Last updated: 9 September 2026. Written by the editorial team, travel regulations researchers with 5 years of experience analysing visa policies for UK residents. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements on the MOFA eVisa portal.
To apply for a Japan eVisa from the UK, visit the JAPAN eVISA website, create an account, fill in the online form with your personal and travel details, upload your passport scan, photo, and supporting documents, pay the ¥15,000 fee by card, and submit. Processing typically takes 5 business days to 2 weeks.
The Japan eVisa is a single-entry online visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days, required for non-British UK residents. British Citizen passport holders are visa-exempt for short-term tourism. Ensure you have a valid ordinary passport, a digital photo, and proof of UK residence before starting your application.
What Is the Japan eVisa?
The Japan eVisa is a single-entry tourist visa valid for 3 months from issuance, allowing stays of 15, 30, or 90 days. Managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) (2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919, Japan; tel. +81-(0)3-3580-3311; JCN 9000012040001), the Japan eVisa is issued exclusively for tourism and cannot be extended or used for multiple entries. Only ordinary passports are accepted (official/diplomatic excluded). Permitted travel modes include air travel and international scheduled passenger ferries between Japan and Busan or Japan and Shanghai.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operating authority | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) |
| Permitted travel purpose | Tourism only (Temporary Visitor Visa) |
| Entry type | Single-entry only |
| Stay duration | 15, 30, or 90 days (decided by consular officer) |
| eVisa validity period | 3 months from issuance (counted from the day after issue date) |
| After entry | Invalidated after a single entry; cannot be extended |
| Eligible passport | Ordinary passport only |
| Permitted travel modes | Air; international scheduled ferries (Japan-Busan or Japan-Shanghai) |
Do You Actually Need a Japan eVisa? (British Citizens vs. Other UK Residents)
British Citizen passport holders are visa-exempt for up to 90 days; non-British UK residents need an eVisa. The Japan eVisa is required for UK residents whose nationalities are not covered by Japan’s visa exemption arrangement. Holders of British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and Convention Travel Documents are not exempt and must obtain a Japan eVisa before travel. Eligibility is tied to the applicant’s country of legal residence, not passport nationality alone. Non-residents in the UK (e.g., visitor visa holders) cannot have their applications accepted by the Embassy of Japan in the UK.
| Passport Type | UK Residence Status | Japan eVisa Required? |
|---|---|---|
| British Citizen | Legal resident in the UK | No – visa exemption for up to 90 days |
| British Overseas Citizen | Legal resident in the UK | Yes |
| British Subject | Legal resident in the UK | Yes |
| British Overseas Territories Citizen | Legal resident in the UK | Yes |
| Convention Travel Document holder | Legal resident in the UK | Yes |
| Any non-British nationality | Visitor visa holder in the UK (non-resident) | Cannot apply from the UK |
For Third-Country Nationals Resident in the UK: BRP and Residence Status
Third-country nationals applying for a Japan eVisa must prove legal UK residence. Accepted documents include a physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a digital immigration status Share Code, as the UK Government transition replaces physical BRPs with digital immigration status in 2026. Supporting evidence such as Council Tax bills or utility bills may also be requested.
| Document Type | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | Yes | Physical card; being phased out in favour of digital status in 2026 |
| Digital immigration status (Share Code) | Yes | Generated via GOV.UK; proves right to reside |
| Council Tax bill | As supporting evidence | Confirms UK residential address |
| Utility bill | As supporting evidence | Additional proof of UK residence |
| UK visitor visa | No | Visitor visa holders are not UK residents – application cannot be accepted |
Who Can Apply from the UK? (Eligibility Requirements)
Only ordinary passport holders physically residing in the UK with at least 6 months passport validity can apply for a Japan eVisa. Only ordinary passports are eligible; official/diplomatic and Japanese dual nationals are excluded. Holders of a Convention travel document are not eligible. The applicant must remain physically in the UK throughout the application period. Permitted travel modes are air and international scheduled passenger ferries between Japan and Busan or Shanghai only.
