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Japan Tourist Visa for Vietnam Citizens: Requirements, Fees & Process
Learn about the visa requirements, fees, and application process for Vietnamese citizens traveling to Japan.
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This guide covers the official Japan entry process for Vietnam passport holders: required documents, the application steps, and where our optional support fits in.
Vietnamese citizens require a visa to travel to Japan. This guide details the necessary steps for a successful visa application.
Does Japan Require a Visa for Vietnamese Citizens?
Yes, Vietnamese citizens must obtain a visa in advance to travel to Japan. Holders of a Vietnamese passport must apply for a tourist visa through the authorized Japanese Embassy or Consulate to enter Japan. In this guide, we will detail every step of the application process, the required documents, fees, and practical tips.
What is a Japan Tourist Visa and Why Do Vietnamese Citizens Need It?
Japan offers visa-free entry to 69 countries and regions worldwide; however, Vietnam is not on this list. Therefore, every individual holding a Vietnamese passport must apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa when they wish to enter Japan for tourism, family visits, or short-term business purposes. This type of visa allows a stay in Japan for up to 90 days, but Vietnamese citizens are usually granted a stay of 15 to 30 days. The visa covers purposes such as sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and short-term business activities.
Types of Visas: Which Visa Should You Choose?
There are several different visa categories for Vietnamese citizens traveling to Japan. The most suitable option for those planning a tourist trip is the Temporary Visitor Visa. Additionally, there are options such as the Working Holiday Visa for those applying under the working holiday program, and the Medical Stay Visa for those traveling for medical treatment. If you plan to work in Japan with the sponsorship of an employer, you must apply based on a Certificate of Eligibility. This guide primarily focuses on the tourist Temporary Visitor Visa.
Basic Rules You Need to Know Before Applying
The Japanese Embassy applies a very meticulous evaluation process in visa applications. It is crucial to keep the following basic rules in mind before making your application:
- All submitted documents are non-returnable; therefore, keep copies of the original documents with you.
- For documents that need to be returned, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or identity cards, submit copies during the application and request the originals back.
- Submitting an airline ticket is not mandatory for applications other than transit visas; however, those who wish to can do so. However, if a ticket is submitted and the visa is denied, the Embassy or VFS Global does not accept responsibility.
- Do not send application documents to the Embassy by mail or fax; documents received in this way will not be processed.
- If the visa is denied, it is recommended not to reapply for the same purpose within 6 months.
- The Embassy does not disclose the reasons for visa denials.
- If applicable, remember to submit your old passport along with your valid passport.
Other destinations for Vietnam passport holders
You can apply yourself.
This guide covers the full official process step by step. Honesty builds trust. If you have questions, you can reach us through the contact options above.
Required Documents: Complete Preparation Guide
The documents you need to prepare for a Japan Temporary Visitor Visa are divided into several main categories. The table below compiles all document requirements:
| Document Type | Details and Requirements |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must have at least 6 months validity; the passport number must be clearly readable, and there should be no water damage or stains. |
| Old Passport (if any) | Should be submitted to show all previous travel history. |
| Visa Application Form | The official form of the Japanese Embassy must be filled out completely and accurately and signed. |
| Biometric Photo | 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm in size, with a white background, without glasses, taken within the last 6 months. |
| Travel Itinerary | A detailed plan including accommodation places in Japan, cities to be visited, and daily schedule. |
| Accommodation Document | Hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter from the host. |
| Bank Account Statement | Bank statement for the last 3-6 months; sufficient financial capacity must be demonstrated. |
| Employment / Student Certificate | An employer letter or employment contract for employees; a student certificate for students. |
| Identity Card / Family Register | Required to prove marital status and family ties; the original is returned, and the copy remains in the file. |
Additional Documents Based on Employment Status
Additional documents are required depending on the applicant's employment status. For employees, an employer letter written and signed on company letterhead and pay slips are required. For self-employed individuals, a trade registry certificate, tax declaration, and bank account statements may be requested. For students, a student certificate approved by the school and financial documents proving scholarship or family support should be submitted. For retirees, a pension certificate and bank account statements are considered sufficient.
Additional Documents for Those Traveling with Family
If you are traveling with your spouse or children, documents proving family ties should also be included in your file. Marriage certificates, children's birth certificates, and custody decisions, if any, are considered within this scope. A separate application file must be prepared for each family member.
