Last updated: September 2026. This guide is maintained by our editorial team, which regularly monitors updates from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan in the UK. Always verify current rules on the JAPAN eVISA portal before applying.
The Japan eVisa is primarily for non-British citizens legally residing in the UK, as British Citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Applicants need a valid ordinary passport, a digital photo, and proof of UK residency. The application is submitted via the JAPAN eVISA portal, with processing taking approximately 2 weeks. The eVisa permits single-entry short-term tourism stays of up to 90 days, valid for entry within 3 months of issuance (source: MOFA).
Who Is Eligible for the Japan eVisa from the UK?
| Applicant Type | Visa-Exempt? | eVisa Available? | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Citizens | Yes | No | 90 days (extendable to 6 months) | Ordinary passport; tourism, short-term business, conference, study |
| Non-British UK residents (BRP holders) | Depends on nationality | Yes (if non-exempt) | Up to 90 days | Ordinary passport required; tourism only; single-entry |
| British Overseas Citizens / Subjects / BOTC | No | Yes | Up to 90 days | Visa required prior to travel |
| Convention Travel Document holders | No | Yes | Up to 90 days | Visa required prior to travel |
| UK non-residents (visitor visa holders) | N/A | No | N/A | Cannot apply from the UK |
British Citizens vs. Non-British Residents
Japan eVisa eligibility criteria do not apply to British Citizens, who enter visa-free for an initial 90 days, extendable to 6 months total. Non-British residents holding a valid BRP and an ordinary passport from a non-exempt nationality must apply for a Japan eVisa as a UK BRP holder via the JAPAN eVISA system. UK non-residents cannot apply from the UK. Jurisdiction follows place of residence: Scotland and Sunderland fall under the Consulate-General in Edinburgh; the rest of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland fall under the Embassy in London. Visa exemption is assessed by passport nationality, not UK residence status. COE (Certificate of Eligibility) holders require a visa regardless of exemption status.
British Overseas Citizens and Special Passport Categories
British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and Convention Travel Document holders are excluded from visa exemption and must obtain a Japan eVisa or in-person visa prior to travel, regardless of whether the passport states “BRITISH CITIZEN.”
Japan eVisa Passport Rules for UK Applicants
Japan eVisa passport rules require UK applicants to hold a valid ordinary passport that remains valid for the entire duration of stay in Japan, with no six-month rule applied. A biometric e-passport is recommended.
Passport Validity and Biometric Requirements
Japan eVisa eligibility criteria mandate that the passport cover the full intended stay (up to 90 days) – no additional validity beyond the departure date is required. Only ordinary passport holders qualify; diplomatic, official, and service passports are ineligible. The passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp (2 pages recommended for sticker visa applications). A biometric e-passport with an embedded chip is recommended for smooth automated checks at Japanese border control.
Accepted Digital Passport Scan Specifications
Applicants must upload a digital scan of the passport biographical page meeting these specifications: PDF or JPEG format, maximum file size of 10 MB, minimum resolution of 300 DPI, and full colour. Grayscale scans are not accepted. Only the bio page is required for upload.
Documents Required for the Japan eVisa Application
- Passport bio-page scan – ordinary passport only; colour scan of the biographical page.
- Digital photograph – 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, white background, facing forward, without eyeglasses, without a hat, taken within the last 6 months.
- Proof of UK residence – BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) for non-British citizens; UK non-residents cannot apply from the UK.
- Travel itinerary – return flight reservation and accommodation booking confirmation.
- Financial proof – 3-6 months of UK bank statements, employment letter, or P60.
Photo Specifications for the Japan eVisa
Japan eVisa requirements for UK applicants specify a photograph of exactly 4.5 cm height x 3.5 cm width with a plain white background. The applicant must face forward, wear no hat and no eyeglasses, and the photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
Proving Financial Means and Accommodation
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds through 3-6 months of UK bank statements, as detailed in the financial proof guide for UK applicants, supplemented by an employment letter or P60. A return flight reservation and hotel booking confirmation serve as proof of accommodation and travel itinerary.
What the Japan eVisa Covers: Permitted Purposes and Stay Duration
The Japan eVisa permits single-entry short-term tourism stays of up to 90 days, valid for entry within 3 months of issuance. Japan eVisa eligibility criteria restrict the electronic visa to a single permitted purpose: short-term tourism under the Temporary Visitor Visa for Tourism category. Applicants seeking work, study, long-term residence, or multiple-entry travel must apply in person.
The maximum period of stay granted is up to 90 days, with single-entry only. Permitted entry modes are air travel and international scheduled passenger ferries between Japan and Busan or Shanghai.
How Long Is Your eVisa Valid After Approval?
The Japan eVisa is valid for entry within 3 months of issuance. Once you enter Japan, the permitted stay is up to 90 days. If your travel date is more than 3 months away, do not apply yet – the eVisa will expire before you can use it. Overstaying beyond the granted period leads to penalties.
Japan eVisa for Transit Passengers and Layovers
Airside transit passengers who remain within the airport transit area do not need a Japan eVisa. However, leaving the airport during a layover requires a visa, and the eVisa does not cover transit-only travel as a permitted purpose.