- Ordinary passport only (no official/diplomatic passports)
- No Japanese nationality (dual nationals must use Japanese passport)
- Convention travel document holders: not eligible
- Physical presence in UK required during entire application
- Travel by air or scheduled ferry (Japan-Busan / Japan-Shanghai)
Passport Validity Requirements
A machine-readable passport with an MRZ is required for the Japan eVisa. The passport must have at least 6 months validity from the intended date of entry and at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. If the passport is renewed after eVisa issuance, the existing Japan eVisa becomes invalid and a new application is required.
When to Apply: Ideal Timeline
Japan eVisa applications open a maximum of 3 months before the planned travel date. Submissions made fewer than 1 week before departure are not accepted. Apply at least 4 weeks before departure (UK Embassy avg. 2 weeks; peak season >1 month).
Documents You Need Before You Start
Required: passport scan (MRZ), digital photo, flight booking, accommodation proof, itinerary, UK residence proof. Prepare all files before starting the Japan eVisa online form. Proof of UK ties for non-British nationals may include an employment letter, student enrolment letter, or property ownership documentation. Bank statements covering 3 months are recommended to demonstrate ability to fund the trip.
| Document | Requirements | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport scan | Must include MRZ; min 640 x 480 px | PDF, TIF, JPG, PNG | Entire data page visible |
| Digital photo | 4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months | JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, HEIC | Under 2 MB |
| Flight booking | Booking or itinerary sufficient | PDF/JPG | Confirmed ticket not required |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel confirmation or host invitation letter | PDF/JPG | Show guest name, dates, address |
| Travel itinerary | Detailed daily schedule | Required by portal | |
| UK residence proof | BRP or digital Share Code (non-British nationals) | PDF/JPG | Employment letter, student enrolment, or property ownership as supporting ties |
| Bank statements | Recommended 3 months of statements | Demonstrate ability to fund trip |
Upload required supporting documents within portal limits: max 2 MB per file and 50 pages total across all uploads.
Preparing Your Digital Photo (Exact Specifications)
The Japan eVisa photo must measure 4.5 x 3.5 cm with a plain white, untextured background. Face forward, no hat, no eyeglasses. Taken within the last 6 months. Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, HEIC. File size under 2 MB. Photos extracted from ID documents are prohibited. Common mistake: an off-white or cream background causes instant rejection – ensure the background is pure white.
Uploading Your Passport Scan (MRZ Requirement)
The passport data page scan must include the Machine Readable Zone – the two lines of characters at the bottom of the page. Minimum resolution 640 x 480 pixels. Accepted formats: PDF, TIF, JPG, PNG. Common mistakes: cropping the MRZ, low resolution, and glare on the laminated page. The scan must show the entire data page including MRZ.
Accommodation Proof: Hotels, Hostels, and Private Stays
Hotel or hostel booking confirmations from platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb are accepted for the Japan eVisa. Private stays may require a host invitation letter or guarantor documentation. Confirmations should display guest name, dates, and property address. Provisional bookings are acceptable.
Registering and Completing the Japan eVisa Form
Create an Account
Register on the JAPAN eVISA website
Fill In the Application Form
Enter personal and travel data
Upload Your Documents
Attach passport, photo, and itinerary
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay by card before submission
Step 1: Create an Account on the JAPAN eVISA Website
Access the JAPAN eVISA website and register with an email address and password. Email verification is required. Accounts are deleted after 365 days of inactivity, and 5 wrong password attempts trigger a 30-minute lockout. No auto-save of draft data is confirmed – save progress regularly.
