Last updated: 15 June 2026. This guide reflects the eVisa fee changes effective 1 July 2026 and the new UKVI Share Code requirements replacing BRP cards.
To apply for an eVisa Japan from London, you must know your consular jurisdiction: residents of London and South England apply through the Embassy of Japan at 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT (tel. +44-(0)20 7465 6500, hours 09:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday), while Manchester and North England residents apply through the Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh. British citizens enter Japan visa-free for up to 6 months; non-British residents from non-exempt countries must apply online via the MOFA portal for a short-term stay visa.
How to Apply for a Japan eVisa from London in 5 Steps:
Visit the MOFA online portal and create an account
Register on the official MOFA eVisa portal to begin your application.
Enter your personal details and select your consular jurisdiction
Choose London Embassy or Edinburgh Consulate based on your UK residence.
Upload your passport scan, digital photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm), and supporting documents
Ensure all documents meet the specified format and quality requirements.
Pay the £77 fee online by credit or debit card
Payment is processed securely through the MOFA portal.
Receive your Visa Issuance Notice digitally and display it live on your device at the airport
Printed copies, PDFs, and screenshots are not accepted.
Do You Need a Japan Visa in 2026?
British citizens enter Japan visa-free for up to 6 months for tourism or business. Non-British residents from non-exempt countries must apply for an eVisa Japan from London or Edinburgh before travel. Visa exemption is assessed based on the applicant’s passport, not UK residence status.
| Passport Category | Visa Required? | eVisa Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| British Citizens | No (up to 6 months, tourism/business) | N/A |
| Non-British from ~50 exempt countries | No (up to 90 days) | N/A |
| Non-British from non-exempt countries | Yes | Yes |
| British Overseas Citizens / British Subjects / British Overseas Territories Citizens | Yes (NOT exempt) | Yes |
| COE holders (any nationality) | Yes | No (sticker visa) |
Visa-Free Entry for Non-British Nationals
Non-British citizens from approximately 50 visa exemption countries may enter Japan without a visa for short-term stay purposes of less than 90 days. This contrasts with British citizens, who receive up to 6 months visa-free. COE holders from exempt countries still require a visa.
Japan eVisa for London, Manchester & Other UK Cities: Who Do You Apply To?
Consular jurisdiction for the eVisa Japan from London is based on UK residence, not nationality. London and South England residents apply through the Embassy of Japan in London, while Manchester and North England residents fall under the Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh, which covers the North of England including Sunderland.
| UK City / Region | Consular Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| London, South England, Wales | Embassy of Japan in London | 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT | +44-(0)20 7465 6500 |
| Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Sunderland, North England | Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh | Edinburgh | Check MOFA portal |
| Birmingham | Embassy of Japan in London (likely) | 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT | +44-(0)20 7465 6500 |
Select the correct consular office on the MOFA portal when applying for an eVisa Japan from London. Choosing the wrong office can delay processing by up to 2 weeks.
Getting to the Embassy of Japan in London
The Embassy is located at 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT. The nearest tube stations are Green Park and Hyde Park Corner. Consular Section phone: 020 7465 6565 (operating 9:30 to 18:00). In-person visits require an appointment booked in advance.
How to Apply for Japan eVisa from London and Other UK Cities
- Create an account on the MOFA eVISA portal and select the correct consular office for your UK city of residence.
- Enter personal and travel details, ensuring names match your ordinary passport, which must have at least 1 blank page and be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Upload a digital photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months), flight itinerary, and 3 months of bank statements. Non-English documents require certified translation.
- Pay the visa fee online by credit or debit card.
- Receive the Visa Issuance Notice digitally through the portal and display it live on a device at the airport.
As someone who has assisted multiple UK residents with their eVisa Japan from London applications, I found that the digital photo rejection rate is high if glasses are worn or the background is off-white. Use a professional photo booth that specifies Japanese visa 45 x 35 mm dimensions.
Required Documents for Japan eVisa: Checklist for UK Applicants
A Japan eVisa from London requires an ordinary passport (valid for your stay, 1 blank page), a 4.5 x 3.5 cm digital photo on a white background taken within 6 months, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and bank statements from the last 3 months. An employment letter or business registration and travel insurance are recommended. A downloadable Declaration Form is available on the VFS portal. For a full breakdown of what to prepare, see our Japan eVisa document checklist for UK residents.
Japan eVisa Fees and Payment in 2026
From 1 July 2026, the eVisa Japan from London costs £77 for single-entry and £154 for multiple-entry, payable online by credit or debit card only. Approximately 50 nationalities are exempt from the visa fee entirely. According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK fee schedule, these fees apply to most nationalities and all visa types requiring a visa. For a detailed breakdown of current pricing, see our guide to Japan eVisa cost and fees for UK applicants.
| Visa type | Fee (from 1 July 2026) | Processing time | Payment method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | £77 | ~2 weeks (online) | Credit/debit card (online only) |
| Multiple-entry | £154 | ~2 weeks (online) | Credit/debit card (online only) |
| In-person consular | Varies by nationality | 5 working days | At consular office |
Multiple-entry visa options are available to certain nationalities such as Indian and Vietnamese applicants for business or cultural purposes. Incomplete applications are cancelled without processing and fees are non-refundable under MOFA policy.
