide explains the types of Japan visas available for UAE nationals and how to apply.

Do UAE citizens need a visa for Japan?

UAE citizens benefit from a visa waiver that allows them to stay in Japan for up to 30 days without a visa​. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, or your purpose of visit falls outside of tourism, you will need to apply for a Japan Temporary Visitor Visa.

What is a Japan Temporary Visitor Visa?

A Japan Temporary Visitor Visa is required for UAE citizens who wish to stay longer than 30 days in Japan for tourism, business, or visiting family. This visa allows for:

• Single-entry visa: Valid for up to 90 days. It is ideal for those visiting Japan for a specific purpose and returning without re-entry during the trip​.

• Multiple-entry visa: Valid for up to 5 years, depending on eligibility, allowing stays up to 90 days per entry. This visa is convenient for frequent travelers who may need to visit Japan multiple times over a longer period​.

Types of Japan visas available for UAE passport holders

For longer stays or specific activities, UAE citizens have various visa options:

1. Japan Tourist Visa: For short-term visits, this visa is typically valid for 15 to 30 days. Applications must be submitted in person at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the UAE. The duration of the visa is decided by the Japanese authorities based on the applicant’s itinerary and travel purpose​.

2. Long-term visas: These are required for those intending to work, study, or live in Japan, such as work or study visas. Applicants must provide additional documents like employment letters, university acceptance letters, or certificates of enrollment in the case of study visas​.

Required documents for a Japan multiple-entry temporary visitor visa

For a multiple-entry temporary visitor visa, UAE citizens need to provide the following detailed documents:

1.Visa application form: The form must be filled out with accurate personal details. Ensure that a passport-size photo (45mm x 45mm) is attached. The photo must meet specific requirements: it must not have glasses or headwear, have a plain white background, and have been taken within the last six months​.

2.Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Japan. You should also have at least two blank visa pages for stamps or visas​.

3.Proof of residence in the UAE: This could be your UAE national ID or residence permit, proving your legal status as a resident of the UAE​.

4.Travel itinerary: This should include proof of flight bookings (both inbound and outbound), as well as accommodation bookings for the entirety of your stay in Japan. This can be hotel reservations or proof of other lodging arrangements.

5.Proof of sufficient funds: You need to provide recent bank statements to demonstrate your financial ability to cover the costs of your stay in Japan.

Financial requirements for the Japan visa application

UAE citizens applying for a Japan visa must demonstrate financial capability. This includes:

• Bank statements showing recent transactions. These should cover at least 3 months of activity to prove your ability to finance your trip.

• Employment proof: This could be recent pay stubs, an employment letter from your company, or tax returns, establishing that you have a regular source of income​.

• Sponsorship letters, if applicable: If someone else is financially supporting your trip, they must provide an official letter of sponsorship along with their financial documents.

Japan visa application process for UAE citizens

Here’s how to apply for a Japan multiple-entry temporary visitor visa:

1.Submit your application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the UAE.

2.Prepare and submit all required documents (as listed above).

3.Pay the visa fees: The cost varies depending on the visa type and processing times. It’s recommended that you check with the embassy for current fees.

4.Attend an interview, if required: In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview to clarify your purpose of travel or provide additional documentation​

Japan visa costs and processing time for UAE citizens

The visa fees for a multiple-entry visa vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and processing preferences. Processing times generally take between 5 to 10 working days, but this can vary depending on the embassy’s workload.

Tips for a successful Japan visa application in the UAE

To ensure a smooth visa application process, keep in mind:

• Submit your application early to avoid delays.

• Ensure financial stability: Bank statements or income proof must show sufficient funds for your trip.

• Check your passport validity: It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.

Is there another tourist visa for Japan?

Yes. There is also a Japan eVisa that can be used to visit the country for tourism purposes. However, only specific nationalities are eligible for this visa, including Algeria, Cambodia, India, and Russia.

Learn more about the Japan eVisa