Nigerian citizens need a visa to visit Japan, and in this post, I’ll detail the Japanese tourist visa requirements and application process. I’ll talk about how to apply in Kenya (as a resident) and in Nigeria and some important information you need to know. If you’re applying for a visa for the first time, be sure to read my guide, detailing general rules about visa applications in Nigeria.
PS: I encourage you to check the Japan Embassy’s website for updated information about the visa application process. All information presented in this post is correct at the time of this writing. They are subject to change without notice. Always confirm travel details and requirements with the respective embassies & airlines before you apply or travel.
Dreaming of visiting Japan? Here's everything you need to know about applying for a Japanese tourist visa in Kenya or Nigeria! Share on X
Recommended Reading on my Buy Me a Coffee page: Things I did to improve my chances of getting my Japanese Tourist Visa approved
Update March 2025: Japan Visa Application Centres have opened in Abuja and Lagos. Visit the Japan Embassy Website or the VFS website for more details!
Japanese Tourist Visa Application – The Process
This is a summary of the whole process of applying for a Japanese tourist visa in Kenya or Nigeria. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of each step further down in this post.
Download and fill out the application form
Visit the Embassy of Japan Website to download the visa application form. Review the requirements needed for your visa class and prepare them for submission.
Compile your supporting documents & submit them to the embassy
See a list of documents you need to apply for a Japanese tourist visa in the details below. Usually, applicants are not required to book an appointment before submission however, the embassy may require one (especially during the ongoing pandemic), so be sure to check their website whenever you’re ready to submit.
Pay the visa fees upon collection of your visa
Visa fees are to be paid in cash during pickup. If you do not get the visa, you won’t need to pay any fees.
How to Apply for a Japanese Tourist Visa in Nigeria & Kenya
How to Apply for a Japanese Tourist Visa – Details
Visit the Japanese embassy website here if you’re applying from Kenya or here if you are applying from Nigeria. Review the details for the visa type you wish to apply for and download the application form. You would need to submit this alongside other documentation listed below.
All documents are to be submitted in person at least 2 weeks before your travel date. I would recommend you submit a month before to give yourself enough time between the visa decision and your travel date. You only pay the visa fees at pickup time once you’ve been granted a visa. (Thank you, Japan!)
Japanese Tourist Visa Application Supporting Documents
The documents needed for your visa application include, but are not limited to, the below. Remember not to staple any of the documents.
Also, I have asterisked the documents I submitted that were returned to me during this application (in 2023). I reapplied for a visa in 2025 and had to submit my marriage certificate (proof of civil status).
- Visa Application form, filled in English, downloaded from this site and personally signed by the applicant.
- A valid passport and its copy with a minimum of two free leaflets and six months’ validity
- Original letter of invitation (if applicable)
- Recently taken 1 passport-size photo (45mm × 35mm), not older than 3 months and on a white background, glued to the spot provided on the form
- Original and copy of Kenyan Work/Resident’s permit (for non-Kenyan citizens)
- Photocopy of your international passport bio-data page
- Certified bank statements for the last 6 months
- Return flight reservation (Note: you do not have to pay for the flights yet)
- Proof of civil status *
- Copy of travel itinerary (Daily schedule with a quotation for the tour package) – A copy of my daily itinerary, with the format required, is available for supporters on my Buy Me a Coffee page.
- Hotel reservation if applicable. You should submit all reservations if you will stay in more than one city in Japan
- Health insurance covering the whole duration of your stay in Japan *
Depending on your visa type, additional documents may be requested. See the Japanese Embassy’s website for more information.
Other Japanese Tourist Visa Requirements…
- For employees: Introductory letter from your workplace. In English, on official company paper with a stamp, signature, date, detailing your position, salary and the length of your employment, confirming that you have been given time off work and your position will be kept until your return, and stating whether this time off is paid or unpaid.
- Confirmation or promotion letters
- Valid tax certificate *, work ID card
- Certificate of incorporation
- For students: An Introductory letter from your school issued within 3 months of your application
Where is the Japanese Embassy in Kenya Located?
The Japanese Embassy is located on Mara Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi. They are open on Mondays to Fridays (except weekends and public holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for submission and then from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for collection.