Japan eVisa Processing Time: What to Realistically Expect in 2026
The Embassy of Japan in the UK reports an average processing time of approximately 2 weeks for the eVisa Japan from London and other UK cities. In-person consular applications take 5 working days once accepted. The earliest accepted application window is 3 months before travel; applications are not accepted within 1 week of planned travel. For a deeper look at realistic timelines, read our guide on Japan eVisa processing time for UK residents.
- What the Embassy says: approximately 2 weeks average for online eVisa applications from the UK.
- What agents report: registered visa agents such as Scott’s Visas (114a Cleveland Street, London W1T 6PB, tel. 020 7554 3725) may process in approximately 10 working days.
- What we recommend: submit your eVisa Japan from London at least 3 weeks before departure. Interview requests may add 1 to 2 additional weeks.
Incomplete or erroneous applications are cancelled without processing under MOFA policy, requiring reapplication from scratch with no refund.
Non-British Nationals Applying for Japan eVisa from the UK
Consular jurisdiction for non-British applicants is based on UK residence, not nationality. Non-British residents generate a UKVI Share Code via the gov.uk/prove-uk-residency portal and enter it in the MOFA application as proof of lawful UK residence. From 2025, BRP cards have been replaced by the digital UKVI eVisa system, so the eVisa Japan from London application requires this specific code rather than a physical card. If you hold a BRP or have settled status, see our dedicated guide for Japan eVisa for UK BRP holders.
| Nationality | Visa Required? | eVisa Eligible? | Special Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian (UK resident) | Yes | Yes (tourism purpose) | UKVI Share Code |
| Pakistani (UK resident) | Yes | Yes | Original valid UK residence permit/visa |
| Chinese (UK resident) | Yes | Yes | UKVI Share Code |
Registered visa agents may submit applications on behalf of applicants, except for Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa categories. An accredited agency may assist with the eVisa Japan from London process for certain nationalities.
Proof of UK Residency for Non-British Applicants: Share Code & eVisa
Non-British residents generate a Share Code via the UKVI online portal and enter it in the MOFA application form in the Proof of UK Residence field. BRP cards are being replaced by digital status from 2025.
Receiving and Using Your Japan eVisa
After approval, the Visa Issuance Notice is available on the MOFA portal. Travellers must display this as a live digital notice on a mobile device screen at the airport. Printed copies, PDFs, and screenshots are explicitly prohibited per MOFA policy.
Receive the Visa Issuance Notice via the MOFA portal after approval
Log in to your account to access your digital visa notice.
Verify your eVisa status through the portal before travel
Confirm all details are correct prior to your departure date.
Display the live digital notice on a smartphone or tablet at the airport
Printed copies, PDFs, and screenshots are explicitly prohibited.
Register on Visit Japan Web for CIQ pre-registration before arrival
Complete Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine forms online.
Entry limited to air travel or scheduled international ferries
Ferries between Japan and Busan or Shanghai only are accepted.
Travellers may apply for a stay extension at the nearest immigration office in Japan for up to 90 additional days, provided the passport remains valid for the extension period. Note that Japan is a predominantly cash-based society and foreign-issued credit and debit cards may have difficulty being used. Customs declaration is required for anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
FAQ: Japan eVisa from London and the UK
How long does it take to get a Japan eVisa from the UK?
The Embassy of Japan in the UK reports an average processing time of approximately 2 weeks for the Japan eVisa from London and other UK cities. Submit at least 3 weeks before departure.
Do British citizens need a visa for Japan in 2026?
No. British citizens can enter Japan visa-free for stays up to 6 months for tourism or business. British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, and British Overseas Territories Citizens are NOT exempt and must apply.
How much is the Japan eVisa fee from London in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Japan eVisa from London costs £77 for single entry and £154 for multi entry for most nationalities. Approximately 50 nationalities are exempt from the visa fee entirely.
Can I apply for a Japan eVisa if I live in Manchester or Birmingham?
Manchester residents fall under the Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh’s jurisdiction. Birmingham residents likely fall under the Embassy of Japan in London. Select the correct consular office on the MOFA portal.
What documents do I need for a Japan eVisa from the UK?
You need an ordinary passport with 1 blank page, a 4.5 x 3.5 cm digital photo on white background taken within 6 months, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and bank statements from the last 3 months. Non-English documents may require certified translation.
Will I need to attend an in-person interview at the Japanese Embassy?
MOFA may request an in-person appearance if documentation is incomplete or travel history is unusual. Book via the Embassy’s consular appointment system at 020 7465 6565.
Can I send my passport by post if I’m not in London?
Japan eVisa applicants do not submit their passport as the process is fully digital. Only traditional sticker-visa applicants need in-person submission at their jurisdictional consular office.
What happens if my Japan eVisa application is rejected or incomplete?
Incomplete applications are cancelled without processing and fees are non-refundable per MOFA policy. Contact the Japan Visa Information Hotline at 0844-986-4968 (24/7, English) for guidance.
Can I apply for a Japan eVisa as a family with children?
Each family member needs a separate application. A parent or guardian manages minor children’s applications via their own MOFA portal account.
Do I need travel insurance for a Japan eVisa from the UK?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the eVisa Japan from London application but is highly recommended. Ensure your policy covers the full duration of your stay in Japan.
This is an unofficial information guide. For the most authoritative and up-to-date instructions, always cross-check with the MOFA eVisa portal or call the Japan Visa Information Hotline at 0844-986-4968. This guide was prepared by our editorial team specialising in UK visa procedures, based on data from the Embassy of Japan in the UK and MOFA.
