Documents for a 短期滞在 visa, and points by nationality
Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) ／ Published ／ Last updated
This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.
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Answer
An application for a 短期滞在 visa commonly requires the visa application form, your passport, and documents proving the purpose of travel and your ability to meet the costs. In addition, depending on your nationality, extra documents such as a 身元保証書 or a 招へい理由書 tend to be required.
What is this enquiry about?
A guide for people who want to know which documents are needed for a 短期滞在 visa application.
Subject: documents required for a 在留資格「短期滞在」 (Temporary Visitor) visa
Situation: a person thinking of applying for a 短期滞在 visa for Japan.
What they want to know: which documents are generally required, and whether there are points to watch or extra documents depending on nationality.
What are the basic documents for a 短期滞在 visa application?
The visa application form, passport, photograph, and documents proving the purpose of travel and your ability to meet the costs.
Visa application form: it can be downloaded from the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate-general, or obtained at the counter. It has to be filled in accurately and completely.
The applicant's passport: it is desirable that its validity extends at least 3 months beyond the planned period of stay in Japan.
Photograph: taken within the last 3 months, of the specified size (usually about 4.5cm x 3.5cm), without headwear, facing forward, with a plain background.
Documents proving the purpose of travel: for sightseeing, an itinerary, flight tickets and accommodation booking confirmations; for business, a letter of invitation, a business trip order and a company profile; for visits to relatives or acquaintances, a letter of invitation, a 身元保証書 (letter of guarantee) and documents proving the relationship.
Documents proving your ability to meet the costs during the stay: a certificate of bank balance or proof of income for the applicant, or, where someone else will meet the costs, that person's certificate of bank balance, proof of income and 身元保証書.
A return flight ticket or booking confirmation: something showing that you plan to leave Japan.
The above are only the general documents, and extra documents may be required depending on your own circumstances and your nationality. Please always check the latest information on the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate-general with jurisdiction over your area, or contact them directly.
What points and extra documents apply by nationality?
Documents proving a family relationship, a 身元保証書, or a 招へい理由書 are sometimes required.
Chinese nationals: for visits to relatives, a notarised certificate of kinship may be required. More detailed proof of income or tax payment, and documents on past travel history or residence status, are sometimes requested.
Filipino, Vietnamese, Indonesian and some other nationalities: a 身元保証書 from a relative or acquaintance in Japan, or from a Japanese company or organisation, is often required. A 招へい理由書 (letter explaining the reason for the invitation), or official documents proving the family relationship in more detail, are sometimes requested. The purpose of the stay in Japan and the intention to return home tend to be examined more carefully.
Indian, Nepalese, Bangladeshi and some other nationalities: more detailed information may be requested, such as the guarantor's certificate of residence, certificate of employment, proof of income and tax payment certificate. Even for sightseeing, you may have to explain your travel plan and the places you will visit in detail, and documents showing your intention to return home are sometimes requested.
Other: for people who have overstayed or worked illegally in the past, the application may be examined strictly, or refused, depending on the nature and length of the violation. People who have been refused entry in the past may have to explain the reason clearly and submit measures to prevent it happening again.
The above are only general tendencies, and the documents required differ with individual circumstances. Please always check the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate-general for your own nationality and obtain the latest information.
What helps the application go smoothly?
Gathering information early, preparing accurate documents, and applying with time to spare.
Once your travel plans are set, check the required documents on the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate-general with jurisdiction over your area straight away. Fill in the application form carefully and accurately, and avoid any false statement, as it can cause a refusal. Gather all the required documents, check once more that nothing is missing, and apply with time to spare before your planned travel date, since screening can take time. If anything is unclear, you are advised not to hesitate to contact the Japanese embassy or consulate-general with jurisdiction over your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the documents for a 短期滞在 visa the same for every nationality?
The basic documents are common, but depending on your nationality there may be extra documents. It is important to check the information from the embassy or consulate-general for your own nationality.
What should I do if I have overstayed in the past?
Depending on the nature and length of the violation, screening may be stricter or the application may be refused, so you are advised to consult the Japanese embassy or consulate-general with jurisdiction over your area in advance.
What happens if there is a mistake in my application form?
A false statement is a cause of refusal. It is important to gather all the required documents and check once more that nothing is missing.
This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.
