If you hold a non-British passport but live in the UK, you need a Japan eVisa for non UK citizens unless your nationality is visa-exempt. Eligibility depends on your passport nationality, not your UK residency status, and requires an ordinary passport and proof of legal UK residence.
The online application is submitted through the JAPAN eVISA portal. Processing takes approximately 2 weeks through the Embassy of Japan in the UK. You can submit your application up to 3 months before your planned travel date, but applications for travel within 1 week are not accepted.
This 2026 guide (last verified 4 September 2026 against Embassy of Japan in the UK official guidance) outlines the exact steps, required documents, and processing times for expats, refugees, and other non-British residents, including the in-person pathway for Geneva Convention 1951 Travel Document holders.
Non-UK citizens living in the United Kingdom can apply for a Japan eVisa online through the JAPAN eVISA portal. Eligibility depends on passport nationality, not UK residency. You need an ordinary passport, proof of UK residence (BRP or UKVI share code), and a valid travel itinerary. Processing averages 2 weeks.
Do You Need a Japan eVisa? Exemptions and Eligibility
Visa exemption depends on your passport nationality. Japan grants visa-free entry to passport holders from over 70 countries and regions, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Mexico, and New Zealand (full list at MOFA visa page). British citizens may stay up to 90 days on arrival, extendable by another 90 days at a regional immigration office in Japan (total under 6 months). If your passport is not from a visa-exempt country, you must obtain a Japan eVisa or traditional sticker visa before travel.
- Ordinary passport required: diplomatic, official, and Geneva Convention 1951 travel documents do not qualify for the Japan eVisa for non UK citizens.
- Legal UK residence required: visitor visa holders and non-residents cannot apply from the UK.
- Single-entry, up to 90 days for tourism only (Temporary Visitor Visa).
- Consular jurisdiction: England, Wales, and Northern Ireland fall under the Embassy of Japan in London, Consular Section, 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT; the North of England (including Sunderland) falls under the Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh.
Required Documents and Proving UK Residence
| Document Type | Where to Find It | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | Physical card from UKVI | Scan and upload |
| UKVI eVisa share code | Generated via gov.uk | Provide code in application |
| Spouse/partner visa vignette | Sticker in passport | Upload passport page |
| Student or work visa | BRP or digital status | Upload as residence proof |
The Japan eVisa for non UK citizens requires a digital photograph of 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months, facing forward, without hat or eyeglasses. Common mistake: applicants often upload the wrong photo size; use a digital passport photo service to avoid rejection.
Provide a minimum of 3 months of UK bank statements as financial evidence. A draft flight itinerary suffices; non-refundable tickets are not required. Any document not in English or Japanese needs a certified translation.
According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK official guidance, Geneva Convention 1951 Refugee Travel Document holders cannot use the Japan eVisa for non UK citizens and must apply in person at the Consular Section, Embassy of Japan, 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT (opening hours 09:30-16:30, Monday to Friday). Processing takes approximately 5 working days.
How to Apply for a Japan eVisa Step-by-Step
The Japan eVisa for non UK citizens is completed entirely online through the JAPAN eVISA portal, with processing taking approximately two weeks.
Create an account
on the JAPAN eVISA portal at evisa.mofa.go.jp using an active email address you check regularly.
Select “Apply for new visa”
and choose the Tourist (short-term stay) visa type.
Enter your non-UK passport details
including passport number, nationality, and expiry date.
Select “United Kingdom”
as your country of residence.
Upload required documents
passport bio-data page scan, digital photograph (meeting the specifications above), proof of UK residence, flight itinerary, and financial evidence.
Pay the visa fee
by credit or debit card. The fee varies by passport nationality and is displayed on the portal during the payment step. A new fee schedule took effect on 1 July 2026; UK-issued Visa/Mastercard may apply a 1 to 3% foreign-currency conversion surcharge.
Submit the application
and save the confirmation email with your reference number.
Submit no earlier than 3 months before your intended travel date. Applications for travel within 1 week are not accepted. Average processing time for the Japan eVisa for non UK citizens through the Embassy of Japan in the UK is approximately 2 weeks (10 business days). If no email arrives after 10 business days, log into the portal and check your status directly.
After Approval: Validity, Tracking, and Pre-Flight Checklist
An approved Japan eVisa for non UK citizens is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, must be displayed as a live screen on your mobile device at departure (screenshots are not accepted), and requires your UK leave to remain to be valid at least 30 days past your planned return date.
Track Your Application Status Online
Log into the JAPAN eVISA portal, open the Dashboard, and select “My Applications”. Status labels appear as Under Examination, Approved, or Rejected.
Entry Validity Window
For example, if approved on 1 June, you must enter Japan by 1 September. Stays exceeding 90 days require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and an in-person Embassy application. Upon arrival, Japanese immigration grants landing permission for the duration of your authorised stay.
Before You Fly – Final Checks
- Ensure your UK immigration status remains valid for at least 30 days after your planned return. If your UK status is close to expiry, your Japan eVisa for non UK citizens application will be denied.
- Travel medical insurance is highly recommended (not mandatory).
- Register CIQ information separately via Visit Japan Web.
Support Contacts
Japan Visa Information Hotline: 0844-986-4968 (24/7, English). Toll-free internet call: comm.brdg.site/visa_japan.html. Email: [email protected].Consular Section, Embassy of Japan in the UK: 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT. Phone: 020 7465 6565 (inquiry hours 9:30-18:00). Opening hours: 09:30-16:30, Monday to Friday.
Embassy switchboard: +44-(0)20 7465 6500. Fax: +44-(0)20 7491 9348.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Japan if I live in the UK but I’m not British?
Yes – visa exemption is based on your passport nationality, not UK residency. If your country is not exempt, you need a Japan eVisa or sticker visa.
How long does the Japan eVisa take to process from the UK?
eVisa: approximately 2 weeks (10 business days). In-person at the Embassy: 5 working days.
Can refugees with a UK Refugee Travel Document apply for a Japan eVisa online?
No. eVisa requires an ordinary passport. Refugee travel document holders must apply in person at the Embassy of Japan in London, Consular Section, 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT.
How much does the Japan eVisa cost for non UK citizens?
The fee varies by passport nationality. A new fee schedule took effect on 1 July 2026. The exact amount is displayed on the JAPAN eVISA portal during the payment step.
What happens if my Japan eVisa application is rejected?
You can re-apply after a 6-month cooling-off period. Include more supporting documents. You may request a refund within 7 working days.
Can I use the Japan eVisa for work or study?
No. eVisa covers short-term tourism up to 90 days. Work or study requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and an in-person Embassy application.
Is travel insurance required for a Japan eVisa?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended by the Japanese government and GOV.UK.
How do I prove my UK residence when applying for a Japan eVisa?
Use a BRP, UKVI eVisa share code, spouse visa vignette, or valid student/work visa – all are accepted as proof of legal UK residence.
Do I need to buy flights before applying for a Japan eVisa?
No – a draft itinerary is enough. Provide UK bank statements covering 3+ months.
Can I apply from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
Yes. The JAPAN eVISA portal is accessible from anywhere in the UK. All eVisa applications are processed through the Embassy of Japan in London. Residents of the North of England (including Sunderland) may have jurisdiction under the Consulate-General in Edinburgh.
