Last reviewed: September 2026. Visa policies may change without notice. Always verify your eligibility on the official MOFA portal before applying. This article is informational and does not constitute legal advice.
The eVisa Japan vs VFS Global comparison comes down to three core differences: the Japan eVisa is processed online in approximately 5 working days with no biometrics and no passport submission, while VFS Global requires an in-person appointment, biometric capture, and 5 to 10 business days of processing plus a service fee on top of the consular fee.
UK passport holders are visa-exempt for Japan tourism up to 90 days, so neither route applies to them. Non-UK nationals residing in the UK, such as holders of a UK BRP, may apply through the Japan eVisa portal or attend a VFS Global Visa Application Centre, depending on nationality and eligibility.
The eVisa is faster, cheaper, and lets applicants retain their physical passport throughout. VFS Global offers in-person support and accepts all nationalities, but adds a service fee typically 3 to 10 times the consular fee and holds the passport during processing.
Do UK Residents Need a Japan Visa?
British citizens holding ordinary passports are visa-exempt for Japan short-term stay tourism up to 90 days. The Japan eVisa system and the VFS Global route apply to non-UK nationals residing in the UK, such as Indian, Chinese, or Filipino holders of a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). eVisa eligibility depends on nationality and country of residence; applicants should verify their status on the JAPAN eVISA website operated by MOFA. Group 1 countries eligible for direct online application include the USA and Taiwan; other nationalities must check the portal for eligibility.
Both channels require a valid ordinary passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the planned departure from Japan. Non-UK nationals must also hold a BRP with sufficient remaining validity, typically 6 months, at the time of submission. The Japan eVisa issues a single-entry short-term visa for tourism purposes, while VFS Global handles in-person submissions for those ineligible for direct online application.
How to Apply: Japan eVisa Online vs VFS Global In-Person
Japan eVisa: Online Steps
Register an account
Register an account on the JAPAN eVISA portal.
Complete the application form
Complete the MOFA application form in English or Japanese.
Upload required documents
Upload required documents in PDF or JPEG format.
Pay the consular fee online
Pay the consular fee online via international credit card (Visa, Mastercard).
Receive the Visa Issuance Notice
Receive the Visa Issuance Notice electronically within approximately 5 working days.
Display the QR code at the airport
Display the QR code live on a mobile device at the airport. The eVisa holder must enter Japan within 3 months of the issuance date.
VFS Global: In-Person Steps
Book an appointment online
Book an appointment online at VFS Global Japan UK; walk-ins are not accepted in most locations. Peak season appointment wait time is 2 to 4 weeks.
Prepare physical originals plus copies
Prepare physical originals plus copies of all supporting documents.
Attend the appointment for biometric enrollment
Attend the appointment for biometric enrollment: fingerprints and facial photo, taking approximately 10 minutes. Exemptions apply to children under 12 and repeat applicants within the 5-year biometric validity window.
Submit documents and pay fees
Submit documents and pay the consular fee plus the VFS service fee.
Await processing
Await processing of 5 to 10 business days from the date VFS receives the file.
Collect the passport
Collect the passport in person or via courier for an additional fee.
VFS Global operates as a third-party administrative service and does not grant or refuse visas; the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction (the Embassy of Japan in London) remains the sole decision-maker. A direct Embassy application in London is available without the VFS service fee, though appointment slots are limited.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Costs, Documents, and Airport Entry
| Attribute | Japan eVisa | VFS Global / Embassy | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application channel | Online via JAPAN eVISA portal | In-person at VFS centre or Embassy | Japan eVisa |
| Processing time | ~5 working days | 5-10 business days (+ appointment wait 2-4 weeks) | Japan eVisa |
| Total cost | Consular fee only (~US$25-30) | Consular fee + VFS service fee (3-10× multiplier) | Japan eVisa |
| Biometrics | Not required | Required (fingerprints + facial photo, ~10 min) | Japan eVisa |
| Passport retention | Kept by applicant throughout | Held by VFS/Embassy during processing | Japan eVisa |
| Visa format | Electronic Visa Issuance Notice (QR code) | Physical visa sticker in passport | Tie |
| Airport verification | Live display on mobile device with internet | Passport sticker verified visually | VFS Global |
| Eligibility | Limited to Group 1 nationalities/residences | All nationalities | VFS Global |
| Pre-travel validity | Must enter Japan within 3 months of issuance | Visa valid per sticker date | Tie |
| Payment methods | International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) | Cash, local debit cards, UPI (varies by centre) | Varies |
| Notification | Automated email | Email + optional SMS (chargeable) | Japan eVisa |
| Family/group | Separate account per applicant | Separate appointment per member | Tie |
What If Your Phone Dies at the Airport?