Visa Fees and Payment Method
Fees for the Japan Temporary Visitor Visa vary depending on the type of visa and the number of entries. All visa fees are paid in Vietnamese Dong (VND) in cash. The table below provides current fee information:
| Visa Type | Fee (VND) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | ~500,000 VND | Grants a one-time entry to Japan. |
| Double Entry Visa | ~700,000 VND | Allows two entries to Japan. |
| Multiple Entry Visa | ~1,000,000 VND | Allows multiple entries during the visa validity period. |
| Transit Visa | ~300,000 VND | Valid for transit through Japan to another country. |
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a Japan tourist visa from Vietnam is a manageable process when you follow the correct steps. Below you will find the entire process detailed from start to finish.
Step 1: Clarify Your Travel Plan
Before applying, you need to determine how long you will stay in Japan, which cities you will visit, and where you will stay. The Embassy expects the applicant to clearly state their travel purpose and plan. Preparing a detailed travel plan that includes daily activities, tourist sites to visit, and accommodation information will strengthen your application.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Prepare all the documents listed above completely. Obtain both the originals and photocopies of each document. Ensure that your bank account statement covers the last 3 to 6 months. Make sure your photos are 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm in size, with a white background, and taken within the last six months. Do not go to the application center without ensuring that all documents are complete and up-to-date.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Download the official visa application form from the Japanese Embassy and fill out all fields completely, accurately, and legibly. No field should be left blank; the information must match exactly with the information in your passport. After filling out and signing the form, place it in an organized file along with your other documents.
Step 4: Visit the VFS Global Application Center
In Vietnam, Japan visa applications are accepted through VFS Global centers, which serve on behalf of the Japanese Embassy. You can submit your application by making an appointment at the VFS Global centers located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. When going to the application center, bring all your original documents and copies with you. Be prepared to pay the visa fee in cash.
Step 5: Track Your Application
After submitting your application, you can track the status of your application on the VFS Global website using the tracking number provided to you. During the processing, the Embassy may request additional documents or interviews; responding to such requests as soon as possible is critical to prevent your processing time from being extended.
Step 6: Collect Your Passport
Once the visa process is complete, you can collect your passport from the VFS Global center. When collecting your passport, carefully check that the visa label contains the correct information, entry count, and validity dates. If you notice any errors, report them to the relevant authorities immediately.
Processing Time: How Long Should You Wait?
The standard processing time for a Japan Temporary Visitor Visa is at least 9 business days from the date of submission to VFS Global. This period does not include the day the application is submitted. The Embassy does not approve visas before this period, except in exceptional cases such as humanitarian situations. Therefore, be sure to take this minimum processing time into account when making your travel plans.
| Processing Type | Estimated Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Processing | At least 9 business days | Excludes the date of application submission. |
| Additional Document Request | More than 9 business days | Request for additional documents or interviews extends the time. |
| Humanitarian Emergencies | At the discretion of the Embassy | Expedited processing can only be done in exceptional cases. |
Financial Adequacy: How Strong Should Your Bank Account Be?
Financial documents are one of the most critical elements of the evaluation process in Japan visa applications. The applicant must prove that they can cover all their expenses during their stay in Japan. As a general rule, for a short trip of 5 to 7 days, it is expected that there is a sufficient amount of balance in your bank account. Having a balance that can comfortably cover your daily expenses during the travel period directly positively affects your chances of visa approval.
The most important thing to pay attention to in your bank account statement is that the balance appears stable and regular. Large amounts deposited into the account shortly before the application may raise suspicions among consular officers. Instead, presenting an account statement showing regular income and expenditure movements over the past few months provides a much more convincing financial profile. Additionally, an account statement showing that salary payments are made at regular intervals indirectly proves your employment status.
Duration of Stay and Visa Validity in Japan
The maximum duration of stay in Japan under the Japan Temporary Visitor Visa granted to Vietnamese citizens is generally 15 to 30 days. The visa validity period varies depending on the applicant's profile and the discretion of the Embassy, and it is usually set as 3 months. This period indicates the time frame during which the visa can be used; it does not show the total number of days that can be spent in Japan, but rather the dates during which the visa is valid.
Exceeding the permitted stay in Japan can have very serious consequences. Illegal residence can lead to the rejection of future visa applications and even a ban on entering Japan. Therefore, do not exceed your visa duration and, if necessary, adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Application Centers: Where Should You Apply in Vietnam?
Citizens residing in Vietnam can apply for a Japan visa through VFS Global. VFS Global carries out services such as application acceptance, document verification, and passport delivery on behalf of the Japanese Embassy. Application centers operate in two major cities in Vietnam:
- Hanoi VFS Global Center: The primary application point for those residing in Northern Vietnam.
- Ho Chi Minh City VFS Global Center: The nearest application center for those residing in Southern Vietnam.
