Prepared by our editorial team with 8 years of experience assisting UK travellers with Japanese visa applications. All facts verified against the official JAPAN eVISA portal (mofa.go.jp). Last updated: 9 September 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official immigration advice. We are not affiliated with the Government of Japan.
Understanding and Protecting Your Japan eVisa Issuance Notice
The Japan eVisa issuance notice is a live digital page with a countdown timer at the top right that verifies real-time authenticity. It is not a PDF, screenshot, or printed copy. The JAPAN eVISA system issues single-entry short-term stay visas for tourism to ordinary passport holders only, with a maximum stay of up to 90 days. The notice must be displayed live on your smartphone or tablet at the check-in counter with an active internet connection.
The Japan eVisa issuance notice contains: QR code, eVisa reference number, passport number, validity period, date of issue, applicant’s name, and entry conditions. The Japan eVisa remains valid for 3 months from issuance and becomes invalid after first entry. Extension of validity is not permitted.
To prevent loss of your Japan eVisa issuance notice, follow this digital backup checklist:
- Screenshot and save the QR code from the approval email offline
- Save the approval email in cloud storage or an offline-accessible folder
- Bookmark the JAPAN eVISA portal login page
- Note your registered email address and eVisa reference number in a secure location
- Print the QR code on paper (the notice itself must remain digital, but the QR code is your retrieval key)
How to Retrieve a Lost Japan eVisa Issuance Notice
A lost Japan eVisa issuance notice can be retrieved through two methods: scanning the QR code from the approval email or logging into the JAPAN eVISA portal.
Method 1: QR Code
Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code from the Visa Issuance Notice email sent upon approval
Enter information
Enter the necessary information and click “Display”
Verify countdown timer
Verify the countdown timer at the top right is counting down
Method 2: Portal Login
Log in to the JAPAN eVISA portal
Use your registered email address and password
Click “Visa application list”
Navigate to your application dashboard
Click “Page for displaying visa issuance notice”
Open the notice display page
Check the box for the relevant person
For family/group accounts, select each traveller individually
Click “Visa issuance notice (to display)”
The issuance notice will appear on screen
Verify the countdown timer
Ensure the countdown timer at the top right is active
What If You Cannot Access Your Registered Email
If email is inaccessible, the QR code is your only retrieval path for the Japan eVisa issuance notice. Contact the Japan Visa Information Hotline at [email protected] (English; mention UK residency in the email body). You can also contact the Japanese Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Edinburgh.
What to Do If You Have No Internet at the Airport
The JAPAN eVISA system has no offline mode. Pre-load the notice and ensure mobile data or airport Wi-Fi (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester). PDFs, screenshots, and printed copies are rejected. As a last resort, airline check-in staff may contact Japanese immigration directly.
What to Do If You Lose Your Passport After eVisa Issuance
A lost passport invalidates the Japan eVisa because the visa is electronically bound to the exact passport number. The eVisa cannot be transferred to a replacement passport, and travelling with both old and new passports is not permitted.
- Must I reapply? Yes. Submit a completely new Japan eVisa application with the replacement passport number.
- Does the 6-month reapplication ban apply? No. The ban applies only to rejected applications, not to reapplication with a new passport.
- What is the cost? ¥15,000 per single-entry eVisa from 1 July 2026 (¥3,000 if received by 30 June 2026). No refund for the original.
- How long will it take? Standard 5 working days; may extend to weeks or months during peak periods or if an interview is requested.
- Emergency or temporary passport? Different passport number means the Japan eVisa is not linked. Contact the Japanese Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Edinburgh immediately.
For urgent cases, email [email protected] (mention UK residency) or contact the Japanese Embassy in London. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is located at 2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919, Japan, phone +81-(0)3-3580-3311.
How to Correct a Mistake on Your Japan eVisa Application
The JAPAN eVISA system has no edit function. Any mistake requires cancelling the application and submitting a new one at full fee. An overseas establishment may request an interview or additional documents during examination; non-submission halts processing.
Mistake Discovered Before Processing
Incomplete or incorrect Japan eVisa applications are automatically cancelled without processing. Reapply with corrected details, pay the full ¥15,000 fee (from 1 July 2026), and allow 5 working days for processing to restart.
Mistake Found After the eVisa Has Been Issued
The applicant’s name and passport number on an issued Japan eVisa cannot be changed. A completely new application with correct details and matching passport is required at full fee.
Application Rejected: Can You Reapply Immediately?
A rejected Japan eVisa applicant faces a 6-month reapplication ban for the same purpose of visit. Exception: circumstances have changed significantly and travel is urgent. Full fee of ¥15,000 applies to any new application. No refunds for cancelled or rejected applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Japan eVisa still valid if I lost the issuance notice?
Yes. The Japan eVisa remains valid for 3 months from issuance. Retrieve the notice via portal or QR code.
Can I reprint or re-download my Japan eVisa issuance notice?
Yes. Scan the QR code from your approval email and click “Display,” or log in to the JAPAN eVISA portal, click “Visa application list,” then “Page for displaying visa issuance notice.”
Can I use a digital copy of the Japan eVisa at the border?
No. The Japan eVisa issuance notice must be displayed live with an active countdown timer. PDFs, screenshots, and printed copies are rejected.
What happens to my Japan eVisa if my passport number changes?
The Japan eVisa becomes invalid because it is electronically bound to the exact passport number. A new application with the replacement passport number is required.
How do I contact Japan eVisa support from the UK?
Email [email protected] (English; mention UK residency in the email body). Alternatively, contact the Japanese Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Edinburgh.
Do I need to reapply if I cannot recover the notice?
No. The Japan eVisa issuance notice can be retrieved via portal or QR code. A new application is only required if your passport was lost/stolen or your application was rejected (6-month ban applies).
Do I get a refund if I need to reapply for a Japan eVisa?
No refund. Full fee ¥15,000 per new application from 1 July 2026.
Can I change my travel dates after my Japan eVisa is approved?
Yes, within the 3-month validity period. The single-entry Japan eVisa can be used to enter Japan from any country and port. Changing flight dates within this window does not require reissuance.
How long does it take to get a replacement Japan eVisa?
Standard processing is 5 working days. During peak periods, or if an interview or additional documents are requested, processing may extend to weeks or months. Applications are processed in the order received.
What should I do if my Japan eVisa application was rejected?
6-month ban for same purpose; exception if circumstances changed and travel urgent. Full fee ¥15,000 applies to any new application after the ban.
Quick answer: If you lose your Japan eVisa issuance notice, retrieve it by logging into the JAPAN eVISA portal with your registered email and password, or by scanning the QR code from your original approval email. The notice must be displayed live on a device at check-in. A screenshot or PDF is not accepted. Losing your passport after approval requires a new application at ¥15,000.