Step 2: Fill In the Application Form (Field-by-Field Walkthrough)
All form fields must match your passport exactly; data cannot be modified after submission.
| Field | Example Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surname | SMITH | As per passport, in CAPITALS |
| Date of Birth | 15/03/1990 | DD/MM/YYYY format |
| Nationality | UNITED KINGDOM | Dropdown selection |
| Passport Type | Ordinary | Official/diplomatic excluded |
| Purpose of Visit | Tourism | Dropdown – select “Tourism” |
| Address in Japan | Hotel name + full address + phone | Extract from Booking.com confirmation |
| Occupation | Dropdown selection | Select matching category |
Common mistakes: name not matching passport, wrong date format, incomplete Japanese address. The tourism purpose selection is mandatory for the Japan eVisa.
Uploading Documents and Paying the Japan eVisa Fee
Upload each document to its designated field, then pay the fee by card before submission.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
- Upload each file to its matching field – passport scan (must include MRZ), digital photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation confirmation.
- File limit: under 2 MB per file; total across all uploads must not exceed 50 pages.
- Compress PDFs or reduce photo DPI if files exceed limits; crop blank margins to save space.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
| Fee Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (from 1 July 2026) | ¥15,000 | Revised from ¥3,000 – Japan’s first fee increase since 1978. Source: uk.emb-japan.go.jp |
| Multiple-entry visa (from 1 July 2026) | ¥30,000 | For eligible nationalities requiring multiple entries |
| Reduced fee (India bilateral agreement) | ₹500 | Flat fee for Indian nationals under Japan-India bilateral arrangement |
| Approximate GBP equivalent | ~£75-£80 | Subject to exchange rate; final amount depends on nationality |
| Payment method | Credit card or debit card only | Portal bills in JPY; UK cardholders may incur foreign transaction fees |
| Cardholder rule | Must match applicant | Minors may use a parent or guardian card |
| Refund policy | No refunds | Applies after visa issuance |
Applying as a Family or for Children
The Japan eVisa allows families sharing the same itinerary and consular jurisdiction to submit one combined application with a single payment transaction. Minor applicants require an unabridged birth certificate and a notarised consent letter from any non-travelling parent or legal guardian, plus their own valid ordinary passport and separate passport-style photo.
Processing Time and Tracking Your Japan eVisa Application Status
MOFA baseline processing is approximately 5 business days, but the UK Embassy averages 2 weeks, with peak-season waits potentially exceeding 1 month. Apply at least 4 weeks before departure (UK Embassy avg. 2 weeks; peak season >1 month).
| Scenario | Estimated Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MOFA baseline (standard) | 5 business days | Counted from confirmation of complete application |
| UK Embassy average | ~2 weeks | Source: uk.emb-japan.go.jp |
| VFS Global standard | 5 working days | Including date of submission |
| Peak season (April-May, October-November) | May exceed 1 month | Apply early during these periods |
| In-person alternative | 5 working days | Once application accepted as valid |
Applicants can track their Japan eVisa application status through the JAPAN eVISA dashboard. An in-person interview may be requested at the Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence. The Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh covers the North of England (including Sunderland).
| Status | Meaning | Expected Duration | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporarily received | Application submitted, awaiting initial review | Variable | Withdrawal still possible at this stage |
| Under examination | Consular officer reviewing the application | Several business days | No editing or withdrawal permitted |
| Awaiting fee payment | Application approved, payment required | Until payment completed | Pay the visa fee by credit or debit card |
| Approved | Visa approved, awaiting issuance | Short period | Wait for issuance notification |
| Issued | eVisa issued; Visa Issuance Notice available | – | Download and display live at airport |
How to Show Your Japan eVisa at the Airport & What If Refused
Display the Visa Issuance Notice live on a smartphone/tablet via the JAPAN eVISA website – printouts/screenshots rejected. A refused Japan eVisa triggers a 6-month waiting period.
Display the Visa Issuance Notice live on a smartphone or tablet via the JAPAN eVISA website. Printouts, screenshots, and PDFs are rejected. Before departure: log into the JAPAN eVISA portal to confirm access, activate mobile data roaming or buy a Japan data plan, charge your device fully, and know your login credentials.
