UK applicants can check their Japan e visa tracking application status by logging into the MOFA eVISA portal at evisa.mofa.go.jp using their reference number and passport details. The dashboard displays real-time status labels from “Submitted” through “Approved.” If the status remains unchanged beyond 14 business days, contact the Japan Visa Information Hotline on 0844-986-4968.
To track your Japan eVisa application, log in to the MOFA eVISA portal at evisa.mofa.go.jp using your reference number and passport details. Your dashboard displays the current status, such as “Under Examination” or “Approved.” If no update appears after 14 business days, call the Japan Visa Information Hotline on 0844-986-4968.
British citizens holding ordinary passports do NOT require a visa for short-term tourism stays up to 6 months under the visa exemption arrangement (source: uk.emb-japan.go.jp). British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, and British Overseas Territories Citizens must obtain a visa prior to travel. New visa fees are effective from 1st July 2026. Information confirmed April 2026. [See Japan eVisa eligibility for UK residents]
How to Track Your Japan eVisa Application Status Online
Access your Japan eVisa application status at evisa.mofa.go.jp by entering your application reference number, passport number, and date of birth.
Log in to the eVisa portal
Access the portal at evisa.mofa.go.jp.
Navigate to your dashboard
Proceed to the dashboard after authentication.
Locate the status field
Find the field displaying your current label.
Interpret the label
Understand the meaning (e.g., “Under Examination” or “Approved”).
Take action
Act based on the displayed status.
| Tracking Method | Required Credentials | Access Point |
|---|---|---|
| MOFA eVISA portal | Reference number + passport number + date of birth | evisa.mofa.go.jp |
| VFS Global tracking | Embassy Barcode Number (00000xxxxxxxx) + date of birth | visa.vfsglobal.com |
| Embassy phone inquiry | Reference number | 020 7465 6565 |
The Embassy in London handles most Japan eVisa applications; the Consulate-General in Edinburgh covers northern England, including Sunderland.
Understanding Your Japan eVisa Application Status Labels
The Japan eVisa portal displays seven status labels, each signalling a distinct stage and required action. UK processing time averages 2 weeks against a general MOFA baseline of 5 working days. Peak season demand (spring cherry blossom, autumn foliage) can extend timelines beyond 14 business days. Processing begins upon embassy receipt of a complete application.
Your Japan eVisa application status follows this progression: Submission -> Temporarily Received -> Under Examination -> Additional Documents Required / Approved / Rejected / Cancelled.
| Status Label | What It Means | Your Action | Timeline | When to Escalate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Submitted | Logged in system | Wait | Day 0 | N/A |
| Temporarily Received | Logged, not yet assigned to consular officer | Wait | 1-3 days | After 7 days |
| Under Examination | Active consular review underway | Wait | 5-10 days | After 14 business days |
| Additional Documents Required | Embassy needs more evidence | Upload PDFs promptly to avoid cancellation | Varies | If no deadline given |
| Approved | Visa issued | Pay fee by credit/debit card on portal | Immediate | If payment fails, retry within limited window |
| Rejected | Application denied by authorities | Apply for sticker visa at nearest embassy or consulate | Final | N/A |
| Cancelled | Application closed | Contact support team | Final | Immediately |
Once your Japan eVisa status reaches “Approved,” pay the visa fee by credit or debit card on the portal. The digital “Visa issuance notice” is generated after successful payment. If payment fails, the approval remains valid for a limited period; retry using a supported card.
What to Do If Your Japan eVisa Status Is Pending or Not Updating
If your Japan eVisa status is unchanged after 14 business days, escalate using this 4-step protocol:
Check daily
Monitor for 14 business days before taking action
Call the hotline
Dial 0844-986-4968 (24/7, English)
Email support
Contact [email protected] with your details
Visit in person
Go to the Consular Section if no response
101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT
Phone: 020 7465 6565
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30-18:00
When your Japan eVisa status changes to “Approved,” prepare for airport check-in. Display the “Visa issuance notice” on a device with an active internet connection. Printed copies are not accepted. Log in to the portal before departure, confirm the notice loads, and ensure your mobile data covers transit.
If your Japan eVisa application is flagged as ineligible for electronic processing, it may be redirected to sticker visa submission at the Embassy or Consulate. This changes the tracking method; contact the Consular Section for updated instructions.
Troubleshooting Common Japan eVisa Tracking Issues
Resolve common Japan eVisa tracking errors – login lockouts, missing notifications, invalid reference numbers – by clearing browser cache, checking your spam folder, and verifying the URL is evisa.mofa.go.jp.
- Portal login error or session lockout -> Clear your browser cache and cookies, then retry on Chrome, Safari, or Firefox (Internet Explorer is deprecated). Retry in 2-4 hours if the portal is down.
- Email or SMS notifications not received -> Check your spam folder and verify the registered email address. Notifications may not fire for every status change, so manual login to the Japan e visa tracking application portal remains the reliable method.
- Invalid reference number error -> Distinguish the MOFA “Application Reference Number” from the VFS Global “Embassy Barcode Number” (format 00000xxxxxxxx, found on your invoice/receipt). Double-check that you are entering the correct credential on the correct platform.
- Fraud and scam warning -> The Japan eVisa portal URL is evisa.mofa.go.jp ONLY. Never enter payment details on any other domain. MOFA issued a fraudulent-website warning on July 5, 2017 (still referenced on mofa.go.jp); report suspicious emails to the Embassy.
FAQ: Japan eVisa Tracking
How long does Japan eVisa processing take for UK applicants in 2026?
Japan eVisa processing for UK applicants averages 2 weeks (5 working days baseline), but peak seasons like cherry blossom may extend beyond 14 business days.
What is the website to track my Japan eVisa application?
The Japan eVisa tracking portal is evisa.mofa.go.jp, operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Log in using your application reference number and passport details to view your current status on the dashboard.
Why is my Japan eVisa status still “Under Examination” after two weeks?
“Under Examination” beyond two weeks can result from peak-season demand or extended consular verification. If your Japan e visa tracking application remains in this status beyond 14 business days, call 0844-986-4968.
Can I travel to Japan if my eVisa status is still pending?
No. A pending Japan eVisa status does not permit boarding. You must hold an approved eVisa and display the “Visa issuance notice” on a device with an active internet connection at the airport.
What does “Additional Documents Required” mean on my Japan eVisa application?
The consular office needs further evidence. Upload requested files promptly in PDF format (under 2MB) to avoid automatic application cancellation.
How do I contact the Embassy of Japan in London about my eVisa status?
Call the Consular Section on 020 7465 6565 (Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00) or email [email protected]. The Japan Visa Information Hotline is available 24/7 on 0844-986-4968.
Do I get an email notification when my Japan eVisa status changes?
Email notifications may not fire for every status change. Log in to the MOFA portal manually at evisa.mofa.go.jp to check the current status. Check your spam folder if emails are missing.
Can I track my family’s eVisa applications with one reference number?
No. Each Japan eVisa applicant receives a unique reference number. Every passport holder’s status must be checked individually on the tracking portal.
What happens if my Japan eVisa payment fails after approval?
A failed payment does not void your approval. Log back into the portal and retry using a supported credit or debit card within the limited payment window.
What do I do if I receive a suspicious email about my Japan eVisa?
Do not click links in suspicious emails. Verify the sender domain is @mofa.go.jp and report phishing attempts to the Embassy. The tracking URL is evisa.mofa.go.jp only.
