Visa Applications for Tourists Participating in Guided Package Tours
2022/9/9
From the 7th September, 2022, it will be possible to apply for a tourist visa as part of a package tour on a set itinerary, without the requirement to travel accompanied by a tour guide. Return flights, the travel itinerary and accomodation must still be handled with an authorized Japanese tour operator.
If you have already consulted with a Japanese tour operator, please read on for visa details such as eligibility and required documents.
Please note that individual tourist and transit visas are not available at this time, and non-Japanese nationals still require a visa to enter Japan.
- Please ensure you read the current entry information for Japan carefully.
- Please ensure you bring all required documents (including copies of documents as requested) to apply as the Embassy does not offer a printing service.
- Please ensure that copies of documents are legible.
1. Eligibility
The new measure is available to people falling under the following criteria:- Holding an Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) certificate applied for by your Japanese tour company (link in Japanese)
- Taking part in a trip following an itinerary set by a Japanese tour company
2. Required Documents
A. For passport holders of 68 countries/ regions (i.e. Barbados, UK, USA,CANADA) (*1)
For passport holders from countries previously covered by the currently paused visa exemption schemes- Visa application form (Please do not paste the photo as indicated on the form)
- One passport-sized photograph approx: 45mm x 35mm or 1in x 1.4in (taken within the last 6 months)
- Valid passport
- Copy of passport photo page
- Your Certificate of Registration from the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) certificate applied for by your tour company (link in Japanese)
B. For passport holders from other countries/regions
- Visa application form (Please do not paste the photo as indicated on the form)
- One passport-sized photograph approx: 45mm x 35mm or 1in x 1.4in (taken within the last 6 months)
- Valid passport
- copy of passport photo page
- Your Certificate of Registration from the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) certificate applied for by your tour company (link in Japanese)
- An explanatory document prepared by your tour company including the following:
a. An overview of the tour
b. A list of the participants
c. Itinerary of the tour
d. The contact details of the travel company
e. Certificate of employment and contact details of the tour guide