The Japan eVisa requires a live display of the Visa Issuance Notice on a mobile device in an internet environment. Printed copies, screenshots, PDFs, and photos are strictly not accepted. If the device is unavailable, the applicant must log onto the JAPAN eVISA website to display the notice. Practical precautions: carry a portable charger, ensure internet access at the departure airport, note the eVisa website URL in advance, and test the live display before leaving for the airport.
Document Requirements: Japan eVisa vs VFS Global
Requirements common to both methods include a valid ordinary passport (6+ months validity), a completed MOFA application form (English or Japanese), travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means. Key differences are listed below.
- Japan eVisa only: Digital copies in PDF/JPEG format, photo dimensions 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months (facing forward, no hat, no eyeglasses). No physical passport submission – the applicant retains the passport throughout processing.
- VFS Global only: Original passport plus copies, physical photo dimensions 4.5 cm × 4.5 cm (same background and recency rules), original supporting documents, mandatory biometric enrollment (fingerprints and facial photo, approximately 10 minutes on-site; exempt for children under 12 and repeat applicants within the 5-year validity window).
FAQ: Japan eVisa and VFS Global for UK Applicants
Can I keep my passport while applying for the Japan eVisa from the UK?
Yes. Japan eVisa applicants retain their physical passport throughout the entire processing period. By contrast, VFS Global and the Embassy hold your passport until a visa decision is made.
What are the common reasons for Japan visa refusal for UK applicants?
Refusal reasons: incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or incorrect info. Both the consular fee and the VFS Global service fee are non-refundable upon refusal. Under Japanese immigration policy, a refused applicant cannot reapply for the same purpose within 6 months.
How long does the Japan eVisa take to process in 2026?
The Japan eVisa takes approximately 5 working days from submission on the JAPAN eVISA portal. Applications are accepted from 3 months before the planned travel date, but travel planned within a week will not be accepted. The eVisa holder must enter Japan within 3 months of the issuance date.
Can I apply for a Japan visa as a family or group?
No group submission is available under either channel. Each family member needs a separate Japan eVisa account on the portal or a separate VFS Global appointment, regardless of age or relationship.
Is there an expedited or emergency processing option?
No. Neither the Japan eVisa portal nor VFS Global offers fast-track or expedited processing. For genuinely urgent cases, contact the Japanese Embassy directly to inquire about possible assistance.
What happens if my Japan visa application is refused?
You cannot reapply for the same purpose within 6 months under Japanese immigration policy. All fees paid are non-refundable, including both the consular fee and the VFS Global service fee. If the application was incomplete, it is cancelled without processing and the applicant must reapply.
Do I need biometrics for the Japan eVisa application?
Not for the direct online eVisa route available to Group 1 countries (USA, Taiwan). Biometric enrollment, including fingerprints and a facial photo, is mandatory for in-person VFS Global submissions. Exemptions at VFS apply to children under 12 and repeat applicants within the 5-year biometric validity window.
What payment methods does VFS Global accept?
VFS Global payment methods vary by centre and may include cash, local debit cards, and in some locations UPI. The Japan eVisa portal accepts international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. All fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Can I apply for a Japan eVisa if I have a UK BRP but not a UK passport?
Possibly, depending on your nationality. Non-UK nationals in the UK must check the JAPAN eVISA portal for nationality-specific eligibility. Your UK BRP must have sufficient remaining validity, typically 6 months, at the time of submission.
How do I track my Japan visa application status?
For the Japan eVisa, applicants receive a reference number and automated email updates via the JAPAN eVISA portal. For VFS Global, tracking is available at visa.vfsglobal.com/track using your passport number and date of birth. VFS also sends email updates, with optional SMS tracking available for a charge in some locations.
