Japanese Visas

The Japanese visa is obtained to allow foreigners entry into Japan. Without the Japanese Visa, entry into the country is not possible.

Visas are issued by embassies or consulates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visas are acquired before departing for Japan and not after arrival in Japan. A visa signifies that a foreigner wishing to enter Japan is indeed allowed to enter and stay in the country.

The Japanese visa, though, is just a pre-requisite for the application for a landing permission. The visa, in itself, does not guarantee landing permission.

The Landing permission serves as the legal basis for the foreigner’s stay in Japan. It is stamped in the passport at the airport or seaport where immigration procedures are being done.

Upon arrival at the airport or seaport in Japan, foreigners should first apply for a landing permission to an immigration officer, who will in turn validate the foreigner’s passport, the visa and the purpose of entering Japan. Landing permission will only be granted when all of the conditions mentioned are met. The visa becomes invalid immediately after the immigration officer completes the examination of landing and grants landing permission.