Emergencies: dead battery – use airport charging stations; no internet – connect to airport WiFi; portal down – call the Japan Visa Information Hotline at 0844-986-4968 (24/7, English) or email [email protected]. Alternatively, contact the Embassy of Japan in the UK Consular Section at 020 7465 6565 (open 09:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, excluding select Japanese National Holidays). The Embassy is located at 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT.
Note: Visit Japan Web is a separate system from the Japan eVisa, used for online registration of CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) information upon arrival. Complete both before travel.
A refused Japan eVisa triggers a mandatory 6-month waiting period; reasons are not disclosed. Incomplete applications are cancelled without processing. A renewed passport invalidates the Japan eVisa, requiring reapplication.
Can You Change or Cancel Your Application?
No data modification is permitted after submission. Withdrawal is only possible while status remains “Temporarily received”; once examination begins, no changes are allowed. Proxy applications require a letter of authorization; the proxy must provide the applicant with a PDF or printed Visa Issuance Notice with QR code.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a Japan eVisa from the UK?
MOFA standard processing takes approximately 5 business days, but the Embassy of Japan in the UK advises allowing an average of 2 weeks. During peak season (April-May, October-November), processing can exceed 1 month. Apply at least 4 weeks before your departure date.
Do British citizens need a Japan eVisa?
No. British Citizen passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for short-term tourism stays of up to 90 days in Japan. The Japan eVisa is required for other UK residents whose nationalities are not covered by Japan’s visa exemption arrangements, such as those holding BRPs or non-British passports.
What documents are required for a Japan eVisa from the UK?
You need a valid ordinary passport with minimum 6 months validity and 1 blank page, a digital photo 4.5 x 3.5 cm with a white background, a passport scan including the MRZ, a flight booking or itinerary, accommodation confirmation, a detailed travel itinerary, and proof of UK residence for non-British nationals.
How much does a Japan eVisa cost for UK residents in 2026?
The single-entry Japan eVisa fee is ¥15,000, effective from 1 July 2026. This was increased from ¥3,000 and represents Japan’s first visa-fee revision since 1978. The multiple-entry visa costs ¥30,000. The approximate GBP equivalent is £75 to £80, subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Payment must be made by credit or debit card only.
Can I edit my Japan eVisa application after submitting it?
No. Data modification is not permitted after submission. You can only withdraw the application while it remains in the “Temporarily received” status. Once the examination process begins, no changes or withdrawals are possible. Verify all entries carefully before submitting your Japan eVisa application.
What happens if my Japan eVisa application is refused?
You must wait 6 months before reapplying for a Japan eVisa. The Japanese overseas establishment does not disclose reasons for refusal. Ensure all your documents are complete, accurate, and current before your next submission. Incomplete applications are cancelled without processing.
How long is the Japan eVisa valid for?
The Japan eVisa is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, counted from the day after the issue date. It is invalidated after a single entry into Japan. The permitted stay duration, which can be 15, 30, or 90 days, is decided by the consular officer.
Do I need to print my Japan eVisa?
No. The Visa Issuance Notice must be displayed live on your smartphone or tablet at immigration via the JAPAN eVISA website. Printed copies, screenshots, and PDF downloads are not accepted. Ensure your device has sufficient battery and active internet access at the airport.
Can I apply for a Japan eVisa if I’m not a British citizen but live in the UK?
Yes, if you have valid UK residence status such as a BRP or digital Share Code. Eligibility is determined by your country of legal residence, not solely by passport nationality. You must be physically present in the UK during the Japan eVisa application process and remain there until it is processed.
What if I renew my passport after applying for a Japan eVisa?
A renewed passport invalidates your existing Japan eVisa. You must reapply with your new passport details. Do not renew your passport between the issuance of your Japan eVisa and your travel dates unless absolutely necessary.
