A 短期滞在 for medical care: is a special procedure needed?
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.
Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Answer
For a 短期滞在 visa application for medical care, a certificate of the planned consultation from the 医療機関 (medical institution) and a higher standard of financial proof are required. If treatment takes longer than planned, extending the period of stay is said to be extremely difficult as a rule, and may be permitted as an exception only where there are special circumstances calling for humanitarian consideration.
What is this enquiry about?
An enquirer who wants a detailed examination and short-term treatment at a Japanese medical institution asks about the procedure.
Subject: 在留資格「短期滞在」 (Temporary Visitor), for medical care
Situation: The enquirer wishes to receive a detailed examination and short-term treatment at an advanced medical institution in Japan. The planned period of stay is 3 weeks.
Question: When applying for a 短期滞在 visa for medical care, is there a special procedure or are there extra documents compared with an ordinary sightseeing trip? And what happens if treatment takes longer during the stay?
What special procedure and documents are needed for medical care?
A certificate of the planned consultation from the medical institution, and a higher standard of financial proof.
Certificate of the planned consultation from the medical institution: a certificate issued by the Japanese medical institution stating the planned consultation, the examinations, the treatment, the expected period and an estimate of the cost. It proves that medical care in Japan is necessary and concrete.
Letter of guarantee from the medical institution (in some cases): you may be asked to submit a document in which the medical institution guarantees the applicant's identity.
Financial proof: documents proving that you can fully cover the medical costs, the cost of your stay and the cost of returning home (certificate of bank balance, documents showing an ability to remit funds, and so on). Because medical costs can be high, ample proof of funds is required.
Proof of travel insurance (recommended): it is recommended to submit proof of overseas travel insurance covering medical and transport costs, in case of unexpected illness or accident. If you have no insurance, you may need a document explaining why.
Information on your state of health: you may be asked to provide information on your medical history and your present state of health.
Contact details during the stay: information such as the hotel where you will stay is needed.
The usual documents for a 短期滞在 visa application: the visa application form, passport, photograph and return flight booking confirmation are also needed.
What if treatment takes longer during the stay?
Extending the period of stay is extremely difficult as a rule, but there is a possibility of an exception where special circumstances call for humanitarian consideration.
If you need treatment beyond the period of the 短期滞在 visa, extending the period of stay is extremely difficult as a rule. The 短期滞在 visa assumes a short stay, so an easy extension is not permitted. However, where there are special circumstances calling for humanitarian consideration, the possibility that an extension is permitted as an exception is not zero.
Consult the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) promptly through the medical institution: as soon as it becomes clear that treatment will be prolonged, consult promptly through the staff of the medical institution and explain the situation.
Doctor's medical certificate: submit a medical certificate from the doctor proving that treatment has to continue.
Fresh financial proof: prove again that you can cover the additional medical and living costs needed for a longer stay.
Submission of a 理由書 (written explanation): submit a detailed written explanation of why the stay has to go beyond what was originally planned.
Even if you do all of the above, an extension is not necessarily permitted. In some cases you may have to return home once and apply again for a visa that allows a longer stay, such as a medical stay visa. Applications for a 短期滞在 visa for medical care are screened more carefully than those for ordinary sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is overseas travel insurance compulsory for a 短期滞在 for medical care?
It cannot be called compulsory, but submitting proof of insurance is recommended, and if you have no insurance you may need a document explaining why.
If treatment takes longer, is it easy to extend the period of stay?
It is extremely difficult as a rule. It may be permitted as an exception only where there are special circumstances calling for humanitarian consideration.
What happens if the extension is not permitted?
In some cases you may have to return home once and apply again for a visa that allows a longer stay, such as a medical stay visa.
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.