Where is the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria Located?
The Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Consular section is located at No.9, Bobo Street (off Gana Street), Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria. They are open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (except weekends and public holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. for submission and then from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for collection on Monday-Thursday and 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays.
As of 2025, regular applications are expected to go through VFS.
Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC)
Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) operates in Abuja (3rd Floor Sterling Bank Plaza, Plot 1083 Mohammedu Buhari Way, Central Business District) and Lagos (First Floor, The Manor, Plot 110, Admiral Way, Lekki Phase 1) with business hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Applications are accepted from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm by online booking only, while passport collection during the same hours requires no appointment.
Contact options include phone (+234-(0)8150188800) and email ([email protected]). The centres are closed on weekends, Nigerian public holidays, and Embassy holidays. All applicants must visit either the Abuja or Lagos centre in person.
Japanese Tourist Visa Fee in Kenya
A regular single-entry visa costs 2,600 Kenya Shillings (~$20) at the time of this writing. (2025 update: 2,900 Kenya Shillings). This amount is payable only in cash at the time of collection. The exact amount is expected.
Japanese Tourist Visa Fee in Nigeria
A regular single-entry visa costs ₦9,100 as of the time of this writing. (2025 update: ₦12,500; 2025 VFS Fees: ₦27,300 (single entry), ₦54,500 (multiple entry + $3.17 service charge and $30 courier fee). This amount is payable only in cash at the time of collection. The exact amount is expected.
Japanese Tourist Visa Application in Nigeria and Kenya Processing Time
It takes an average of 4-5 working days to get a response for a regular visa. However, this time may vary from one application to the next. My application was processed in 5 working days. If you’re applying in Nigeria, it could take up to 14 working days.
What Next?
The next part is a waiting game. At the moment, there is no way to track the status of your Japanese tourist visa application online. After I submitted my application, the lady who received it gave me a slip with a number to call in 10 working days. I certainly recommend that you submit your application at least a month before your trip.
That’s it for the entire process of the Japanese tourist visa application in Nigeria and Kenya. I hope you find this guide useful. Feel free to share your visa experience with me or ask any questions you might have in the comment section.
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My passport is a virgin passport will they approve my visa if I apply? Or I have to travel with it first before they can approve it?
Hello Chukwuisrael, in my experience, having a good travel history is essential when applying for a Japanese visa. But at the end of the day, it’s all relative. I’ve seen people with good travel history get denied. If you don’t have one at all, then it’s even tougher.
Hello Amarachi
What of if I have a place to stay in Japan do I still need to submit a hotel reservation
How do i immigrate to Japan for work please
Hello Nasirudeen, I’m sorry I don’t have the answer to this. This blog and post focuses solely on tourism only.
Hi amarachi
Hello Okechukwu, not sure if your message cut off, but do let me know if you have any questions.
How do I book my japan appointment
If you’re applying in Nigeria, you can book via the VFS website linked in the article
What are the questions asked during your visa interview?
There was no interview per se. Just general questions about the documents that I submitted.
Pls how do i book an appointment for japan visa application, bcos have sent mail to them for the past two weeks now but yet to respond
Hello, you need to book via VFS.
Hello Amarachi
Do I have to pay for flight ticket before I submit my application for Japan tourist visa
Hello Crescentus, no you don’t. Just the reservation is necessary. I have applied for this visa twice now and have never submitted a paid flight itinerary.
Thanks for sharing
I wish to immigrate to Japan
Sorry, can’t provide any information about this. This post only addresses how to apply for a tourist visa to Japan.
Is there jobs in Japan
I don’t know about jobs in Japan. This is not the right forum as this post/blog only discusses tourist visits.
Hello please I can’t see your Japan itinerary again
Hi Pamela, I don’t have an itinerary yet for Japan. I have only updated that of South Korea. I will upload my draft Japan itinerary on my Buymeacoffee page on Tuesday.
Edit: I have a complete Japan Itinerary uploaded now, if you’re still keen on checking it out!
I love the update thanks I will be needing update on any South America country that their visa is good
I am not sure what countries you classify as ones with “good visas” but when I visit or plan to visit any countries in South America, I will write about the visa application process as well.