2023-04-05

The stay of foreigners in Japan is not limited to medium- and long-term stays. There are also several types of short-term visas for stays of up to 90 days. However, many people do not know what short-term visas are all about. Therefore, this topic describes the short-term visa system and what you need to consider when applying for such a visa.

What is a Short-Term Stay Visa?

It is a visa for sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, excursions, attending lectures or meetings, business contacts and similar activities during a short stay in Japan.

A short-term stay visa is also known as a “tourist visa." Foreigners coming to Japan on this visa are not allowed to engage in any activity in Japan to earn an income.

The length of stay can be 90 days, 30 days or 15 days. An extension is usually not possible.

However, under special circumstances such as marriage or the birth of a child, an extension may be granted.

Short-term visas include tourist visas, family visit visas and short-term business visas.

Tourist Visa

The application must be submitted by the foreigner to an overseas diplomatic establishment (Japanese Embassy/Consulate). Depending on the person’s financial situation, a multiple entry visa (e.g., for a total stay of 30 days) may be issued in some cases.

For countries that have not signed a visa waiver agreement with Japan (Russia, China, Malaysia, etc.), you must apply for a visa before entering the country.

・Visa for Visiting Relatives

This visa is issued for a stay of up to 90 days to visit relatives and acquaintances living in Japan.
However, for the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Ireland, Austria and Liechtenstein, the maximum duration is 180 days.

・Short-term Business Visa

This visa is for a short-term stay in Japan for the purpose of attending conferences, business negotiations, factory visits, exhibition visits, attending academic conferences, internships, job interviews, technical consulting, etc.

In general, you may not engage in income-generating activities.

You may stay for up to 90 days. However, for the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Ireland, Austria and Liechtenstein, the maximum period is 180 days.

Precautions for short-term visas

When applying for a short-term visa, it is important that you state the purpose of your stay. If you have already been granted a short-term visa once, it is likely that you will be granted the visa relatively easily the second time.

Therefore, you should specify exactly whether the planned activity is the same or not.

However, if you have been denied the visa once, you can apply for it again only after 6 months.

Summary

A short-stay visa, also known as a “tourist visa," is a visa that allows a stay of up to 90, 30, or 15 days.

Short-stay visas include tourist visas, family visit visas, and short-term business visas.

When you apply for a short-term visa, it is important that you specify the purpose of your stay. Also, you need to prepare many documents. So, if you are worried about the procedure, you should consult an expert.