Last updated: 9 September 2026 | Reviewed by a UK immigration advisor
Japan e visa for UK BRP holders eligibility depends on passport nationality, not UK residence status. Citizens of non-exempt countries living in the UK must apply for a Japan eVisa online via the MOFA portal.
Physical BRP cards expired on 31 December 2024, so applicants must now use a UKVI Share Code or digital status printout as proof of UK immigration status during the Japan eVisa application.
Can UK BRP, ILR, or Settled Status Holders Apply for a Japan eVisa?
Japan eVisa eligibility is determined by passport nationality, not UK BRP, ILR, settled, or pre-settled status. The eVisa covers tourism only, is single-entry, permits stays up to 90 days, and requires an ordinary passport.
| Passport Nationality | UK Status | Visa Needed? | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| British citizen | Any | No (visa-free, under 6 months) | Not applicable |
| Non-British, visa-exempt country (e.g., EU national) | BRP / ILR / settled / pre-settled | No (visa-free, under 90 days) | Not applicable |
| Non-exempt country (e.g., India, Pakistan, Nigeria) | BRP / ILR / settled / pre-settled | Yes | Online via JAPAN eVISA portal |
| British Overseas Citizen / British Subject / Convention Travel Document holder | Any | Yes | In person at Embassy of Japan in the UK |
Visa exemption is based on passport nationality (Embassy of Japan in the UK), not UK residence status.
Non-British Citizens Living in the UK: Which Nationalities Need a Visa?
EU nationals and citizens of other visa-exempt countries living in the UK on a BRP can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and 1951 Convention Travel Document holders are not included in the visa exemption arrangement and must obtain a Japan eVisa before travel. Convention Travel Document holders must apply in person at the embassy and are not eligible for the online eVisa.
Documents Required for Japan eVisa with UK Residency Status
UK BRP holders must submit: passport scan, digital photo, UKVI Share Code, flight booking, accommodation, itinerary, and financial evidence via the eVisa portal.
| Document | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport data page scan | PDF, TIF, JPG, or PNG; MRZ visible; min 640×480 resolution | Must enter Japan with the exact passport used for application |
| Digital photograph | Taken within 6 months; under 2 MB; plain background; JPG/PNG/GIF/BMP/HEIC | Photos from ID documents prohibited |
| Flight booking | Round-trip itinerary or booking | Confirmed ticket not required |
| Accommodation | Booking confirmation | – |
| Travel itinerary | Detailed daily schedule | – |
| Financial proof | UK bank statements recommended 3-6 months | No MOFA minimum balance published; sponsorship letters accepted for dependents |
Total supporting documents must not exceed 50 pages, with each file under 2 MB. Your passport must be valid for the length of stay in Japan (gov.uk). Consular jurisdiction is based on your place of residence in the UK (uk.emb-japan.go.jp).
How to Prove Your UK Immigration Status When Applying
Physical BRP cards with the blanket 31 December 2024 expiry date are being phased out. UK BRP holders applying for the Japan eVisa must instead provide a UKVI Share Code or a digital status printout obtained from the gov.uk immigration status service. Holders of settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may submit their EUSS confirmation letter as an alternative proof.
Financial Proof Requirements for BRP Holders
Submit 3-6 months of UK bank statements for your Japan eVisa application. MOFA publishes no minimum balance. Payslips, tax returns, and sponsorship letters for dependents without independent income are accepted as supplementary evidence.
How to Apply for Japan eVisa from the UK: Step-by-Step Process
Applications are accepted 24/7 online, processed during office hours. The earliest application window is 3 months before travel. Information cannot be modified after submission.
Check required documents
Enter nationality and country of residence on the portal.
Create an account and submit
Enter personal, passport, and travel data, upload documents, and submit.
Receive examination result
Get the result via email or your online account.
Pay the visa fee
Pay online by credit or debit card.
eVisa issuance
eVisa issuance follows approval.
Display Visa Issuance Notice
Display online on a smartphone or tablet at airport immigration. Printed copies are not accepted.
Passport renewal after issuance invalidates the Japan eVisa. Complete customs declaration via Visit Japan Web before arrival to obtain a QR code. An in-person embassy alternative takes 5 working days and permits proxy submission via a visa agent (except student, working holiday, and spouse visas).
Understanding Your Japan eVisa Application Status
The portal shows four statuses: “Temporarily Received,” “Under Examination,” “Fee Payment Required,” and “Visa Issued.” Withdrawal is only possible at “Temporarily Received.” After 5 failed password attempts, the account locks for 30 minutes.
Japan eVisa Fees, Processing Time, and Validity (2026)
According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK, from 1 July 2026 the single-entry Japan eVisa fee will be ¥15,000 (currently ¥3,000), with an average 2-week processing time for UK applicants and a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
| Fee Type | JPY Amount | Previous Amount | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | ¥15,000 | ¥3,000 (first increase since 1978) | 1 July 2026 |
| Multiple-entry | ¥30,000 | ¥6,000 | 1 July 2026 |
| Indian nationals (bilateral exception) | ₹500 flat rate | – | Ongoing |
Payment is by credit or debit card only, billed in JPY (GBP equivalent ≈ £75-£150). Cash is not accepted. The cardholder name must match the applicant (minors excepted). No refunds are issued after visa issuance.
The Japan eVisa is valid for 3 months from the day after issuance and cannot be extended. Maximum stay is up to 90 days (discretionary: 15, 30, or 90 days), single-entry only. A refused application requires a 6-month wait before reapplying; the reason is not disclosed. Travel medical insurance is highly recommended (mofa.go.jp).
FAQ: Japan eVisa for UK BRP Holders
Do I need a Japan visa if I have a UK BRP?
Eligibility depends on passport nationality, not UK status.
What documents do I need to upload for the Japan eVisa as a BRP holder?
Upload passport scan, photo, UKVI Share Code, flight booking, accommodation, itinerary, and financial proof. Max 50 pages, files under 2MB.
Can I apply for a Japan eVisa if I have UK pre-settled or settled status?
Yes, if your passport nationality requires a visa for Japan. Eligibility is strictly determined by the nationality of your ordinary passport.
How long does the Japan eVisa take to process for UK residents?
The average processing time is 2 weeks. During peak periods, processing may take over 1 month. Apply up to 3 months before travel.
How much does the Japan eVisa cost for UK BRP holders in 2026?
The single-entry fee is ¥15,000 (≈£75) from 1 July 2026, payable online by card in JPY; no cash, no refunds.
My BRP expired in December 2024 – can I still apply for a Japan eVisa?
Yes, use a UKVI Share Code or digital status printout instead of the expired physical BRP card.
Can holders of UK Refugee Travel Documents apply for a Japan eVisa online?
No. Holders of 1951 Convention Travel Documents must apply in person at the Embassy of Japan in the UK, 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT.
What is the maximum stay allowed with a Japan eVisa?
The Japan eVisa allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days (single-entry, discretionary 15, 30, or 90 days).
Can I pay the Japan eVisa fee with a UK debit card?
Yes, both credit and debit cards are accepted. The fee is charged in JPY; use a card with no foreign transaction fee.
What if my Japan eVisa application is refused?
While the MOFA portal does not explicitly state a mandatory 6-month wait, many applicants report this as a common practice. Check the refusal notice for guidance.
Visa requirements and fees change frequently. Always verify with the JAPAN eVISA portal or the Embassy of Japan in the UK before applying. This article was last checked on 9 September 2026.
