VIETNAM TOURIST VISA – Single-entry tourist visa requirements for the citizens of Vietnam and the Philippines wishing to travel to Japan be reduced to a “quasi-exemption” level, when they apply through “specified” travel agencies.
Japan to ‘substantially’ ease visa requirements for Vietnamese
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan made the announcement on its website on Tuesday, saying that it is part of the country’s efforts to boost tourism to 20 million foreign visitors by 2020.
According to the ministry, multiple-entry visa requirements for the two countries citizens will also be relaxed “substantially.” Meanwhile, e-passport holders of Indonesia will be exempted based on their prior registration at the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in Indonesia. The ministry has yet to determine when, precisely, the changes will take effect.
Japan first eased its visa policy for tourists from Southeast Asia last July by granting multiple entry visas for short-term visitors from Vietnam and the Philippines and waiving visa requirements for Thai and Malaysian travelers.
The move was said to have helped Japan achieve its annual international tourist arrivals target – 10 million tourists – for the first time last year. Around 140,000 Indonesians, 110,000 Filipinos, and 80,000 Vietnamese visited Japan last year, numbers that many considered high given Japan’s visa requirements. Between 0.09 and 0.34 percent of the short-term visitors from the three countries overstayed their visas.
How Can I Apply for a Japan Ease Visa Requirements for Vietnam?
A Japan electronic visa application will involve filling out a simple online form. The process is expected to be straightforward and only take a few minutes to complete and submit for approval. It takes place entirely online.
It is recommended applicants double check all the information is correctly entered and there are no mistakes or missing information before submitting the Japanese online visa form, as this is expected to result in delays in achieving the approved visa.
Japan eVisa Application for Vietnam Nationals
If you are planning to apply for a eVisa for Japan for Vietnamese citizens, you will be required to have certain documents and information on hand while filling out the form..
It is expected that all applicants will be required to have an up-to-date Vietnamese passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended arrival in Japan. If this is not the case, the applicant should renew their passport before applying for a Japan eVisa.
As part of the application process, it is also expected that you will be required to answer questions regarding travel plans, including travel dates and inbound and return flight information, as well as basic biographical and passport details.
You may also be asked to answer a few security-related questions, and pay the Japanese eVisa processing fee using a valid credit or debit card, before submitting,
Once you have submitted the application, any updates on the status of your visa, as well as a copy of the final eVisa once approved, will likely be sent to the email address you provided on the application.
How Will Vietnamese Nationals Receive Their Japan eVisa?
Once you have submitted your application, it is checked by officials and processed within a few days. However, it’s advisable to ensure you apply in good time before traveling to Japan in the rare case of any delays during the application procedure.
It is expected that an approved Japan eVisa will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. A copy will also most likely be emailed to the email address used on the application.
It is worth printing out a copy of the eVisa, or storing a copy on your phone, to take with you on your trip to Japan in case immigration officials ask to inspect a paper document on arrival at the border.
Travelers from Vietnam are advised to check the Japan Visa Policy information page periodically to keep up to date with the latest information regarding the Japan eVisa and the latest details regarding how long the visa is valid for.