How to Apply for the Japan eVisa from the UK
Japan eVisa eligibility criteria require UK-based applicants to submit their application via the JAPAN eVISA portal, pay by credit or debit card online, and receive approval in approximately 2 weeks.
Create an account & complete the form
Register on the JAPAN eVISA website and fill in the online application.
Upload documents
Passport bio-page scan, 4.5 x 3.5 cm digital photo, and supporting documents.
Pay the fee
Approximately £20-£40 GBP depending on nationality (new schedule effective 1 July 2026).
Receive approval
Electronic approval; apply 3 months before travel, no applications within 1 week of departure.
Processing Time, Fees and Application Tracking
Average processing time from the UK is approximately 2 weeks; the recommended submission lead time is 4-6 weeks before departure. Applicants can track status progression (Submitted, Under Review, Approved, Denied) by logging into the JAPAN eVISA portal. The Embassy may request an in-person interview at its discretion. Registered visa agents may submit applications on behalf of applicants for eligible visa types, but cannot handle Student, Working Holiday, or Spouse/Child of Japanese National visas.
Displaying Your Visa Issuance Notice at the Airport
The visa issuance notice must be displayed on a mobile device screen at the airport in an internet environment. Printed copies and screenshots are unacceptable. Travellers can also register CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) information via the Visit Japan Web service to streamline arrival procedures.
Japan eVisa vs Visa Exemption vs Visa on Arrival
| Entry Route | Who Qualifies | Max Stay | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption | British Citizens; holders of visa-exempt passports | 90 days (extendable to 6 months for British Citizens) | No application needed |
| Japan eVisa | Non-British UK residents with non-exempt nationality | Up to 90 days | JAPAN eVISA portal (single-entry, tourism only) |
| In-person visa | COE holders, multiple-entry applicants, convicted/deported applicants, cruise ship travellers, dual nationals with Japan | Varies by visa type | Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction |
| Visa on arrival | Not available for UK-based travellers | N/A | N/A |
Special Scenarios: Children, Minors and Refusals
Applying for a Japan eVisa for Children or Minors
Japan eVisa eligibility criteria do not allow minors to be added to a parent’s application. A parent or legal guardian must create a separate eVisa account and apply on the child’s behalf. The child must hold their own valid ordinary passport, and the digital photograph must meet the same 4.5 x 3.5 cm specification with a white background, no glasses, and no hat. Parental consent documentation must be submitted alongside the standard supporting documents.
Reapplication Process After a Refusal
After a Japan eVisa refusal, applicants must wait 6 months before submitting a new application. Common refusal reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient financial proof, and overstaying history. Convicted or deported applicants, dual nationals with Japan, and multiple-entry visa applicants are ineligible for the online system and must apply in person at the relevant Japanese overseas establishment. The Embassy retains discretionary authority to request an in-person interview. For assistance, contact the Japan Visa Information Hotline at 0844-986-4968 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or the Consular Section inquiry line at 020 7465 6565 (09:30-18:00). The Consular Section is located at 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT.
Frequently Asked Questions: eVisa Japan Requirements UK
Do British citizens need a Japan eVisa to enter Japan in 2026?
No, British Citizens do not need an eVisa. They are visa-exempt and can enter Japan for up to 90 days initially for tourism, short business, conferences, or study. This landing permission can be extended up to 6 months total at a regional immigration office in Japan. British Overseas Citizens and Subjects are not exempt.
Who can apply for a Japan eVisa from the UK?
Non-British citizens legally residing in the UK with a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and an eligible nationality are the primary applicants. British Citizens do not need to apply. Applicants must hold an ordinary passport, as diplomatic, official, and service passports are ineligible for the eVisa system.
What passport validity is required for the Japan eVisa from the UK?
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Japan. There is no 6-month validity rule for Japan. You must hold an ordinary passport, and biometric e-passports are recommended. Ensure you have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.
Can I apply for a Japan eVisa if I am not a British citizen but live in the UK?
Yes, non-British citizens legally residing in the UK are the primary audience for the Japan eVisa. You must hold a valid BRP or permission to reside in the UK. However, UK non-residents, such as visitor visa holders, cannot apply from the UK. Visa exemption is assessed by your passport nationality, not UK residence status.
How long does the Japan eVisa take to process from the UK?
The average processing time from the UK is approximately 2 weeks. It is recommended to apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date. The earliest you can submit an application is 3 months before your planned travel date. Applications for travel within 1 week will not be accepted.
How much does the Japan eVisa cost for UK residents?
The visa fee is determined by the applicant’s nationality and visa type, generally ranging from approximately £20 to £40 GBP. A new fee schedule is effective from 1st July 2026. The exact amount is displayed during the online application process, and payment must be made by credit or debit card.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry Japan eVisa?
No, the Japan eVisa is single-entry only. If you require a multiple-entry visa, you must apply in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over your place of residence. Cruise ship travellers and those with previous convictions or deportations are also ineligible for the online eVisa and must apply in person.
What happens if my Japan eVisa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you must wait 6 months before reapplying. Common reasons for refusal include incomplete documents, insufficient financial proof, or overstaying history. The Embassy holds discretionary rights to request an in-person interview or deny an application. You may need to apply in person at the Embassy after a refusal.