You must make an appointment before applying at both centers. Applications without an appointment may not be accepted. You can make an appointment through the official website of VFS Global and access the current addresses and working hours of the application centers. Ensure that all your documents are complete and organized when going to the application center; your application may be rejected due to missing documents, and you may need to make a new appointment.
Factors That Strengthen Visa Applications
There are several key factors that increase the approval rate in Japan visa applications. Preparing your application with these factors in mind significantly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Strong social ties play a decisive role in visa evaluation. Documents proving that you will return to your country when your stay in Japan ends support your application. In this context, your employment contract, property documents, documents showing your family ties, and proof of regular income are of great importance. The Embassy wants to see that the applicant has strong reasons to return to Vietnam.
Previous travel history also stands out as a positive factor in the evaluation process. Having traveled to various countries, including Japan, and complied with visa rules increases the applicant's reliability. Visa stamps and entry-exit records in your old passport are valuable documents in this regard.
Preparing a consistent and detailed travel plan is also among the factors that strengthen your application. A plan that clearly states which cities you will visit in Japan, where you will stay, and what activities you will do shows that your travel purpose is genuine and legitimate.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
When examining the most common mistakes in Japan visa applications, it is seen that the vast majority are preventable. Knowing these mistakes in advance significantly reduces the risk of your application being rejected.
One of the most common mistakes is submitting an incomplete or incorrectly filled application form. Leaving any field blank on the form or entering data that conflicts with passport information can lead to the direct rejection of the application. Another common mistake is submitting insufficient financial documents; a bank statement covering only a few days or showing a very low balance leads to negative evaluation.
Inconsistent information also poses a serious problem. Information on the application form that does not match other documents, such as the company name in the employer letter not matching the salary payment in the bank statement, undermines credibility. Additionally, not submitting a travel plan or preparing a very general plan is among the factors that weaken the application.
Finally, applying too late is a frequently encountered mistake. Considering the minimum 9 business day processing time, applications made too close to the travel date carry a significant risk. Especially during peak seasons, this period may be extended, so completing your application at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date is the safest approach.
Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
Once your visa application is approved, it will be beneficial to consider some practical information that will make your trip to Japan more enjoyable and hassle-free. Japan is one of the safest and best-organized countries in terms of tourism infrastructure; however, being prepared in some areas will greatly enhance your travel experience.
Cash is still widely used in Japan. Especially small restaurants, temples, and traditional shops accept cash only. You can easily withdraw Japanese Yen (JPY) from currency exchange offices at the airport or ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post in Japan. It is recommended to have a sufficient amount of cash during your trip.
Regarding transportation, Japan has a highly developed public transportation network. For intercity travel, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is the fastest and most comfortable option. Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass is especially cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple cities. This pass must be purchased before arriving in Japan.
For internet connection in Japan, renting a mobile phone SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device (pocket Wi-Fi) is the most practical solution. There are many companies offering these services at airports. Google Maps and Google Translate apps will become indispensable tools while navigating Japan, as English signs are not available everywhere.
In terms of cultural rules, paying attention to some basic etiquette in Japan will help you build good relationships with locals and enrich your travel experience. You may need to remove your shoes when entering temples and traditional places. Talking loudly on the phone in public transportation is not well-received. Tipping in restaurants is not a common practice in Japan; it can even be considered rude.
Japan's Most Popular Tourist Destinations
Japan hosts millions of tourists from all over the world with its unique destinations that offer different beauty in every season. Tokyo offers endless exploration opportunities with its modern architecture, shopping centers, historical temples, and world-famous cuisine. Kyoto is considered the heart of traditional Japanese culture, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere with hundreds of temples, geisha districts, and bamboo forests. Osaka stands out with its vibrant street food culture and nightlife. Hiroshima and Nara attract visitors with their historical significance and natural beauty.
In terms of travel timing, the most popular periods include March-April (cherry blossom season) and October-November (autumn foliage season). During these periods, Japan becomes very crowded, and accommodation prices rise. For a quieter and more economical trip, you can choose June-July (rainy season) or January-February (winter) months.
What are the visa rules for Tokyo?
Visa rules do not change by city; the same conditions apply across Japan: evisa / eta, including Tokyo and every other point of entry.
Other frequently visited cities: Kyoto.
Utilizing Visa Consultancy Services
While the Japan visa application process can be managed individually with proper preparation, some applicants prefer to seek professional assistance. Visa consultancy services offer a valuable option, especially for those who have previously experienced visa refusals, have complex employment situations, or need help preparing documents.
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