The tourism sector in the UAE has experienced tremendous growth over the past decades and underpins the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of residents, whether locals or tourists. As a resident of the UAE looking to explore the world, the government has taken steps to make sure visas are gotten timely. Residents of the UAE with an Emirati passport can visit certain countries such as Andorra, Mauritius, New Zealand, Netherlands, and many others without a visa, while other countries allow the use of eVisas, visa on arrival, or require individuals to obtain a visa from their national embassy.
Of the many countries issuing an e-Visa for UAE residents, Japan sits at the heart of this discussion. If you are a resident of the UAE who’s been looking to explore Japan, applying for a visa just became easier. You can now get an e-Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 15 days. In this blog, we will explore the requirements, fees, and relevant details for obtaining a Japan e-Visa for UAE residents.
What You Must Know About the Japan e-Visa for UAE Residents
The eVisa, an online visa application system, was introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan. This program allows foreigners from certain countries, including the UAE, to apply for short-term tourist visas. With a focus to streamline the visa application process to make it more comfortable for tourists, and foster good relationships between both countries, the eVisa initiative was rolled out.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates are eligible to apply for the Japan eVisa. But for individuals from countries eligible for visa-free travel to Japan, do not require the Japan eVisa in UAE. To find the complete list of exempted countries with visa arrangements with Japan, you can check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Validity and Duration for the e-Visa
The Japan e-Visa for UAE residents only allows for short-term stays and strictly for tourism. It offers tourists a stay in Japan for up to 15 days. The eVisa is valid for just three months from the next day following its issuance. This implies that the eVisa holders must travel to Japan within three months of being granted.
How to Get a Japan e-Visa from Dubai, UAE
In early 2024, the e-visa service was paused for some UAE residents, requiring applications to be submitted directly to the Japanese consulate. But from September 1, 2024, travelers from the UAE can now apply for their Japan e-Visas through VFS Global. Visa applications can be submitted at the Wafi Mall in Dubai and the Mall in Abu Dhabi.
To ensure the application processes are easier and more accessible to residents, VFS Global and the Japanese missions in the UAE have launched some visa application centers. Residents can book appointments for long-term and short-term visas online without attracting any extra cost. However, there’s a service charge of AED 100 in addition to the visa cost when you use the centers.
Online Application Process
To apply for a Japan eVisa online in Dubai, here are the steps to follow:
- Have a valid passport, UAE residence visa, and Emirates ID
- Go to Japan’s official eVisa website
- Fill out the biodata form accurately
- Upload the required documents
- Review your application before submission
- Submit the online form
- Pay the visa issuance fee (This varies with nationality. You can get more details from the Consulate General of Japan on Dubai’s official website)
- Wait for the visa processing(Usually takes about five working days)
- Once issued, download and print the eVisa confirmation
Documents Required for eVisa Application
UAE residents applying for the Japan eVisa in Dubai will require the following documents to complete their application:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of Emirates ID
- Recent passport photograph taken no longer than six months
- Certificate of employment
- Bank statement of at least three months
- Schedule of stay (Entry and departure dates)
- Itinerary with flight details
- Accommodation or hotel information for stay in Japan
8 Days or Less for the Wait
Applicants for Japan e-Visa for UAE residents can now get their visas in about 8 working days or less. Efforts are being made to reduce the waiting time. However, visa processing might take up to 3 weeks, depending on the submitted documents and other factors. Travelers are often advised to keep this in mind when they plan their trips.
The Consul General of Japan to Dubai, Imanishi Jun, hopes that the online platform and centers will make visa application processes faster and more comfortable for tourists. You can easily travel to these centers by choosing to rent a cheap rent-a-car-Dubai. The eVisa initiative seeks to promote cultural exchanges and strengthen the bond between the two nations.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
