Photo PassMake my photo Japan short-stay visa: purpose, documents and application routes
A practical overview of Japan’s temporary visitor process, purpose-specific document lists, eVisa limits, itinerary evidence and the correct visa-form photo.
What this visa or program is
Japan’s short-term visa requirements depend on nationality, residence and purpose such as tourism, visiting relatives or short business. Visa exemption may apply to some passports; others must apply before travel.
Eligible residents in supported locations may use JAPAN eVISA for short-term tourism. Other purposes and many applicants continue through a Japanese embassy, consulate or accredited channel.
- Typical status
- Temporary Visitor
- eVisa
- Limited to eligible tourism cases
- Work
- Not permitted
- Checklist
- Nationality and purpose specific
This independent guide explains the normal route, not a personal eligibility decision. Immigration rules, fees and appointment procedures can change; check the linked authority and the office handling your application before submitting or paying.
Who needs it?
- Travellers who are not visa-exempt for the proposed short stay.
- Tourists eligible for JAPAN eVISA may apply through the online channel.
- Family visits, business, paid activity and long stays require the route and documents applicable to that purpose.
Core eligibility
- A short, credible purpose consistent with Temporary Visitor status.
- Passport and lawful residence documents accepted by the responsible mission.
- A coherent schedule of stay and ability to fund the trip.
- No intention to perform paid work under visitor status.
Documents and information to prepare
- Passport, application form and the photo size shown on that form.
- Flight and schedule-of-stay information.
- Funding evidence and purpose-specific documents.
- Invitation, guarantor and relationship/business papers when required by the relevant checklist.
How to apply, step by step
Check visa exemption and purpose
Use MOFA information for nationality and classify tourism, family visit or business correctly.
Choose eVisa or mission route
JAPAN eVISA is only for eligible short-term tourism applicants in supported locations.
Use the exact checklist
Download the current form and nationality/purpose document list from MOFA or the responsible mission.
Submit and respond
Complete the online or physical procedure and provide additional documents or an interview if requested.
Confirm issuance
eVisa holders must display the official visa issuance notice as instructed; screenshots or PDFs may not substitute for the live notice.
Timing and fees
- Processing and fees depend on mission, nationality, entry type and whether the application requires further examination.
- Use the responsible mission’s current information and leave time for additional checks.
Validity and stay conditions
- The issued visa or eVisa notice states the entry window and category; immigration decides landing permission and period at arrival.
- A temporary visitor may not perform paid work.
Photo requirements
Japan has official forms with different photo boxes. The general visa application form commonly shows 45 × 45 mm, while a Certificate of Eligibility-related form can show 45 × 35 mm. Match the form actually being submitted.
- Use the dimensions printed on the current official form
- Recent, clear frontal portrait
- Plain background with the face unobstructed
- Do not crop to a different form’s aspect ratio
Common refusal or delay risks
- Using tourism documents for a different real purpose.
- An incomplete schedule, unexplained funding or weak relationship/invitation evidence.
- Applying through an unavailable eVisa location or wrong jurisdiction.
- Using the wrong photo box dimensions for the selected official form.
After approval
- Check identity and visa details and follow the eVisa-display instructions if applicable.
- Carry itinerary, accommodation and return information for immigration.
- Stay within the granted period and activities.
Official sources and next check
Use these authority pages to verify live eligibility, fees, forms, dates and submission instructions:
Prepare the photo when the application is ready
First confirm the correct visa route and current checklist. Then use the matching preset to crop and export the portrait privately on your device.
Create a Japan visa photo